Where to look for car hauler rentals near you
A car hauler is an open or enclosed trailer designed to transport one or more vehicles. You rent one the same way you rent a moving truck — from equipment rental companies, truck rental chains, or independent trailer rental shops in your area. The fastest way to find one nearby is to search "car hauler rental near me" or "auto transport trailer rental" in Google Maps, which shows you what's available within a few miles and their current hours.
National chains like U-Haul, Home Depot (which rents through U-Haul), Penske, and Budget all carry car haulers at many locations. Local independent rental yards often have them too, and sometimes at lower daily rates than the big chains. Call ahead — car haulers are not always in stock, especially on weekends or during moving season (May through September), and availability changes by location.
You can also check Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for private owners renting trailers, though you'll need to verify insurance coverage and the trailer's condition yourself. Equipment rental aggregator sites like EquipmentShare or Sunbelt Rentals let you compare prices across multiple vendors in one search.
Key Takeaways
- Car haulers are available from national chains (U-Haul, Penske, Budget), local rental yards, and private owners, and you should call ahead because they often run out of stock on weekends.
- Rental costs depend on trailer type (open vs. enclosed), how many vehicles it holds, distance traveled, and rental duration, and prices vary significantly between vendors.
- You will need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card to rent, and some companies require you to be at least 21 or 25 years old.
- An open trailer costs less but exposes your vehicle to weather and road debris, while an enclosed trailer protects the vehicle but costs more and may not fit in your driveway.
- Check the trailer's condition before you leave the lot, take photos of any existing damage, and understand what the rental company charges if you return it damaged.
Open vs. enclosed trailers — what the difference costs
An open car hauler is a flatbed or steel-frame trailer with no roof or sides. It holds one to three vehicles depending on size, costs less to rent per day, and is easier to maneuver in tight spaces. The trade-off is that your vehicle sits exposed to rain, sun, road salt, and flying debris from other traffic. If you're hauling a classic car, a new vehicle, or anything you want to protect, an open trailer is a risk.
An enclosed car hauler is a box trailer that fully covers the vehicles inside. It protects against weather, theft, and road damage, but costs more per day (often 50 to 100 percent more than an open trailer), takes up more space, and may not fit in a standard driveway or under a garage overhang. Enclosed trailers also require more skill to back up and park. Choose enclosed if you're moving a high-value vehicle, a classic, or anything you cannot afford to have damaged.
Single-vehicle trailers (which hold one car) are lighter and cheaper than multi-car haulers, but if you're moving more than one vehicle, a two- or three-car trailer is usually more economical than renting two single trailers. Ask the rental company what configurations they have — not all locations stock both types.
What you'll pay and what affects the price
Car hauler rental rates vary by location, vendor, trailer type, and season. There is no standard price — a one-day open single-car trailer rental might cost $40 to $80 at a local yard or $60 to $120 at a national chain, depending on where you are. Enclosed trailers typically run $80 to $200 per day. Longer rentals (three days or a week) usually have a lower daily rate than a single day.
Distance matters if you're doing a one-way rental. Some companies charge a drop-off fee if you return the trailer to a different location than where you rented it. Mileage fees explore at some vendors but not others. Peak season (May through September) and holiday weekends often have higher rates or minimum rental periods.
Always ask what's included in the quoted price: Does it cover insurance? Are there mileage limits? What happens if you keep it an extra day? Some companies charge a late fee if you return it after a certain time. Get the full breakdown in writing before you commit.
Insurance and liability — what you're responsible for
When you rent a car hauler, you are responsible for any damage that happens while it's in your possession. The rental company's insurance covers damage to the trailer itself in some cases, but your own auto insurance typically does not cover a rented trailer. You need to either purchase the rental company's damage waiver (usually $15 to $30 per day) or verify that your personal auto or homeowner's insurance covers rented equipment.
Call your insurance agent before you rent and ask specifically: "Does my policy cover a rented car hauler?" Some policies do, some don't, and some cover it only if you add a rider. If you use a credit card with rental car protection, check whether that protection extends to trailers — most do not. Buying the rental company's waiver is often the simplest option if your insurance doesn't cover it.
You are also liable if the trailer causes damage to another vehicle or property while you're towing it. Make sure you understand the rental agreement's liability limits and what you would owe if something goes wrong.
What to check before you drive away
Before you leave the rental lot, walk around the trailer with the rental agent and inspect it together. Look for rust, dents, bent frame rails, cracked lights, worn tires, and any damage to the interior (if it's enclosed). Take photos or video of the entire trailer from multiple angles — this protects you if the company tries to charge you for damage you didn't cause.
Check that the trailer has a valid registration sticker, working lights (brake lights, turn signals, clearance lights), and a safety chain. Test the coupler (the hitch connection) to make sure it fits your vehicle's hitch ball. If anything is missing or broken, tell the agent before you sign the rental agreement. Do not accept a trailer with safety issues — it's not worth the liability.
Ask the agent to show you how to connect and disconnect the trailer, how to operate the brakes (if it has electric or surge brakes), and what to do if a light goes out while you're on the road. Get the rental company's phone number in case you need roadside help.
Towing requirements and what your vehicle needs
Not every vehicle can tow a car hauler. Your vehicle must have a hitch receiver (the square opening under the rear bumper where the coupler connects) rated for the trailer's weight. A Class II hitch typically handles up to 3,500 pounds; a Class III handles 5,000 to 6,000 pounds; a Class IV handles 10,000 pounds or more. The trailer's dry weight (without a vehicle on it) plus the weight of the vehicle you're hauling must not exceed your hitch's rating.
Your vehicle's engine also has a towing capacity — the maximum weight it can safely pull. This is different from the hitch rating. Check your owner's manual or the manufacturer's website for your vehicle's towing capacity. Exceeding it can damage your transmission, engine, and brakes, and can make the trailer unsafe to control.
If your vehicle doesn't have a hitch, you can have one installed by a shop that specializes in hitch work (often $200 to $500 depending on the class). Some rental companies can recommend installers in your area. Do not attempt to tow without a proper hitch — it's illegal in most states and extremely dangerous.
How to reserve and what documents you'll need
Call or visit the rental location to reserve a car hauler. Most companies will hold it for 24 hours with a phone reservation, but you'll need to show up in person to complete the rental. Bring a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card. Some companies require you to be at least 21 years old; others require 25. Ask when you call.
You'll sign a rental agreement that lists the trailer's condition, your liability, the rental rate, and the return date and time. Read it carefully before you sign. Make sure the damage inspection notes match what you and the agent agreed on. Keep a copy for your records.
If you're renting from a national chain, you can often reserve online and pick up the same day or the next day. Local rental yards may require a phone call and may have longer wait times if the trailer is in use. Plan ahead, especially on weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special driver's license to tow a car hauler?
In most states, no — a standard driver's license is enough for a single-axle car hauler under a certain weight limit (usually 10,000 pounds). Some states require a commercial driver's license (CDL) for heavier trailers or multi-axle trailers. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or call before you rent to confirm what applies to the specific trailer you're planning to use.
What if I damage the trailer while I'm towing?
You are responsible for the damage unless you purchased the rental company's damage waiver. If you did, the waiver covers it up to a certain limit (usually the full replacement cost). If you didn't, you'll be charged for repairs. The cost depends on the damage — a bent fender might be $300 to $500, while frame damage can be thousands. This is why inspecting the trailer before you leave and buying the waiver are both important.
Can I rent a car hauler for a one-way trip?
Yes, but most companies charge a drop-off fee if you return it to a different location than where you rented it. The fee varies — it might be $50 to $200 depending on distance and the company's policies. Some national chains have more drop-off locations than others, so ask before you book. Local rental yards may not offer one-way rentals at all.
How do I know if my vehicle can tow the trailer I want to rent?
Check your vehicle's owner's manual for the towing capacity, then ask the rental company for the trailer's dry weight (weight without a vehicle on it). Add the weight of the vehicle you're hauling. If the total is less than your towing capacity and your hitch is rated for it, you're good. If you're unsure, call the rental company — they can tell you whether your vehicle will work with their trailers.
What happens if I return the trailer late?
Most rental companies charge a late fee — often $20 to $50 per hour or a full day's rental if you're more than a few hours late. Some have a grace period (usually 30 minutes to an hour). Ask what the late fee is when you rent, and plan to return it well before the important date to avoid surprises. If you know you'll be late, call the rental company and ask if they can extend the rental or waive the fee.