Trailer rental is available through equipment rental chains, moving companies, and local independent operators, with prices ranging widely based on trailer type, rental length, and your location.

You can rent a trailer by the day, week, or month from three main sources: national chains like Home Depot and U-Haul, moving-focused companies like Penske and Budget, and local equipment rental shops. Each charges differently and carries different insurance rules. The trailer you need — utility, enclosed, car hauler, or specialty — determines which places stock what you're looking for and how much you'll pay.

Daily rates for a basic utility trailer typically run $15 to $50 depending on size and location. Weekly rates often cost less per day than daily rates, and monthly rentals can be cheaper still. But the real cost includes mileage charges (some places charge per mile, others include unlimited mileage), damage deposits, and insurance or damage waiver fees. Knowing what each source charges for these add-ons matters more than the base rental price.

Key Takeaways

  • National equipment rental chains and moving companies stock different trailer types, so check what each location actually has before comparing prices.
  • Weekly and monthly rates are usually cheaper per day than daily rates, but only if you genuinely need the trailer for that long.
  • Mileage charges, damage deposits, and insurance waivers can double your final bill, so ask for the total cost including all fees before you book.
  • Local independent rental shops often beat national chains on price for short rentals in your area, but availability varies by season.
  • Your personal auto insurance may not cover a rented trailer, so confirm coverage with your insurer before you rent.

National chains: Home Depot, Lowe's, and U-Haul

Home Depot and Lowe's rent utility trailers (typically 5-by-8 feet or 6-by-12 feet) by the day or week. Home Depot's daily rate for a 5-by-8 utility trailer is usually around $15 to $19, with weekly rates around $50 to $60. These are the cheapest entry point for short, local jobs. Both stores include unlimited local mileage, which means you don't pay extra for driving distance within your area.

U-Haul rents utility trailers, enclosed trailers, and car haulers. Their daily rates start around $15 for a utility trailer but jump significantly if you're moving it across state lines or keeping it longer than a few days. U-Haul charges mileage on most rentals — typically $0.50 to $1.50 per mile depending on trailer type — so a 200-mile trip adds $100 to $300 to your bill. U-Haul also requires a damage deposit, usually $100 to $200, which you get back if you return the trailer undamaged.

Moving companies: Penske, Budget, and Ryder

Penske, Budget, and Ryder focus on moving and hauling. They stock enclosed trailers, car haulers, and heavy-duty utility trailers that Home Depot doesn't carry. Penske's daily rate for an enclosed 6-by-12 trailer runs $40 to $80 depending on location and season. Budget and Ryder pricing is similar. All three charge mileage — usually $0.75 to $1.25 per mile — and require a damage deposit.

These companies are worth the higher price if you need an enclosed trailer (to protect cargo from weather) or a car hauler (to transport a vehicle). They also tend to have better availability in rural areas than Home Depot. Their damage waivers — optional insurance that covers dents, scratches, and minor damage — typically cost $10 to $25 per day. Without a waiver, you're liable for all damage, even minor wear.

Local independent rental shops

Independent equipment rental companies in your area often undercut national chains on daily rates, especially for short local rentals. A local shop might rent a utility trailer for $12 to $25 per day with no mileage charge, because they expect you to return it to the same location. Call ahead — independent shops have smaller fleets and may not have what you need on the day you want it.

Independent shops also vary widely on damage policies. Some charge a flat damage deposit; others charge by the hour if you damage the trailer. Ask exactly what you're liable for before you rent. Many independent operators are more flexible on late returns or minor damage than national chains, but that's not may provide — get the terms in writing.

Trailer types and what they cost

A utility trailer (open bed, no sides or roof) is the cheapest option: $15 to $30 per day from national chains, $20 to $40 from moving companies. Use it for hauling lumber, landscaping materials, or light equipment. It has no weather protection, so cover cargo if rain is possible.

An enclosed trailer (fully enclosed box) costs $40 to $100 per day and protects cargo from weather and theft. Moving companies stock these; Home Depot does not. Rent one if you're moving furniture, electronics, or anything that can't get wet.

A car hauler (open or enclosed bed with ramps) runs $50 to $150 per day and is designed to transport a vehicle. Only moving companies and specialty rental shops carry them. If you need to haul a car, this is the right tool — trying to tow a car on a utility trailer risks damage to both vehicles.

A specialty trailer (equipment hauler, gooseneck, tandem axle) costs $75 to $200+ per day and is available only from moving companies or specialty shops. Rent one only if you have a specific heavy-hauling job and know you need it.

How to compare total cost, not just the daily rate

Call or visit three places and ask for the total cost of your specific rental, including the base rate, mileage charges (if any), damage deposit, and damage waiver if you want it. Write down each number. The place with the lowest daily rate often isn't the cheapest overall.

Example: Home Depot charges $19 per day for a utility trailer with unlimited local mileage. U-Haul charges $15 per day but $1 per mile. For a 50-mile round trip, U-Haul costs $15 + $50 (mileage) = $65 total. Home Depot costs $19 with no mileage charge. Home Depot is cheaper for that trip, even though U-Haul's daily rate is lower.

Ask whether the damage deposit is refundable (it should be) and what the damage waiver actually covers. Some waivers exclude certain types of damage — for example, tire damage or damage from overloading. Read the fine print or ask the rental agent to explain it.

Insurance and liability when you rent a trailer

Your personal auto insurance may not cover a rented trailer. Call your insurance company before you rent and ask whether your policy covers liability and collision damage on a rented trailer. If it doesn't, you have two choices: buy the rental company's damage waiver (usually $10 to $25 per day) or accept the risk that you'll pay for any damage out of pocket.

Damage waivers are optional but worth the cost if you're renting an expensive trailer or if you're inexperienced at towing. A single accident or backing mistake can cost hundreds or thousands in repairs. The waiver caps your liability at the damage deposit, usually $100 to $300.

Liability insurance (coverage if you damage someone else's property or injure someone while towing) is typically included in the rental agreement, but confirm this with the rental company. Your personal auto policy may also cover this, so check before you pay extra.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. In most states, you can tow a trailer with a standard driver's license as long as the trailer is below a certain weight — usually 10,000 pounds. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website for the exact limit. Rental companies will tell you if a specific trailer requires a commercial license.

What happens if I return the trailer late?

Late fees vary by company. Home Depot typically charges an additional day's rental for each day late. U-Haul and moving companies charge hourly late fees, usually $10 to $20 per hour after a grace period (often 30 minutes to 2 hours). Call the rental location if you know you'll be late — some companies waive small late fees if you notify them in advance.

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

Yes, but it costs more. U-Haul and moving companies offer one-way rentals, and they charge based on distance. A one-way rental is usually cheaper than renting locally and driving the trailer yourself, but only if the rental company has a location in your destination city. Check availability before you book.

What if the trailer breaks down while I'm using it?

Call the rental company when ready. They will either repair it, send you a replacement, or refund your rental fee for the days you couldn't use it. Most rental agreements include roadside information or a phone number to call for breakdowns. Keep that number with you when you pick up the trailer.

Is it cheaper to rent a trailer or buy a used one?

That depends on how often you'll use it. If you need a trailer once or twice a year, renting is cheaper. If you haul regularly — monthly or more — buying a used utility trailer for $500 to $2,000 makes financial sense. Factor in storage, maintenance, and registration costs if you buy.