Trailer rental prices depend on the type, how long you need it, and where you rent

A basic utility trailer costs between $30 and $75 per day at most rental shops, while enclosed trailers and specialty trailers run $75 to $150 or more daily. Weekly rates are usually 20 to 30 percent cheaper per day than daily rates. Monthly rentals can drop the daily cost even further, though few people rent trailers for a month at a time. The actual price you pay depends on the trailer's size and condition, the rental company's location, local demand, and whether you're renting during peak season (spring and summer) or off-season.

Rental companies include national chains like U-Haul, Home Depot, and Lowes, as well as local equipment rental shops and moving companies. Each sets its own prices, so calling three or four places in your area will give you a real sense of what's available and what you'll actually pay. Some companies charge mileage fees on top of the daily rate; others include unlimited mileage. Many require a damage deposit, usually $50 to $200, which you get back if you return the trailer in the same condition.

Key Takeaways

  • Utility trailers rent for $30 to $75 per day, while enclosed and specialty trailers cost $75 to $150 or more daily, depending on size and type.
  • Weekly and monthly rates offer better per-day pricing than daily rentals, though the total cost is still higher for longer periods.
  • U-Haul, Home Depot, Lowes, and local equipment rental shops all rent trailers, but prices vary by location and season.
  • Mileage fees, damage deposits, and insurance add to the base rental cost, so ask about these before you book.
  • Peak season (spring and summer) costs more than off-season rentals, and availability is tighter when demand is high.

What different trailer types cost per day

Utility trailers are the cheapest option. These open, single-axle trailers hold light to medium loads and rent for roughly $30 to $60 per day at national chains. Local shops may charge less or more depending on the trailer's age and condition. A utility trailer is good for hauling landscaping materials, small furniture, or yard waste.

Enclosed trailers protect cargo from weather and theft. They rent for $75 to $120 per day and come in sizes from 5 by 8 feet to 8 by 16 feet or larger. You'll pay more for a bigger enclosed trailer. These are common for moving household items, storing equipment, or transporting items that need protection.

Specialty trailers — car haulers, boat trailers, equipment trailers, and gooseneck trailers — start at $100 per day and can exceed $200 depending on the type and size. A car hauler costs more than a utility trailer because it's built to handle the weight and requires proper tie-down equipment. A gooseneck trailer (which connects to a hitch mounted in the truck bed rather than the bumper) is heavier-duty and more expensive.

Flatbed trailers rent for $50 to $100 per day and work well for hauling large, bulky items like lumber, metal, or machinery. They offer no sides or roof, so the load must be secured properly.

How rental length affects the price you pay

Most rental companies offer lower per-day rates the longer you commit. A utility trailer that costs $50 per day might cost $120 per day for a three-day weekend (Friday through Sunday), but $35 per day if you rent it for a full week. A week-long rental of the same trailer could run $200 to $250 total, while a month-long rental might cost $400 to $600 — roughly $13 to $20 per day.

The discount structure varies by company. U-Haul, for example, publishes rates online and often shows the weekly and monthly options side by side. Local rental shops may negotiate, especially if you're renting during slow periods. If you need a trailer for an odd length of time — say, four days — ask whether paying for a week is cheaper than paying daily rates, because sometimes it is.

One-way rentals (picking up in one city and dropping off in another) usually cost more than round-trip rentals. Some companies charge a flat one-way fee; others charge the daily rate plus a mileage fee. If you're moving across state lines or to a distant city, the one-way cost can be substantial, so compare it to the cost of renting locally and returning the trailer.

Additional fees that add to your rental cost

Mileage fees explore at some companies but not others. U-Haul typically includes unlimited mileage on trailers, but local equipment rental shops often charge $0.50 to $1.50 per mile. If you're towing a trailer 200 miles, a mileage fee of $1 per mile adds $200 to your bill. Always ask whether mileage is included before you book.

Damage deposits are standard. Most companies hold $50 to $200 on your credit card as security. You get this back if you return the trailer clean and undamaged. If there are dents, rust, broken lights, or missing equipment, the company deducts the repair cost from your deposit. Take photos of the trailer's condition before you leave the lot, and document any existing damage on the rental agreement.

Insurance is optional but recommended. Rental companies offer damage waivers or insurance add-ons for $10 to $25 per day. This covers damage to the trailer itself. Your personal auto insurance may cover a rented trailer, but call your insurer first to confirm — many policies exclude rental equipment. If you're not covered, the rental company's insurance is worth the cost.

Late fees kick in if you don't return the trailer by the agreed time. Most companies charge an hourly rate (often $5 to $10 per hour) for the first few hours, then a full day's rental if you're more than a few hours late. Return the trailer on time to avoid this.

Where to rent a trailer and how to compare prices

U-Haul is the largest trailer rental company in the United States. You can reserve online, see prices for your dates and location, and pick up at thousands of locations. U-Haul's prices are public and searchable by zip code.

Home Depot and Lowes both rent trailers through their stores. Home Depot's rental program includes utility trailers, enclosed trailers, and specialty trailers. Prices are often competitive with U-Haul, and you can reserve online or call your local store. Lowes also rents trailers, though availability varies by location.

Local equipment rental shops are worth calling, especially if you need a trailer for just a day or two. These shops often have lower overhead than national chains and may offer better rates or more flexibility. Search "equipment rental near me" or "trailer rental [your city]" to find local options.

Moving companies like Penske and Budget also rent trailers, though their focus is usually on moving trucks. If you need both a truck and a trailer, bundling the rental may save money.

To compare prices, gather quotes from at least three sources. Write down the trailer type, size, rental dates, and any add-ons (insurance, mileage, deposit). Prices change based on demand and season, so a quote from last month may not match today's price. Online quotes are usually accurate, but confirm the total cost including all fees before you commit.

Seasonal pricing and peak-season costs

Trailer rental prices are highest from April through September, when people move, renovate homes, and haul landscaping materials. During these months, expect to pay 20 to 40 percent more than off-season rates. Weekends are also more expensive than weekdays year-round, because demand is higher.

If you have flexibility, renting in fall or winter will cost less. A utility trailer that rents for $50 per day in July might rent for $35 per day in November. Weekday rentals are also cheaper than weekend rentals — a Tuesday rental is usually less than a Friday rental for the same trailer.

Availability tightens during peak season. If you need a specific trailer type on a summer weekend, book at least a week in advance. During off-season, you may be able to reserve a trailer the day before or even the same day.

What's included and what you need to bring

The rental agreement includes the trailer, basic equipment (lights, safety chains, and a coupler), and roadside information at some companies. You are responsible for providing a vehicle with a hitch rated for the trailer's weight, a valid driver's license, and a credit card for the deposit.

Before you leave the rental lot, inspect the trailer for damage, check that the lights work, and confirm that the safety chains are present. The rental company should walk you through the trailer's features and any special instructions. If anything is broken or missing, tell the company when ready so you're not charged for it later.

You must return the trailer clean. Most companies define "clean" as free of dirt, mud, and debris. If you've hauled dirt or gravel, rinse out the trailer before returning it. Some companies charge a cleaning fee of $25 to $75 if the trailer is excessively dirty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a trailer if I don't have a hitch on my vehicle?

No. You must have a hitch installed before you pick up the trailer. Most rental companies will not install a hitch for you. If your vehicle doesn't have one, you can have a hitch installed at a mechanic or auto parts store, which usually costs $100 to $300 depending on the vehicle and hitch type. Some rental companies can recommend installers in your area.

What happens if I damage the trailer during my rental?

The rental company will inspect the trailer when you return it and deduct repair costs from your damage deposit. If the damage exceeds your deposit, you may be charged the difference. This is why taking photos of the trailer's condition before you leave the lot is important — it protects you if the company tries to charge you for pre-existing damage.

Do I need my own insurance to rent a trailer?

Your personal auto insurance may cover a rented trailer, but you should call your insurer to confirm. Many policies exclude rental equipment. If you're not covered, the rental company's damage waiver or insurance add-on (usually $10 to $25 per day) is worth buying to protect yourself from unexpected repair bills.

Can I rent a trailer one-way to a different city?

Yes, but it costs more than a round-trip rental. U-Haul and other national companies offer one-way rentals, though availability and pricing depend on demand in your destination city. If you're moving a trailer to a city where demand is low, the one-way fee may be high. Compare the one-way cost to renting locally and returning the trailer to see which is cheaper.

What's the cheapest way to rent a trailer for a long distance move?

A week-long rental with unlimited mileage (like U-Haul offers) is usually cheaper than paying daily rates plus mileage fees. If you're moving across the country, a one-way rental may also be competitive. Get quotes from U-Haul, Penske, and local rental shops, and compare the total cost including all fees before you decide.