Most rental companies will not rent you a trailer, but you can rent both separately and tow legally
Standard car rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Budget do not include trailers in their fleet or allow you to tow a trailer behind a rental vehicle. Their insurance policies and vehicle maintenance contracts prohibit towing. If you need to move cargo or equipment, you have two practical routes: rent a cargo van large enough to hold what you need without a trailer, or rent a vehicle from a company that specializes in towing and rent a trailer from a separate trailer rental outfit.
The cargo van option works for most household moves and small jobs because modern vans have 200 to 500 cubic feet of interior space. If you genuinely need a trailer — because the load is too large or oddly shaped for a van — you will be renting the car or van and the trailer as separate transactions from different companies, and you will need to verify that your rental vehicle's towing capacity and hitch setup match the trailer you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Standard car rental companies prohibit towing trailers behind their vehicles, so you cannot rent a car and trailer as a package deal.
- A cargo van rental from a standard company often solves the problem without needing a trailer, since vans hold 200 to 500 cubic feet of cargo.
- If you need a trailer, rent the vehicle and trailer separately: the vehicle from a car rental company and the trailer from a dedicated trailer rental business.
- Before renting, confirm the vehicle's towing capacity in pounds and verify the trailer's weight and hitch type match what the vehicle can handle.
- Towing a rental vehicle may void your personal auto insurance coverage, so check your policy and consider the rental company's damage waiver options.
Why standard car rentals do not allow trailers
Rental companies assume liability for every vehicle that leaves their lot. Towing a trailer introduces variables they cannot control: the trailer's maintenance, the driver's towing experience, the load's weight distribution, and the risk of jackknifing or rollover. Their insurance policies explicitly exclude towing damage, and their maintenance teams are not equipped to inspect or repair trailers.
If you damage a rental vehicle while towing — even if the trailer itself caused the damage — the rental company will charge you for repairs and may deny your claim under the towing exclusion. You would then have no recourse. This is why the rental agreement you sign at pickup includes language prohibiting towing, and why the company can charge you a damage fee if they discover you towed.
Renting a cargo van instead of a car and trailer
A cargo van eliminates the trailer problem entirely. Companies like Home Depot, U-Haul, Penske, and Budget all rent cargo vans by the day or week. A standard cargo van (Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, or similar) holds 200 to 500 cubic feet depending on the model, which covers most residential moves, furniture delivery, and equipment transport. The rental includes the vehicle and insurance, and you do not need to coordinate with a second company or worry about hitch compatibility.
Cargo van rental costs range widely by location and season, but expect to pay $40 to $100 per day for a standard van, or $150 to $300 per week. U-Haul and Penske tend to be cheaper for longer rentals (a week or more), while Home Depot and local rental shops are often competitive for single-day moves. The van comes with basic liability insurance included, though you can add damage coverage for an extra fee.
The main trade-off is fuel cost and driving experience. A cargo van uses more fuel than a car — typically 12 to 16 miles per gallon — and handles differently on the highway. If your load fits in a van and you are comfortable driving a larger vehicle, this is the simplest solution.
Renting a vehicle and trailer separately
If you need a trailer because your load is too large or shaped oddly for a van, you will rent the vehicle and trailer from two different companies. Start by identifying what you need to haul: the weight, dimensions, and type of cargo. Then find a trailer rental company in your area — U-Haul, Home Depot, Sunbelt Rentals, and local equipment rental shops all rent trailers — and ask what trailers they have available and what each one weighs empty (called the tare weight).
Once you know the trailer's weight, add the weight of your cargo. That total is the gross trailer weight, and it cannot exceed the towing vehicle's rated capacity. The vehicle's owner manual or a label on the driver's door jamb lists the maximum towing capacity in pounds. A midsize sedan typically tows 1,500 to 3,500 pounds; a full-size truck tows 5,000 to 14,000 pounds. If the trailer plus cargo exceeds the vehicle's capacity, you need a heavier vehicle.
Next, confirm the hitch type. Trailers use either a ball hitch (a ball-shaped coupler that fits over a receiver hitch mounted on the vehicle) or a pintle hook (a hook-and-loop system used mostly for commercial trailers). The rental company will tell you which type their trailer uses. When you rent the vehicle, you must specify that you need a hitch installed, and you must confirm it matches the trailer's coupler type. Some rental companies charge $50 to $150 to install a hitch; others include it.
Insurance and liability when towing a rental
Your personal auto insurance may not cover damage to a rental vehicle while you are towing. Many policies exclude rental vehicles entirely, and some exclude towing-related damage even on owned vehicles. Before you rent, call your insurance company and ask whether your policy covers rental vehicles and whether towing is included. If it does not, you will need to purchase the rental company's damage waiver.
The rental company's damage waiver (sometimes called a loss damage waiver or LDW) typically costs $15 to $30 per day and covers collision and rollover damage to the rental vehicle. It does not cover the trailer — you will need to ask the trailer rental company about their damage coverage separately. Some credit cards offer rental car coverage as a cardholder benefit, but most exclude towing, so check your card's terms before assuming you are covered.
If you cause an accident while towing and the rental company determines that towing caused the damage, they may deny your claim under the towing exclusion in their standard insurance. To avoid this, document the vehicle's condition at pickup (take photos of the hitch, tires, and undercarriage), drive conservatively, and keep receipts for any maintenance you perform during the rental period.
Step-by-step process for renting a vehicle and trailer
Week before rental: Measure and weigh your cargo. Contact trailer rental companies and confirm availability and price. Calculate gross trailer weight and confirm the towing vehicle's capacity.
Three days before: Reserve the trailer with a deposit (usually $100 to $300). Reserve the towing vehicle from a car rental company and specify in the reservation that you need a hitch installed and the hitch type the trailer requires.
Day of pickup: Pick up the trailer first and inspect it for damage, check tire pressure, and confirm the coupler type. Then pick up the rental vehicle, verify the hitch is installed and matches the trailer, and inspect the vehicle's condition. Take photos of both before you leave the lot.
Before you tow: Practice backing up with the trailer in a parking lot if you have never towed before. Check tire pressure on both the vehicle and trailer. Load cargo evenly, keeping weight toward the front of the trailer.
Return: Return the trailer to the trailer rental company first, then return the vehicle to the car rental company. Both will inspect for damage and charge you for any repairs beyond normal wear.
Alternatives if you cannot find a suitable rental
If no cargo van fits your needs and trailer rental is too complicated or expensive, consider hiring a moving company or freight service instead. Professional movers handle the vehicle, trailer, and driving, and their insurance covers the cargo. For a single large item, freight companies like ABF Freight or XPO Logistics will pick up from one location and deliver to another. For a full household move, national companies like United Van Lines or Mayflower quote based on weight and distance.
Another option is to rent a pickup truck instead of a car. Pickup trucks from companies like Home Depot or U-Haul often have an open bed that can hold cargo without a trailer, and they cost roughly the same as a cargo van. A full-size pickup bed holds 50 to 60 cubic feet, which is less than a van, but if your load is mostly flat or stackable, a truck may work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tow a trailer behind a rental car if I sign a waiver?
No. The rental agreement's towing prohibition is not negotiable, and signing a waiver does not change it. The company's insurance excludes towing, and they will charge you for any damage they believe towing caused, regardless of what you signed. Your only option is to rent from a company that explicitly allows towing, which standard car rental companies do not.
What if I rent a truck instead of a car — can I tow then?
Rental trucks (pickup trucks) are designed for cargo in the bed, not for towing a trailer. The rental agreement still prohibits towing. If you need to tow, you must rent the vehicle and trailer separately and confirm with the rental company in advance that towing is permitted, which most do not allow.
How much does it cost to rent a trailer for a day?
Trailer rental costs vary by location, trailer size, and season. A small utility trailer (4 by 8 feet) typically costs $15 to $40 per day. A larger enclosed trailer or car hauler costs $50 to $150 per day. Most companies charge a deposit (usually $100 to $300) that you get back when you return the trailer undamaged. Weekly rates are often cheaper per day than daily rates.
Do I need a special driver's license to tow a trailer?
Most states do not require a special license for towing a small trailer, but some states require a commercial license if the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer exceeds a certain threshold (usually 26,000 pounds). Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website for towing weight limits. For most household moves with a standard trailer, you will not need a special license.
What happens if I get pulled over while towing a rental?
Police may check that your trailer lights work, that your load is find, and that your vehicle's registration and insurance are current. If the officer asks whether the vehicle is rented, be honest. If you are towing in violation of the rental agreement, the rental company could charge you for any damage, but the police stop itself is about vehicle safety, not the rental contract. Make sure your trailer has working brake lights and turn signals before you leave the lot.