U-Haul trailer rental prices depend on trailer size, distance, season, and whether you rent one-way or round-trip
U-Haul charges by the day, the distance, or a combination of both depending on your rental type. A small utility trailer for a local one-day rental typically costs $15 to $30, while a 5x8 enclosed trailer can run $40 to $80 per day. Longer distances and peak moving seasons (May through September) push prices higher. U-Haul also charges separately for equipment like dollies, furniture pads, and hitches, so the final bill is usually more than the base trailer rate.
The company publishes rates on its website, and you can see the exact price for your specific dates, trailer size, and pickup/dropoff locations before you commit. Prices vary significantly by location and demand — renting the same trailer in a rural area costs less than in a major city, and weekend rates exceed weekday rates.
Key Takeaways
- Small utility trailers rent for roughly $15 to $30 per day locally, while larger enclosed trailers cost $40 to $80 per day, with prices varying by location and season.
- U-Haul charges separately for the trailer, mileage (on some rentals), and additional equipment like hitches, dollies, and furniture pads, so budget for all three categories.
- Peak moving season (May through September) and weekend rentals cost significantly more than off-season weekday rentals.
- One-way rentals to high-demand destinations cost more than round-trip rentals, because U-Haul has to position empty trailers back to busy locations.
- You can see the exact price for your dates and locations on the U-Haul website before you reserve, so compare options across different trailer sizes and rental dates.
How U-Haul calculates the base trailer rental cost
U-Haul charges a daily rate for the trailer itself, which varies by trailer type and size. The smallest option, a 4x8 utility trailer, costs less per day than a 5x8 enclosed cargo trailer, which costs less than a 6x12 enclosed trailer. The company also factors in your rental duration — a three-day rental may have a lower per-day rate than a one-day rental for the same trailer.
Local rentals (typically same-day return) are priced by the day. If you rent a trailer for one day and return it the next morning, you pay one day's rate. If you keep it for three days, you pay three days' rates. U-Haul's website shows you the exact daily rate for your specific trailer size and dates when you enter your rental dates and location.
One-way rentals — where you pick up in one city and drop off in another — are priced differently. U-Haul charges a flat one-way fee based on distance and destination, not a daily rate. A one-way rental from a major city to a smaller town may cost $50 to $150 depending on the distance and trailer size, but you don't pay additional daily charges on top of that.
Mileage charges and distance fees
Whether you pay mileage depends on the rental type. Local round-trip rentals usually include unlimited mileage — you pay the daily rate and drive as far as you want within your rental period. One-way rentals include mileage in the flat fee, so there's no per-mile charge on top.
Some longer-distance round-trip rentals may include a mileage allowance (for example, 100 free miles per day) with a per-mile charge for anything over that. Check the rental agreement on U-Haul's website for your specific dates and locations, because the mileage structure changes based on the trailer type and route.
Equipment and add-on costs
The trailer rental price does not include the hitch, which U-Haul rents separately for $10 to $20 depending on the hitch class your vehicle needs. If your vehicle doesn't have a ball mount, you'll need to rent one. If you already own the correct hitch, you can use your own at no charge.
Moving equipment adds up quickly. Furniture pads cost $1 to $2 each, dollies rent for $5 to $10 per day, and hand trucks are $3 to $5. Tie-down straps, blankets, and boxes are also available for rent. Many people underestimate these costs — a full moving kit with pads, dollies, and straps can add $30 to $60 to your total bill.
U-Haul also offers damage waiver coverage (similar to insurance) for roughly $15 to $30 per rental, which covers accidental damage to the trailer. This is optional, but many renters purchase it to avoid liability if the trailer is damaged during the rental period.
Seasonal and timing factors that affect price
Summer moving season (May through September) is the most expensive time to rent a U-Haul trailer. Demand is highest, and prices reflect that. The same trailer that costs $20 per day in February might cost $50 per day in July. Weekend rentals are also more expensive than weekday rentals year-round.
Month-end and the first of the month see higher demand because many leases and moves align with those dates. If you have flexibility, renting mid-week in the off-season (October through April) will cost significantly less than a weekend rental in summer.
Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day) are peak rental times and carry premium pricing. If you're planning a move around a holiday, book early and expect to pay more than the standard rate.
One-way versus round-trip rental pricing
Round-trip rentals (pick up and return to the same location) are cheaper per mile than one-way rentals because U-Haul doesn't have to reposition an empty trailer. A round-trip rental from your home to a storage unit 50 miles away and back costs less than a one-way rental to a destination 50 miles away.
One-way rentals to high-demand destinations (like moving from a rural area to a major city) cost more because U-Haul has to move empty trailers back to busy markets. A one-way rental from a small town to Los Angeles will be more expensive than the reverse route, because there's more demand for trailers leaving Los Angeles than arriving there.
If you're considering a one-way rental, check the round-trip price for the same dates and trailer size. Sometimes renting round-trip and driving back empty is cheaper than paying the one-way premium, especially if the distance is short.
How to find the actual price for your rental
U-Haul's website is the only place to see the real price for your specific rental. Enter your pickup location, dropoff location, trailer size, and rental dates, and the site shows you the total cost broken down by trailer, mileage (if applicable), and any add-ons you select. Prices are not published in advance — they change based on demand and availability at your specific locations.
Call U-Haul at 1-800-468-4285 if you want to discuss pricing options or if you have questions about what's included in a specific quote. The phone line can also help you understand the difference between trailer sizes and recommend the right size for your move.
Compare prices across different rental dates and trailer sizes on the website. Sometimes a larger trailer for one extra day costs less than a smaller trailer for the same period, or renting on a different date saves money. The website makes it straightforward to run multiple scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own hitch to rent a U-Haul trailer?
No. If your vehicle doesn't have a hitch, U-Haul rents one for $10 to $20 depending on the class your vehicle requires. If you already own the correct hitch, you can use your own at no charge. You'll need to know your vehicle's towing capacity and hitch class before you rent.
What's the difference between a utility trailer and an enclosed cargo trailer?
A utility trailer is open on all sides and costs less per day — typically $15 to $30 for a small one. An enclosed cargo trailer protects your belongings from weather and costs more, usually $40 to $80 per day depending on size. Choose based on what you're moving and whether weather protection matters for your items.
Can I rent a U-Haul trailer for just a few hours?
U-Haul's minimum rental is typically one day, not a few hours. If you need a trailer for just a couple of hours, you'll still pay the full one-day rate. Some local equipment rental shops offer hourly or half-day trailer rentals if you need something shorter than a full day.
Are there hidden fees I should know about?
The main costs are the trailer daily rate, mileage (on some rentals), equipment rental (hitch, dollies, pads), and optional damage waiver. U-Haul's website shows all of these before you confirm the reservation. The biggest surprise for most renters is equipment costs — budget extra for pads, dollies, and straps if you're moving furniture.
What if I return the trailer late?
Late returns are charged at the daily rate for each additional day. If you rent for one day and return it two days later, you'll be charged for two days. Return the trailer on time to avoid extra charges, or contact U-Haul ahead of time if you need to extend the rental — sometimes they can adjust your reservation and pricing.