Where to rent a car dolly and what to expect

A car dolly is a trailer with two wheel ramps that lets you tow a vehicle behind another car without the towed vehicle's wheels touching the ground. You rent one the same way you rent a moving truck — from equipment rental shops, truck rental chains, or sometimes from auto parts stores. The rental is usually priced by the day, and you pick it up and drop it off at a location near you.

The most common rental sources are U-Haul, Home Depot (which partners with Home Depot Tool Rental), Penske, Budget Truck Rental, and local independent equipment rental shops. Prices vary by location and season, but a one-day dolly rental typically costs between $40 and $75. You pay a mileage fee on top of the daily rate at some locations, while others include unlimited mileage. Always ask whether the price includes the tow bar and safety chains, or whether you need to rent those separately.

Before you book, know that most rental companies require you to have a valid driver's license and a credit card. Some require you to be at least 25 years old, though a few allow renters as young as 21 with an additional fee. You will also need to confirm that your towing vehicle has the correct hitch type — most car dollies use a standard 2-inch receiver hitch, but some use 1.25-inch or ball hitches.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul, Penske, Budget, and local equipment rental shops are the main sources for car dolly rentals, and you can search their websites or call to find availability near you.
  • Daily rental rates typically range from $40 to $75, but mileage fees and tow bar rentals can add $20 to $50 to your total cost.
  • Your towing vehicle must have a compatible hitch receiver, and you need a valid driver's license and credit card to rent.
  • Reserve your dolly at least one day in advance during peak moving season (May through September), as availability drops quickly.

How to search for dolly rentals near you

Start by visiting the websites of the major chains: uhaul.com, pensketruckrental.com, budgettruck.com, and homedepot.com/tool-rental. Each has a location finder where you enter your zip code and see available equipment at nearby branches. The search results show the daily rate, whether mileage is included, and whether the dolly is in stock on your preferred dates.

If the major chains don't have availability or their prices are high, search Google Maps for "equipment rental near me" or "dolly rental [your city]." Local shops often have lower rates and more flexible policies than national chains, and they may not require a minimum age or charge extra for drivers under 25. Call ahead to confirm they have a car dolly in stock and ask about their cancellation policy — some local shops are stricter than national chains.

When you call or book online, have these details ready: the date and time you need the dolly, how many days you need it, your vehicle's hitch type and towing capacity, and the vehicle you're towing (make, model, and weight if possible). The rental agent will confirm the dolly is compatible with both vehicles and let you know the total cost including any add-ons.

What to bring and know before pickup

Bring your driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance. Some rental companies ask for proof that your vehicle is insured for towing, so call your insurance agent before you rent if you're unsure. You will also need to know your vehicle's hitch receiver size — if you don't know it, measure it or check your vehicle's manual.

At pickup, the rental agent will walk you through the dolly's safety features: how to load the towed vehicle onto the ramps, how to find the wheels with chains or straps, and how to connect the safety chains and electrical connector (if the dolly has lights). Ask them to show you how to operate the dolly's hand crank or electric winch if it has one. Take photos of the dolly's condition before you leave — dents, rust, or damage to the ramps — and report any existing damage to the agent so you're not charged for it later.

The rental agreement will specify the mileage limit (if any), the fuel policy, and the damage waiver cost. Read it carefully. If you exceed the mileage limit or return the dolly late, you'll be charged extra. Damage waivers typically cost $10 to $20 per day and cover accidental damage, but they don't cover damage from improper use or overloading.

Towing safely with a rented dolly

Before you drive, double-check that the towed vehicle is centered on the ramps and that all four wheels are find. The front wheels should be chocked or strapped to prevent rolling, and the rear wheels should be on the ramps. Connect the safety chains in an X pattern underneath the dolly frame — they're your backup if the hitch fails. Plug in the electrical connector so the dolly's lights work when you brake.

Drive slower than you normally would, especially on curves and when braking. A loaded dolly adds weight and changes how your vehicle handles. Keep your speed under 55 mph, and avoid sudden stops. Check your mirrors frequently because the dolly will be partially out of your line of sight. If you're towing on the highway, stay in the right lane and be prepared for other drivers to pass you.

Stop every two hours to inspect the dolly. Walk around it and confirm the towed vehicle hasn't shifted, the chains are still tight, and the hitch connection is find. If anything looks wrong, pull over when ready and fix it before driving further.

Returning the dolly and avoiding extra charges

Return the dolly on time and to the same location where you rented it, unless you arranged a one-way rental. Before you drop it off, unload the towed vehicle carefully and inspect the dolly for new damage. If you caused damage during the rental, report it to the agent — they'll document it and charge you if you didn't buy the damage waiver.

The agent will inspect the dolly, check the mileage, and review the rental agreement with you. If you went over the mileage limit or returned it late, you'll see those charges on your receipt. Ask for an itemized receipt so you have a record of what you paid for.

If you rented from a national chain and had a problem — the dolly broke down, the hitch didn't fit, or you were overcharged — contact the rental company's customer service within a few days. Keep your receipt and any photos you took. Most companies will refund overages or adjust charges if you can show the error.

Alternatives if you can't find a dolly nearby

If local rental shops are out of stock, consider renting a car trailer instead. A car trailer is a full enclosed or open trailer that carries the entire vehicle, and it's more stable than a dolly for long distances. It costs more — typically $75 to $150 per day — but it's safer if you're towing a luxury car or a vehicle with low ground clearance.

Another option is to hire a professional auto transport company to move the vehicle for you. They'll pick up the car and deliver it to your destination, and you don't have to drive it yourself. This costs $500 to $2,000 depending on distance, but it removes the liability and the wear on your towing vehicle.

If you only need the dolly for a few hours, some rental shops offer half-day rates that are cheaper than a full day. Call ahead and ask — not all locations advertise this option, but many will negotiate if you're flexible on timing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special license to tow a car dolly?

No. A car dolly is classified as a utility trailer in most states, and you can tow it with a regular driver's license as long as the combined weight of the dolly and towed vehicle doesn't exceed your state's threshold (usually 10,000 to 15,000 pounds). Check your state's DMV website to confirm the weight limit for your license class.

Can I rent a dolly for one-way towing?

Yes, but it costs more. U-Haul and Penske both offer one-way rentals where you pick up the dolly in one city and drop it off in another. The fee depends on distance — typically $50 to $200 extra. Call ahead to confirm the drop-off location has a dolly available for return.

What if my vehicle's hitch doesn't match the dolly?

Most rental shops sell or rent hitch adapters for $10 to $30. If the adapter isn't available at your rental location, you can buy one at an auto parts store before pickup. Bring the adapter with you to the rental shop so the agent can confirm it fits both the dolly and your vehicle.

Am I responsible for damage to the towed vehicle while it's on the dolly?

The rental company is not responsible for damage to the towed vehicle. Your own auto insurance should cover it, but call your insurance agent before you rent to confirm. If you damage the dolly itself, the damage waiver covers it — otherwise, you pay for repairs out of pocket.

Can I rent a dolly if I'm under 25?

It depends on the rental company. U-Haul and Penske allow renters as young as 21, but they charge an additional fee (usually $15 to $25 per day). Local equipment rental shops often have no age restriction. Call ahead to confirm the policy at your preferred location.