Where to rent a trailer and what it costs

You can rent a trailer from three main sources: national chains like U-Haul and Home Depot, local moving companies, and independent rental shops. National chains have the widest selection and let you reserve online, but local shops often charge less for short distances and don't penalize you for returning to a different location. Prices vary by trailer size, rental length, and distance — a 5x8 enclosed trailer might cost $40 to $80 per day from a national chain, while a 6x12 open utility trailer could run $30 to $60 daily. Local rental yards sometimes undercut these by 20 to 30 percent, but you'll need to call for a quote rather than booking online.

One-way rentals (picking up in one city and dropping off in another) cost significantly more than round-trip rentals because the company has to move the trailer back. A one-way rental of 200 miles might add $100 to $300 to your base daily rate. If you're moving across state lines or renting for more than a week, compare the total cost of a one-way rental against renting locally at both ends — sometimes it's cheaper to rent separately.

Key Takeaways

  • National chains like U-Haul and Home Depot offer online booking and consistent pricing, while local rental shops often cost less but require phone calls for quotes.
  • Trailer rental prices depend on size, daily rate, distance, and whether you return it to the same location or a different one.
  • You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card to rent, and most companies require you to be at least 18 years old (some require 21).
  • Insurance through the rental company typically costs $15 to $30 per day and covers damage to the trailer but not your belongings inside it.
  • Reserving in advance locks in your price and guarantees availability, especially during peak moving season (May through September).

Types of trailers and what each one is built for

Open utility trailers are the cheapest and most common. They have no roof or sides, so they're ideal for hauling lumber, landscaping materials, or equipment. They're exposed to weather, so you'll need to find and cover anything that can't get wet. Sizes range from 4x8 feet (good for a single load of mulch or firewood) to 8x16 feet (enough for a small renovation project). Open trailers typically cost $20 to $50 per day.

Enclosed trailers protect your cargo from rain and theft, making them the standard choice for moving household goods or transporting vehicles. A 5x8 enclosed trailer fits the contents of a small apartment; a 6x12 or 7x14 works for a one-bedroom house. Enclosed trailers cost $40 to $100 per day because they're more expensive to maintain and insure. Some have ramps built in for loading motorcycles or ATVs; others require you to rent a separate ramp.

Specialized trailers include car haulers (which carry one or two vehicles), equipment trailers (with reinforced beds for heavy machinery), and storage trailers (dropped off and picked up later, useful if you need space for weeks). These rent for $50 to $150 per day depending on the type and your location. Car haulers often require a higher security deposit because damage is expensive to repair.

Documents you need and rental requirements

You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. Most rental companies run a background check and verify your license is current and has no active suspensions. Some companies also check your driving record, though this is less common for trailer rentals than for vehicle rentals.

Age requirements vary: most national chains rent to anyone 18 or older, but some require 21. A few local shops have no age minimum but charge a higher daily rate for renters under 25. Call ahead if you're under 21 to confirm the rental company's policy.

You'll sign a rental agreement that lists the trailer's condition, your liability for damage, and the return date and time. Read this carefully — it specifies what counts as normal wear versus damage you'll pay for. Most companies charge $200 to $500 for damage like dents, torn tarps, or broken lights. Take photos of the trailer before you leave the lot and again when you return, so you have proof of its condition.

Insurance and damage liability

The rental company's insurance covers damage to the trailer itself, not the contents inside. If you hit a pothole and crack the frame, or back into a fence and dent the side, the company's insurance pays for repairs. However, you're responsible for the deductible, which is usually $500 to $1,500. You can buy damage waiver coverage from the rental company for $15 to $30 per day, which reduces or eliminates your deductible.

Your personal auto insurance may extend to a rented trailer, but only if you tow it with your own vehicle. Check your policy or call your insurer before you rent — some policies cover trailers automatically, others require you to add a rider, and some don't cover rentals at all. If your auto insurance does cover the trailer, you can skip the rental company's damage waiver and save money.

Damage waiver coverage does not cover your belongings inside the trailer. If your furniture gets damaged during transport, that's your loss. Some moving companies offer contents insurance as an add-on; rental companies typically do not. If you're moving valuable items, ask whether your homeowner's or renter's insurance covers goods in transit.

How to load a trailer safely and legally

Weight distribution matters. Place heavier items toward the front of the trailer (over the axle) and lighter items toward the back. This keeps the trailer stable and prevents it from swaying or fishtailing when you brake. Never load more weight than the trailer's capacity — this is printed on a label attached to the trailer frame. Overloading can damage the axles, blow out tires, and make the trailer illegal to tow on public roads.

find everything with rope, straps, or bungee cords so nothing shifts during transport. Loose cargo can fall out, damage the trailer's interior, or cause an accident. If you're towing an open trailer, cover the load with a tarp to keep it dry and prevent debris from flying onto other vehicles.

Check that your vehicle is rated to tow the trailer's weight. Your vehicle's owner's manual lists the maximum towing capacity. If the trailer weighs more than your vehicle can safely tow, you'll need to rent a lighter trailer or use a different vehicle. Towing beyond your vehicle's capacity voids your warranty and can cause transmission or brake failure.

Pickup, return, and late fees

Most rental companies have a specific pickup and return window — typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, with limited weekend hours. Reserve your trailer at least a few days in advance, especially during May through September when demand is highest. Online reservations lock in your price and may provide availability; walk-in rentals may be unavailable or cost more.

Return the trailer on time and in the same condition you rented it. Late returns are charged at the daily rate or a higher hourly rate — some companies charge $10 per hour after the first hour late. If you return it a full day late, you'll be charged for an extra day's rental. A few companies offer a grace period (usually 30 minutes to an hour), so ask when you pick up the trailer.

When you return, the rental company will inspect the trailer for damage and check the mileage on the odometer (if applicable). If there's damage, you'll be charged when ready or billed to your credit card later. Keep your receipt and any photos you took, in case you need to dispute a damage charge.

Alternatives if a rental trailer doesn't fit your needs

If you need a trailer for just one or two loads, renting by the hour might be cheaper than a full day. Some local rental shops offer 4-hour rentals at 50 to 60 percent of the daily rate. This works well if you're making a quick run to the dump or picking up a single item.

If you need storage space for weeks or months, a portable storage container (like PODS or U-Pack) might cost less than daily trailer rental. These companies drop off a container, you load it at your own pace, and they pick it up when you're done. Costs depend on size and duration, but a month-long rental of a 7x8 container typically runs $400 to $800 — roughly equivalent to 10 to 20 days of trailer rental.

For moving, full-service moving companies handle loading, transport, and unloading. This costs more than renting a trailer yourself (typically $2,000 to $5,000 for a local move), but you avoid the physical labor and liability for damage. Get quotes from at least three companies and compare the total cost against renting a trailer and hiring day laborers to help load.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most states don't require a special license for towing a standard utility or enclosed trailer. However, some states require a commercial license if the combined weight of your vehicle and trailer exceeds a certain threshold (often 26,000 pounds). Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or call before you rent to confirm you're legal to tow.

What happens if I get a flat tire on the trailer?

You're responsible for changing it or paying for roadside service. Most rental companies don't include roadside information with trailer rentals, so consider purchasing it separately through AAA or your auto insurance. Some rental companies offer it as an add-on for $10 to $20 per day. Keep the trailer's spare tire and jack in your vehicle before you leave the lot.

Can I rent a trailer if I don't have a vehicle to tow it?

No. You must have a vehicle rated to tow the trailer's weight, and you must be the one driving it. Some rental companies will let you rent a truck and trailer together as a package, which is simpler than coordinating two separate rentals. Ask about truck-and-trailer packages when you call for a quote.

Is it cheaper to rent a trailer or hire a moving company?

For a small move (one or two rooms), renting a trailer is usually cheaper — typically $100 to $300 total. For a full house move, a moving company might cost less when you factor in your time, physical labor, and the risk of damage. Get quotes for both and compare the total cost, not just the daily rental rate.

What if the rental company doesn't have the trailer size I need?

Call other rental companies in your area — U-Haul, Home Depot, Sunbelt Rentals, and local shops often have different inventory. If nothing is available locally, you can reserve a one-way rental from a nearby city, though this will cost more. Alternatively, rent a smaller trailer and make multiple trips, or rent a truck instead of a trailer if your vehicle isn't rated to tow.