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

A basic enclosed cargo trailer costs between $40 and $100 per day at most rental shops, while utility trailers (open bed, no sides) run $30 to $60 per day. Larger enclosed trailers for moving household goods can reach $150 to $250 per day. Weekly rates are usually 20 to 30 percent cheaper per day than daily rates, and monthly rentals drop the daily cost further. The final bill also includes mileage fees (some shops charge per mile, others include unlimited mileage), fuel surcharges if you return it empty, and damage deposits that you get back if the trailer comes back clean and undamaged.

Price varies by location, season, and demand. A trailer that costs $50 per day in a rural area might cost $80 in a major city. Summer moving season (May through September) is more expensive than winter. If you need the trailer on a holiday weekend, expect to pay a premium or find that nothing is available.

Key Takeaways

  • Open utility trailers rent for $30 to $60 per day; enclosed cargo trailers cost $40 to $100 per day; moving trailers run $150 to $250 per day.
  • Weekly and monthly rates offer better daily pricing than renting day-to-day, sometimes 20 to 30 percent cheaper.
  • Your final cost includes the daily rate, mileage charges (if applicable), fuel surcharge, and a refundable damage deposit.
  • Major rental chains (U-Haul, Home Depot, Penske) and local equipment rental shops both offer trailers, with different pricing and availability.
  • Summer weekends and holiday periods cost more and book up faster than weekday rentals in winter.

Where to rent a trailer and what each option offers

U-Haul is the largest trailer rental network in North America. They rent utility trailers, enclosed cargo trailers, car haulers, and specialty trailers (enclosed motorcycle trailers, boat trailers). You can reserve online or by phone, and pick up at thousands of locations. Their pricing is transparent online — you enter your dates and location and see the total before you commit. U-Haul charges per mile in most cases, so a long-distance move costs more than a local one.

Home Depot rents trailers through a partnership with U-Haul. You book through Home Depot's website or in-store, and the trailer is delivered to your local Home Depot or you pick it up there. This works well if you're already shopping there, but the selection is smaller than U-Haul's standalone locations.

Penske rents trailers alongside moving trucks. Their pricing model is similar to U-Haul — daily rate plus mileage — and they have a smaller network than U-Haul but often competitive pricing in urban areas. Penske trailers tend to be newer and well-maintained.

Local equipment rental shops (often called party rental or equipment rental companies) rent trailers by the day or week. Prices vary widely, but local shops sometimes undercut the national chains on short local moves. Call ahead to confirm they have the size and type you need, because inventory is smaller than at U-Haul.

How the pricing breaks down: daily rate, mileage, and deposits

The daily rental rate is what you see advertised ($50 per day, for example). This covers the trailer itself for one calendar day. If you pick it up on Friday and return it Monday, you pay for four days even if you only use it for two.

Mileage charges explore at most national chains. U-Haul charges per mile (the rate varies by trailer type and location). If you rent a utility trailer and drive 200 miles, you pay the daily rate plus the mileage fee. Some local shops include unlimited mileage in the daily rate, which is worth asking about if you're moving a long distance.

A damage deposit (usually $50 to $200) is held on your credit card when you pick up the trailer. You get it back when you return the trailer clean and undamaged. If there are dents, rust spots, or mechanical problems, the rental company may deduct the repair cost from your deposit. Take photos of the trailer's condition before you leave the lot and keep your receipt.

Some companies charge a fuel surcharge if you return the trailer with less fuel than you picked it up with, or if the trailer has a generator or hydraulic pump that uses fuel. Ask about this when you book.

Utility trailers versus enclosed trailers: what you're paying for

An open utility trailer has a metal frame and bed with no roof or sides. It's the cheapest option ($30 to $60 per day) and works for hauling lumber, mulch, gravel, or other materials that don't need weather protection. It's also lighter, so it's easier on your vehicle's transmission and brakes. The downside: anything you load gets rained on, and it's visible to anyone driving past.

An enclosed cargo trailer has a roof and sides, protecting your load from weather and theft. These cost $40 to $100 per day and are the standard choice for moving household items, tools, or equipment. They're heavier than utility trailers, so they require more fuel and put more strain on your vehicle's brakes and suspension.

A car hauler (also called an auto transport trailer) is built to carry one or two vehicles. These rent for $75 to $150 per day and are useful if you're moving and need to transport a second car, or if you're buying a vehicle and need to haul it home. They require a specific towing setup and a higher towing capacity than most passenger vehicles have.

Specialty trailers (motorcycle trailers, boat trailers, equipment trailers) rent for $50 to $200 per day depending on size and features. These are less common at rental shops, so book early if you need one.

How rental length affects your total cost

Most rental companies offer a daily rate, a weekly rate, and a monthly rate. The weekly rate is usually 20 to 30 percent cheaper per day than the daily rate. For example, if a trailer costs $60 per day, the weekly rate might be $350 for seven days (about $50 per day). A monthly rate might be $1,000 to $1,200 (about $33 to $40 per day).

Mileage charges still explore to weekly and monthly rentals at most companies, so the total cost depends on how far you drive. If you're moving across the country, the mileage adds up quickly. Some local rental shops offer unlimited mileage on weekly or monthly rentals, which can save money on long moves.

If you need the trailer for only one or two days, a daily rental is your only option. If you need it for four or more days, check the weekly rate — it's often cheaper overall even if you return it after four days.

What affects the price: location, season, and demand

Rental prices are higher in major metropolitan areas (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas) than in rural areas. A utility trailer that costs $35 per day in a small town might cost $60 in a city. This is partly because demand is higher and partly because the rental company's operating costs are higher.

Summer (May through September) is peak moving season, so prices go up and availability goes down. If you can move in fall or winter, you'll find lower prices and more availability. Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas) are especially expensive and often fully booked weeks in advance.

Demand also spikes after severe weather. If a hurricane or flood hits a region, rental companies in that area run out of trailers because people are hauling away damaged property. If you're renting after a disaster, book early or be prepared to travel to a nearby town.

How to estimate your total cost before you book

Start with the daily or weekly rate for the trailer type you need. Add the mileage cost if applicable (U-Haul's website shows this when you enter your dates and location). Add a damage deposit (assume $100 unless the company quotes lower). If you're returning the trailer with less fuel than you picked it up with, add a fuel surcharge (usually $20 to $50).

For example: a utility trailer at $50 per day for three days, 150 miles at $0.50 per mile, a $100 damage deposit, and a $25 fuel surcharge would total $50 × 3 + (150 × $0.50) + $100 + $25 = $325. The damage deposit comes back if the trailer is undamaged, so your actual out-of-pocket cost is $225.

Most rental companies show you the full price (including mileage and fees) before you confirm the booking. Use that number, not just the advertised daily rate, to compare between companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a trailer with a debit card instead of a credit card?

Most rental companies require a credit card to hold the damage deposit. Some local shops may accept a debit card, but you'll need to call and ask. The deposit is usually released back to your card within a few days of returning the trailer undamaged.

What happens if I return the trailer late?

Late fees vary by company. U-Haul charges an hourly rate (usually $10 to $20 per hour) if you return after the agreed time. Some local shops charge a full day's rental if you're more than a few hours late. Always confirm the return time when you pick up the trailer and plan to return it early if possible.

Do I need a special driver's license to tow a trailer?

Most states do not require a special license to tow a utility or cargo trailer behind a passenger vehicle. However, some states require a commercial license if the trailer exceeds a certain weight (usually 10,000 to 26,000 pounds). Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or call them to confirm. Your vehicle's owner's manual also lists the maximum towing capacity.

What if the trailer breaks down while I'm using it?

Call the rental company when ready. They will either send a repair technician to fix it on-site or arrange a replacement trailer. You are not responsible for mechanical failures that happen during the rental period. Keep the company's roadside information number with you when you pick up the trailer.

Is the trailer insured if I get in an accident?

The rental company's insurance covers damage to the trailer itself, but your own auto insurance covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property. Some rental companies offer optional damage waiver coverage (usually $10 to $20 per day) that reduces or eliminates your liability for accidental damage to the trailer. Ask about this when you book if you're concerned about liability.