What a car trailer rental actually covers
A car trailer rental gives you a towed cargo box or flatbed for a set period—usually a day, weekend, or week. You rent the trailer itself, not the towing vehicle. The rental company delivers it to you, you attach it to your own car, and you return it when you're done. What's included varies: some trailers come with basic tie-down straps and a spare tire; others require you to bring your own equipment or pay extra for it.
The trailer sits behind your vehicle and moves with it. You'll need a hitch receiver already installed on your car—most modern vehicles have one, but older cars and some sedans don't. If you don't have a hitch, you can have one installed before you rent, or some rental companies can arrange installation for an additional fee. The weight limit of the trailer depends on your vehicle's towing capacity, which you can find in your owner's manual or by looking at the door jamb sticker on the driver's side.
Rental companies typically offer open trailers (no cover, exposed cargo), enclosed trailers (weatherproof, more expensive), and utility trailers (smaller, lighter, good for single items). Flatbeds are common for moving appliances or furniture that won't fit in a box. Boat trailers and car-hauling trailers are specialized rentals that work the same way but cost more and require specific hitch types.
Key Takeaways
- You need an existing hitch receiver on your vehicle to tow a rental trailer; if you don't have one, installation costs extra and takes time to arrange.
- Your vehicle's towing capacity—found in your owner's manual—sets the maximum weight you can safely pull, and exceeding it voids insurance and creates safety risk.
- Rental companies charge by the day or week, with damage deposits typically ranging from $100 to $500 depending on trailer size and type.
- You are responsible for returning the trailer clean and undamaged; rental companies charge cleaning fees and repair costs if you don't.
- Towing a trailer changes how your car handles, brakes, and accelerates, and you'll need to adjust your driving habits and check your mirrors constantly.
Where to rent a car trailer and what to compare
Home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe's rent trailers by the hour, day, or week at locations across the country. U-Haul operates thousands of rental locations and offers multiple trailer sizes. Local moving companies, equipment rental shops, and independent trailer rental businesses often have competitive rates and may offer better customer service for smaller jobs. National chains like Penske and Budget also rent trailers, though they're more commonly known for truck rentals.
When comparing prices, look at the base rental rate, the damage deposit amount, whether mileage is unlimited or charged per mile, and what equipment comes with the trailer. Some companies include a basic insurance waiver in the rental price; others charge extra. Ask whether you can pick up and drop off at different locations—some companies allow this for an extra fee, others don't. Check the hours: Home Depot locations often close at 9 p.m., but U-Haul locations may stay open later or offer 24-hour returns.
Read the damage policy carefully. Most companies charge you for any dents, rust, broken lights, or torn covers. Some charge a flat cleaning fee if the trailer isn't spotless when you return it. A few offer optional damage waivers that cap your liability at the deposit amount, which can be worth the cost if you're moving heavy or dirty items.
Checking your vehicle's towing capacity and hitch compatibility
Before you book, open your vehicle's owner's manual and find the towing capacity—the maximum weight your car can safely pull. This is not a suggestion; exceeding it can damage your transmission, brakes, and suspension, and your insurance may not cover accidents that happen while you're overloaded. Write down the number and bring it with you when you rent.
Next, check whether you have a hitch receiver. Walk to the back of your car and look underneath the bumper. A hitch receiver is a metal tube sticking out 1 to 2 inches, usually with a hole through it for a pin. If you see one, note the class: Class I (smallest, up to 2,000 pounds), Class II (up to 3,500 pounds), Class III (up to 8,000 pounds), or Class IV (heaviest). The rental company will match the trailer to your hitch class.
If you don't have a hitch, you have two options: install one before you rent, or ask the rental company whether they can arrange installation. A basic hitch installation at a shop costs $200 to $500 and takes a few hours. Some rental companies partner with local installers and can schedule this for you, but it adds time and cost to your rental. Plan ahead if you need installation.
What happens during pickup and what to inspect
When you arrive to pick up the trailer, the rental company will walk you through the condition report—a checklist of existing damage, tire condition, light function, and equipment included. Take photos or video of the trailer before you leave the lot. This protects you if the company tries to charge you for damage that was already there. Check that the lights work (brake lights, turn signals, running lights), the tires have adequate tread and are properly inflated, and the hitch ball or coupler matches your vehicle's receiver.
Ask the rental agent to show you how to connect and disconnect the trailer. Most trailers use a ball hitch (a metal sphere that sits in a coupler on your vehicle) or a pin-and-coupler system. The agent should explain how to find the safety chains, connect the electrical plug for the lights, and adjust the trailer's height so it sits level when attached. If anything is unclear, ask them to demonstrate it again—you don't want to figure this out in a parking lot after you've left.
Confirm the return date and time, and ask what happens if you're late. Most companies charge an hourly overage fee if you return after hours or past your reservation time. Some offer grace periods; others charge when ready. Know the policy before you leave.
Driving with a trailer: handling, braking, and visibility
Towing a trailer changes how your vehicle behaves. Acceleration is slower because your engine is pulling extra weight. Braking distance increases significantly—a loaded trailer can add 50 percent or more to your stopping distance, depending on the weight. You'll need to brake earlier and more gently than you normally would. Turning is wider and slower; you can't make sharp turns without the trailer's wheels riding up onto the curb or grass.
Your mirrors won't show you what's directly behind the trailer. You'll have significant blind spots on both sides and behind. Check your mirrors constantly, and don't rely on them alone. Use your turn signals well in advance, and assume other drivers can't see you as clearly as they normally would. Backing up with a trailer is difficult and takes practice—if you're not experienced, avoid it. If you must back up, have someone stand outside the vehicle and guide you.
Wind and large vehicles passing you can push the trailer sideways. Keep both hands on the wheel and stay calm if this happens. Don't brake suddenly or swerve. Reduce speed in windy conditions or when large trucks pass. On highways, stay in the right lane and drive at or below the speed limit. Many states have lower speed limits for vehicles towing trailers.
Check your tire pressure and vehicle fluids before you leave. A loaded trailer puts extra strain on your engine and cooling system. If your vehicle has a transmission temperature gauge, monitor it on long drives. If it climbs into the red zone, pull over and let the vehicle cool down.
Insurance, liability, and damage charges
Your personal auto insurance typically does not cover a rental trailer. The rental company's liability insurance covers damage to the trailer itself, but you are responsible for paying the damage deposit and any repair costs that exceed it. Some rental companies offer optional damage waivers—usually $10 to $20 per day—that cap your liability at the deposit amount. If you're moving fragile items or renting an expensive enclosed trailer, a waiver may be worth the cost.
You are liable for damage caused by how you tow the trailer. If you overload it, drive recklessly, or fail to find your cargo and it falls out and damages someone else's property, your personal auto insurance may deny the claim because you were towing a rental. Check your policy before you rent, or ask your insurance agent whether you need temporary coverage for towing a trailer.
Return the trailer clean and undamaged. Dirt, mud, and debris inside or on the exterior can result in cleaning charges of $50 to $150. Dents, rust, broken lights, or torn covers result in repair charges that come out of your deposit. Take photos of the trailer's condition when you return it, just as you did at pickup. If the company charges you for damage you didn't cause, you have a record to dispute it.
Alternatives if you can't tow a trailer
If your vehicle doesn't have a hitch and you don't want to install one, or if your towing capacity is too low for what you need to move, consider renting a moving truck instead. U-Haul, Penske, and Budget all rent trucks by the day or week. A truck costs more than a trailer but requires no hitch and gives you an enclosed cargo area. You drive the truck itself rather than towing it behind your car.
For small moves, a cargo van rental may be cheaper and easier to drive than either a truck or trailer. Companies like Home Depot, U-Haul, and local car rental agencies rent vans for a day or longer. A van fits most household items and doesn't require special towing knowledge.
If you're moving a single large item—a couch, refrigerator, or piece of equipment—some furniture stores and appliance retailers offer delivery for a flat fee. This is often cheaper than renting a trailer and driving it yourself, especially if you're not comfortable towing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special driver's license to tow a trailer?
In most U.S. states, no. A standard driver's license covers towing a trailer up to a certain weight—usually 10,000 to 26,000 pounds, depending on your state. Check your state's DMV website to confirm the limit. If your trailer exceeds it, you may need a commercial driver's license (CDL), though this is rare for personal moves.
What if my car doesn't have a hitch receiver?
You can have one installed by a mechanic or auto shop before you rent. Installation typically costs $200 to $500 and takes a few hours. Some rental companies can arrange installation for you, but it adds cost and time. Alternatively, rent a moving truck or van instead of a trailer.
Can I rent a trailer for one-way moves?
Yes, but most companies charge extra for one-way rentals. U-Haul and Penske allow one-way rentals and will quote you a price based on distance and trailer size. Local rental shops may not offer one-way service. Always ask before you book.
What should I do if the trailer starts swaying while I'm driving?
Reduce speed gradually and keep both hands on the wheel. Do not brake suddenly or swerve. Pull over safely when you can and check that your cargo is balanced and find, your hitch connection is tight, and your tire pressure is correct. Swaying often means the load has shifted or the hitch is loose. Fix it before you continue.
Am I responsible for damage to other vehicles or property while towing?
Yes. Your personal auto insurance should cover liability for damage you cause while towing, but check your policy first. Some policies exclude towing or have lower limits for it. If your insurance denies a claim because you were towing a rental trailer, you may be personally liable for the full cost of repairs or injuries.