What you need to know before renting a U-Haul trailer

U-Haul trailers are rented through U-Haul's website, their phone line, or in person at a U-Haul location. You'll need a valid driver's license, a credit card, and proof of insurance (your auto insurance will usually cover a rented trailer). The rental price depends on the trailer size, how far you're moving it, and how many days you keep it — a small utility trailer for a local move costs far less than a 20-foot enclosed trailer for a cross-country job. U-Haul charges by the day, week, or month, and you pay a deposit that's refunded when you return the trailer in the same condition.

The trailer you choose matters because it affects what you can legally tow with your vehicle. Every car and truck has a maximum towing capacity listed in the owner's manual — exceeding it risks transmission failure, brake problems, and loss of control. A small utility trailer (4×8 feet) weighs around 1,200 pounds and can be towed by most vehicles. Larger enclosed trailers (6×12 feet or bigger) weigh 2,000 to 3,500 pounds and require a truck or SUV with real towing capacity. U-Haul staff can tell you what your vehicle can handle, but the final responsibility is yours.

Key Takeaways

  • Reserve your trailer online, by phone, or in person at least a few days ahead, especially during peak moving season (May through September).
  • Check your vehicle's towing capacity in your owner's manual before choosing a trailer size — exceeding it is unsafe and may void your insurance.
  • Your personal auto insurance usually covers a rented trailer, but confirm this with your insurer before you rent.
  • U-Haul charges a mileage fee plus a daily rate, and you pay a refundable deposit that you lose if you return the trailer damaged.
  • Inspect the trailer before you leave the lot and document any existing damage with photos so you're not charged for it later.

Choosing the right trailer size for your load

U-Haul offers several trailer sizes, each designed for different jobs. A 4×8 utility trailer is open-sided, weighs about 1,200 pounds, and works for hauling landscaping materials, small furniture, or yard equipment. A 5×8 enclosed trailer is weatherproof, weighs around 1,500 pounds, and protects items from rain during a move. A 6×12 enclosed trailer weighs 2,500 to 3,000 pounds and holds the contents of a one-bedroom apartment. A 20-foot enclosed trailer weighs 3,500 pounds or more and requires a heavy-duty truck.

The weight of the trailer itself — called dry weight — is only part of the equation. You also have to account for the weight of what you're putting in it. If you're moving a couch, a bed, and some boxes, a 5×8 trailer is usually enough. If you're moving an entire household or hauling construction materials, you need the 6×12 or larger. U-Haul's website lets you enter your vehicle's year, make, and model to see what you can tow, but verify this against your owner's manual because the website is not always accurate.

How to reserve and pick up your trailer

You can reserve a U-Haul trailer on uhaul.com, by calling 1-800-468-4285, or by visiting a U-Haul location in person. Online reservations let you compare prices across different dates and sizes, and you can often lock in a rate. When you reserve, you'll choose your pickup location, return location (which can be different), and the dates you need it. U-Haul will show you the daily rate, mileage charges, and any equipment fees (like a dolly or furniture pads). The total price is an estimate — your final bill depends on how many miles you actually drive and whether you incur damage charges.

On pickup day, arrive at least 15 minutes early. Bring your driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance. A U-Haul employee will walk you through the trailer's condition, point out any existing dents or damage, and explain how to hook it up to your vehicle. This is when you should ask questions about weight limits, brake operation, and tire pressure. Before you leave the lot, take photos or video of the trailer's exterior and interior so you have proof of its condition when you rented it. This protects you from being charged for damage you didn't cause.

Understanding towing safety and your vehicle's limits

Towing a trailer changes how your vehicle handles. The trailer adds weight behind your rear axle, which can make braking longer, steering less responsive, and acceleration slower. Your vehicle's towing capacity is the maximum weight it can safely pull, and your payload capacity is the maximum weight it can carry in the bed or cargo area. These are not the same thing. A truck might have a 10,000-pound towing capacity but only a 1,500-pound payload capacity, meaning you can tow a heavy trailer but can't load much weight into the truck itself.

Exceeding your towing capacity puts strain on your transmission, engine, and brakes. It also makes the trailer sway or fishtail at highway speeds, especially in wind or when passing large trucks. If you're unsure about your vehicle's limits, look in your owner's manual (usually in the back), check the driver's door jamb for a sticker, or search your vehicle's year, make, and model on the manufacturer's website. U-Haul staff can help, but they are not responsible if you choose a trailer that's too heavy for your vehicle.

Insurance, deposits, and damage charges

Your personal auto insurance policy usually covers a rented trailer, but you need to confirm this before you rent. Call your insurance company and ask whether your policy covers rental trailers and what the coverage limits are. Some policies exclude trailers, and some only cover trailers up to a certain weight. If your policy doesn't cover rentals, U-Haul offers damage waiver coverage for an additional daily fee — this reduces your out-of-pocket cost if you damage the trailer, but it's not the same as full insurance.

When you rent, U-Haul holds a deposit on your credit card — typically $50 to $100 depending on the trailer size. This deposit is refunded when you return the trailer in the same condition. If you return it with new dents, broken lights, flat tires, or interior damage, U-Haul will charge you for repairs. Damage charges can range from $50 for a minor dent to $500 or more for structural damage or a broken axle. The best protection is to inspect the trailer before you leave the lot, document its condition with photos, and drive carefully to avoid accidents.

Returning your trailer and avoiding extra charges

Return your trailer to the location you reserved during business hours. U-Haul locations typically close at 7 p.m. on weekdays and earlier on weekends, so plan accordingly. When you return, a U-Haul employee will inspect the trailer for damage, check the mileage, and process your final bill. If you return it late, you'll be charged for an extra day. If the fuel tank (on some trailers) is not full, you'll be charged to refill it. If the trailer is dirty inside, U-Haul may charge a cleaning fee.

Your final bill will show the base rental rate, mileage charges, any damage fees, and taxes. Keep your receipt. If you notice a charge you don't understand, ask the U-Haul employee to explain it before you leave. If you believe you were charged unfairly for damage, contact U-Haul customer service within a few days with photos of the trailer's condition when you picked it up — this is why taking photos at pickup is so important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tow a U-Haul trailer with my car?

Most cars can tow a small 4×8 utility trailer (around 1,200 pounds), but many cannot tow larger enclosed trailers. Check your owner's manual for your vehicle's towing capacity. If it's less than 2,000 pounds, stick to the smallest trailers. If you're unsure, U-Haul staff can tell you what your vehicle can handle based on its year, make, and model.

What happens if I return the trailer late?

U-Haul charges you for an extra day at the daily rate. If you're going to be late, call the location where you're returning it as soon as you know — sometimes they can extend your reservation without an extra charge if they don't have another rental scheduled. After-hours returns are not always possible, so confirm your return time when you pick up the trailer.

Do I need a special license to tow a trailer?

In most states, you do not need a special license to tow a utility or enclosed trailer for personal use. Some states require a special endorsement if the trailer is over a certain weight (usually 10,000 pounds), but U-Haul trailers are typically under that limit. Check your state's DMV website if you're unsure.

Can I rent a trailer one-way, like from one city to another?

Yes. U-Haul allows one-way rentals where you pick up in one location and return in another. One-way rentals usually cost more than round-trip rentals because U-Haul has to move the trailer back. You'll see the one-way price when you enter your pickup and return locations on their website.

What if my vehicle doesn't have a hitch?

U-Haul can install a hitch on your vehicle for an additional fee, or you can have one installed at a mechanic or auto parts store before you rent. Installing a hitch takes a few hours and costs $100 to $300 depending on your vehicle. If you plan to rent trailers regularly, installing a hitch is worth the cost.