Where to rent a car dolly and what you'll actually pay
A car dolly costs between $40 and $75 per day at most rental chains, though the price depends on your location, the rental company, and how long you need it. U-Haul, Home Depot, Lowe's, and Penske all rent dollies, as do many local equipment rental shops. The cheapest option is usually a local independent rental yard rather than a national chain, but you have to call around — prices vary widely even within the same city.
National chains publish their rates online, so you can compare before you call. U-Haul's website shows daily rates by location. Home Depot and Lowe's let you check availability and price on their sites, then reserve online or in-store. Penske's rates are searchable by zip code. Local equipment rental companies rarely have online pricing, so you'll need to phone them directly.
The total cost includes the daily rate plus a mileage charge (usually 50 cents to $1 per mile) or a flat fee for unlimited mileage. Some companies charge a deposit, refundable when you return the dolly in good condition. Read the fine print on damage coverage — you may be liable for repairs if you return it with bent frame rails or damaged wheel assemblies.
Key Takeaways
- Daily rates range from $40 to $75 depending on the rental company and your location, with mileage charges adding $0.50 to $1.00 per mile on top.
- Local independent equipment rental shops often undercut national chains by $10 to $20 per day, but you have to call for quotes since they don't post prices online.
- U-Haul, Home Depot, Lowe's, and Penske all rent car dollies with online booking, so you can lock in a rate before you visit.
- Deposits are usually refundable if you return the dolly undamaged, but damage liability varies by company, so ask what you're responsible for before you rent.
- Unlimited-mileage plans cost more upfront but save money on long-distance tows, while per-mile pricing works better for short local moves.
How to compare prices across rental companies
Start by searching "car dolly rental near me" or "equipment rental [your city]" to find all the options within a reasonable distance. National chains will appear first, but scroll down to find local shops. Write down the names and phone numbers of at least three to five places.
For national chains, visit their websites directly and enter your zip code and rental dates. Note the daily rate, mileage cost, and any deposit. For local shops, call and ask for the daily rate, whether mileage is charged or if unlimited mileage is included, and what the deposit is. Ask the same questions at each place so you can compare apples to apples.
Don't assume the lowest daily rate is the cheapest overall. A company charging $50 per day with unlimited mileage might cost less than one charging $40 per day plus $0.75 per mile if you're towing 100 miles. Use a calculator or do the math by hand: (daily rate × number of days) + (mileage rate × total miles) = total cost.
Reducing the cost of a car dolly rental
Rent for the shortest time possible. If you're moving a car across town in one day, rent for one day, not a weekend. Some companies offer discounts for multi-day rentals, so if you need it for three days, ask whether a three-day rate is cheaper than three one-day rates.
Choose unlimited mileage if you're towing more than 80 to 100 miles. The break-even point depends on the company's per-mile rate, but once you cross it, unlimited mileage saves money. Ask the rental company to calculate the cost both ways before you decide.
Return the dolly on time and in clean condition. Late fees can add $10 to $30 per day, and damage charges for bent tongue, cracked welds, or broken lights can run $100 to $500. Inspect the dolly before you leave the lot and take photos of any existing damage. Report it to the rental company in writing so you're not charged for it later.
Check whether your auto insurance or credit card covers dolly rental damage. Some policies extend to rented equipment, which means you won't pay out of pocket if something breaks. Call your insurer before you rent and ask specifically about car dolly coverage.
What to know before you pick up a car dolly
A car dolly is a two-wheel trailer that lifts the front wheels of your car off the ground while the rear wheels roll. It's designed for front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive cars. Do not use a dolly to tow a rear-wheel-drive car — you'll damage the transmission. If you're unsure whether your car is front-wheel or rear-wheel drive, check your owner's manual or search "[your car model] drivetrain" online.
You need a vehicle with a hitch receiver to tow a dolly. The receiver must be rated for at least 3,500 pounds of towing capacity. If your tow vehicle doesn't have a hitch, you'll need to have one installed before you rent, which costs $200 to $500 at a shop. Some rental companies can install a temporary hitch, but this adds to the rental cost.
Check your state's towing laws before you rent. Some states require a safety chain, brake lights on the dolly, and a specific towing mirror setup. Your rental company should provide the safety chain and brake light connector, but you're responsible for knowing the rules. Search "[your state] car dolly towing laws" or call your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to confirm what's required.
Alternatives if a car dolly is too expensive
A car trailer (also called an enclosed auto transport) costs $75 to $150 per day but fully encloses your car and requires no special towing setup. It's more expensive than a dolly but protects your car from weather and road debris. Use this if you're towing a valuable or classic car, or if you're uncomfortable towing with a dolly.
A flatbed tow truck costs $150 to $400 for a one-way trip, depending on distance. This is the most expensive option but requires no rental period — you pay once and the truck delivers your car. Use this for long-distance moves or if your car can't be towed (manual transmission, low clearance, or damage).
If you're moving locally, ask whether the seller or buyer will cover towing costs. Some private sales include towing as part of the deal. If you're relocating for work, your employer may reimburse towing as part of relocation benefits — check your offer letter or ask HR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tow a manual transmission car with a dolly?
No. Manual transmission cars must have the engine running or be towed on a flatbed. Towing a manual car with a dolly will damage the transmission. If your car has a manual transmission, rent a flatbed tow truck or an enclosed trailer instead.
Do I need a special driver's license to tow a car dolly?
Most states do not require a special license for towing a car dolly, but some states have weight limits that trigger licensing requirements. Search "[your state] towing license requirements" or call your state's DMV to confirm. If your tow vehicle and dolly together exceed the threshold (usually 26,000 pounds), you may need a commercial license.
What happens if I return the dolly late?
Late fees typically run $10 to $30 per day, charged on top of your rental cost. Some companies charge a flat fee for returning the dolly after hours. Ask the rental company what their late fee is before you rent, and plan to return it during business hours to avoid extra charges.
Can I rent a dolly one-way, or do I have to return it to the same location?
Most car dolly rentals require you to return the dolly to the same location where you rented it. One-way rentals are rare and usually cost significantly more. If you need one-way towing, a flatbed tow truck or auto transport service is usually cheaper and simpler.
What if the dolly breaks while I'm towing?
Call the rental company when ready and describe the problem. If the dolly is unsafe to tow (broken lights, bent frame, flat tire), stop towing and call for a replacement or recovery. You're not responsible for mechanical failure if the dolly was in good condition when you rented it. The rental company should send a replacement or arrange a refund. Keep the rental agreement and any photos of the damage for your records.