What you need to rent a car trailer
Renting a car trailer requires a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance that covers trailer towing. Most rental companies will also ask for your vehicle's make, model, and year to confirm it can tow the trailer's weight. Some require you to show proof of a towing package or hitch installation before pickup.
Age requirements vary by company. Most major rental chains require you to be at least 18 years old, though some set the minimum at 21 or 25. If you're under 25, expect to pay a young driver surcharge — typically $15 to $30 per day. You'll also need to bring the vehicle you plan to tow with, or at minimum have documentation of its specifications.
Key Takeaways
- Your vehicle's towing capacity must match or exceed the trailer's dry weight plus cargo, and your insurance must cover towing before you rent.
- Daily rental rates for car trailers typically range from $40 to $150 depending on size and location, with mileage charges or weekly discounts often available.
- You are responsible for any damage to the trailer, so document its condition at pickup and understand what the damage waiver does and does not cover.
- Hitch installation, safety chains, and brake system checks are your responsibility unless the rental company provides them as part of the package.
Trailer sizes and what they cost to rent
Car trailers come in three main sizes. Utility trailers, the smallest option, measure 4 by 8 feet and cost roughly $40 to $75 per day. They handle light loads — furniture, yard equipment, small appliances — and fit behind most sedans and compact SUVs. Enclosed trailers, typically 5 by 8 or 6 by 12 feet, run $60 to $120 per day and protect cargo from weather. Open car haulers, designed to transport vehicles themselves, rent for $80 to $150 per day and require a heavy-duty tow vehicle.
Weekly and monthly rates are usually 20 to 30 percent cheaper than the daily rate multiplied out. A $60-per-day trailer might cost $300 for a week instead of $420. Mileage charges, when they explore, add $0.25 to $0.50 per mile beyond an included allowance. Some companies offer unlimited mileage for a flat weekly fee. Always ask whether the quoted price includes the hitch, safety chains, and brake system, or whether those are separate charges.
How towing capacity works and why it matters
Your vehicle's towing capacity is the maximum weight it can safely pull. You'll find this number in your owner's manual, on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb, or on the manufacturer's website. The trailer's dry weight — what it weighs empty — is the starting point. A 5 by 8 utility trailer typically weighs 1,200 to 1,500 pounds dry. Add your cargo, and you might reach 2,500 pounds total.
Your vehicle must have a towing capacity at least 20 percent higher than the loaded weight. If your trailer and cargo weigh 2,500 pounds, you need a vehicle rated for at least 3,000 pounds. Exceeding this limit strains the engine, transmission, and brakes, and voids your insurance coverage if an accident occurs. Many rental companies will refuse to rent to you if your vehicle's capacity is insufficient, so bring documentation or call ahead with your vehicle's details.
Insurance, damage waivers, and what you actually pay for
Your personal auto insurance may or may not cover a rented trailer. Call your insurer before you rent and ask whether your policy extends to trailers and whether you need a rider. Some policies cover only trailers you own, not rented ones. If your coverage is unclear, the rental company will offer a damage waiver — typically $10 to $20 per day — that shifts responsibility for damage to them.
Understand what the damage waiver covers. Most waivers exclude damage from improper loading, overloading, or failure to find cargo. They also typically exclude damage from accidents caused by your negligence — for example, hitting a low-hanging branch because you weren't paying attention to clearance. Read the fine print before you sign. If you decline the waiver and damage occurs, you'll be charged the full repair cost, which can easily exceed $1,000 for structural damage or brake system repairs.
Hitch installation and towing equipment you need
Your vehicle must have a hitch receiver installed before you can tow. If you don't have one, you have two options: install one yourself before rental, or ask the rental company whether they can install one for you. Professional installation typically costs $200 to $500 and takes a few hours. Some rental locations offer installation services for an additional fee, though availability varies.
The rental company will provide or require you to have safety chains, which connect the trailer to your vehicle if the hitch fails. They'll also check your brake system — trailers over a certain weight require electric or hydraulic brakes that integrate with your vehicle's braking system. If your vehicle doesn't have a brake controller installed, the rental company may install one for a fee or decline to rent to you. Confirm all of this before you book, not when you arrive for pickup.
Step-by-step process from booking to return
Start by calling or visiting the rental company's website and providing your vehicle's year, make, model, and towing capacity. Tell them the trailer size you need and the dates. They'll confirm availability and quote a price. Book online or by phone, and bring your driver's license, credit card, proof of insurance, and vehicle documentation to pickup.
At pickup, walk around the trailer with the rental agent and document any existing damage — dents, scratches, worn tires, brake issues — on the rental agreement. Take photos. Ask the agent to explain the brake system, safety chain attachment, and any special handling instructions. Drive slowly to a safe location and practice backing up before you head to your destination. When you return, the company will inspect the trailer and compare it to the pickup condition. Return it clean and on time to avoid additional charges.
Where to rent car trailers
National chains like U-Haul, Home Depot, and Lowe's rent trailers at hundreds of locations. U-Haul typically offers the widest range of sizes and the most flexible booking options. Home Depot and Lowe's focus on utility trailers for home projects and often have competitive daily rates. Local equipment rental shops and moving companies may offer better prices for longer rentals or specialized trailers.
Prices and availability vary significantly by location and season. Summer months and weekends are peak rental times, so book early if you need a specific size. Some companies offer online reservations with may provide rates; others require a phone call for a quote. Compare at least two or three companies before you book, because a $20 difference in daily rate adds up quickly over a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a trailer if my vehicle doesn't have a hitch?
Yes, but you'll need to have one installed first. Some rental companies offer installation services for a fee, typically $100 to $300. Alternatively, you can have a hitch installed at an auto shop before your rental date. Either way, confirm the installation is complete and the hitch is rated for your trailer's weight before you pick up the trailer.
What happens if I damage the trailer during the rental?
You're responsible for damage unless you purchased the damage waiver. Minor damage like small dents or scratches may be charged as a deductible under the waiver. Major damage — bent frame, brake failure, torn axle — can cost $500 to $2,000 or more. The rental company will assess damage at return and charge your credit card if needed.
Do I need a special driver's license to tow a trailer?
In most states, no — a standard driver's license is sufficient for trailers under a certain weight, usually 10,000 pounds. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website for the exact threshold. Some states require a commercial license for heavier trailers, so confirm before you rent if you're towing something large.
Can I rent a trailer one-way, or do I have to return it to the same location?
Most rental companies require return to the same location. One-way rentals are rarely available for trailers because they're harder to transport back than cars. If you need to drop off in a different city, call ahead and ask — some companies may accommodate it for an additional fee, but expect to pay significantly more.
What should I do if the trailer breaks down during my rental?
Contact the rental company when ready with your location and the problem. They'll either send a repair technician or arrange a replacement trailer. Keep the rental agreement and any communication with the company in case you need to dispute charges. You're not responsible for mechanical failure if the trailer was in working condition at pickup.