Where to find trailers for rent in your area

Trailers are rented through three main channels: equipment rental shops, moving companies, and peer-to-peer rental platforms. The fastest way to find what's available near you is to search "trailer rental" plus your city name, which will show local businesses first. Most equipment rental chains—U-Haul, Home Depot, Sunbelt Rentals, and Herc—have online inventory checkers where you can see what's in stock at specific locations and reserve it when ready.

Moving companies like Two Men and a Truck or local movers often rent trailers separately from their moving services, and they may have different sizes and prices than equipment shops. Peer-to-peer platforms like Turo (which also lists trailers) and Neighbor let private owners list trailers, sometimes at lower rates, though you'll need to check reviews and insurance coverage yourself. Call ahead rather than relying on online availability—rental shops update their systems slowly, and a trailer listed as available may have just been rented.

Key Takeaways

  • Equipment rental chains and local moving companies are the most reliable sources, and most let you check availability and reserve online before you visit.
  • Trailer size, axle type, and towing capacity matter: a small utility trailer needs a different hitch than a car hauler or enclosed trailer, and your vehicle must be able to tow the weight.
  • Rental costs vary by location, season, and how long you rent—daily rates are higher per day than weekly or monthly, so longer rentals are cheaper overall.
  • You will need a valid driver's license and a credit card, and most shops require you to inspect the trailer before you leave and report any damage.
  • Check your vehicle's owner manual or the door jamb sticker for towing capacity before you book, because renting a trailer your car cannot safely tow creates a safety and liability problem.

Types of trailers and what they cost

Utility trailers are the most common rental. They are open, single-axle or tandem-axle platforms with a hitch, and they cost between $40 and $100 per day depending on size and location. A 5-by-8-foot utility trailer (the smallest standard size) typically rents for $40 to $60 per day; a 6-by-12-foot or 7-by-14-foot trailer runs $60 to $100 per day. Weekly rates are usually 2.5 to 3 times the daily rate, so a $50-per-day trailer might cost $120 to $140 per week.

Enclosed trailers cost more because they protect cargo from weather and theft. A 5-by-8-foot enclosed trailer rents for $80 to $150 per day. Car haulers (trailers designed to transport vehicles) rent for $100 to $200 per day depending on whether they are open or enclosed and how many cars they hold. Specialty trailers—equipment trailers, gooseneck trailers, or tandem-axle enclosed trailers—rent for $150 to $300 per day or more. Prices vary significantly by region and season; summer and moving season (May through September) are more expensive than winter.

What you need to know about towing capacity and safety

Your vehicle has a maximum towing capacity, and exceeding it is dangerous and often voids your insurance. The capacity is listed in your owner's manual, on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb, or on the manufacturer's website. It is the total weight the vehicle can safely tow, including the trailer and everything in it. A typical sedan can tow 1,000 to 3,500 pounds; a truck or SUV can tow 5,000 to 14,000 pounds or more.

When you rent a trailer, you need to know both the empty weight of the trailer itself and the weight of what you are loading into it. The rental shop can tell you the trailer's empty weight. Add the weight of your cargo, and that total cannot exceed your vehicle's towing capacity. Many people underestimate how much things weigh—a cubic yard of soil weighs about 1,500 pounds, and a used car weighs 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. If you are unsure, ask the rental shop to help you calculate, or weigh your loaded trailer at a truck scale (usually $10 to $15 at a truck stop).

Towing also requires the correct hitch. Trailers use Class I, II, III, or IV hitches depending on their weight. Your vehicle has a rated hitch class; you cannot use a trailer that requires a higher class than your vehicle has. The rental shop will confirm your hitch matches the trailer before you leave, but it is your responsibility to know what you have. If your vehicle does not have a hitch, the rental shop can install one, though this usually costs $100 to $300 and takes a few hours.

Rental agreements, insurance, and damage liability

When you rent a trailer, you sign an agreement that makes you responsible for any damage that occurs during the rental period. This includes dents, bent frames, torn tarps, broken lights, flat tires, and damage to the hitch or coupling. The rental shop will inspect the trailer before you take it and document its condition on the contract. You should do the same—walk around the trailer, take photos of any existing damage, and point it out to the shop attendant so it is noted on your paperwork. If you do not report pre-existing damage, you may be charged for it when you return.

Most rental shops include basic liability coverage in the rental price, but it is limited. Damage from normal wear is usually covered, but damage from misuse, overloading, or improper towing is your responsibility. Some shops offer damage waivers (usually $10 to $25 per day) that reduce or eliminate your liability for accidental damage. Check whether your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental trailers—some do, which means you do not need to buy the shop's waiver. Call your insurance company before you rent to confirm.

Return the trailer clean and on time. Most shops charge an hourly late fee (typically $15 to $30 per hour) if you return after the agreed time. If the trailer is visibly dirty, some shops charge a cleaning fee ($25 to $75). Fuel or propane, if the trailer uses it, is your responsibility to replace.

How to reserve a trailer and what to bring

Most rental shops let you reserve online or by phone. Online reservations lock in the price and hold the trailer for a few hours; phone reservations are when ready but prices may vary. Bring your valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of your vehicle's towing capacity (your owner's manual or a photo of the door jamb sticker). Some shops ask for a second form of ID or proof of address, especially if you are renting for the first time.

When you arrive, the attendant will confirm your vehicle's hitch type and towing capacity, show you the trailer, and walk through the inspection with you. Ask questions about how to operate the trailer's lights, brakes (if it has them), and any other features. If the trailer has electric brakes, your vehicle needs a brake controller installed—the rental shop can tell you whether yours has one. Before you leave, make sure the hitch is properly connected, the safety chains are attached, and the lights work. Test the lights yourself by having someone watch the brake lights while you press the pedal.

Alternatives if local rentals are unavailable or too expensive

If equipment rental shops near you are sold out or prices are high, peer-to-peer platforms like Neighbor or Facebook Marketplace sometimes have cheaper options from private owners. These rentals carry more risk because you are dealing directly with an individual rather than a business, and insurance coverage is less clear. Always ask the owner for proof of the trailer's condition, get a written agreement about damage liability, and verify that your insurance covers peer-to-peer rentals before you commit.

Another option is to hire a moving company or hauling service to move your cargo instead of renting a trailer yourself. This costs more per job but removes the liability and towing risk from you. If you need a trailer only occasionally, this may be cheaper than owning one or renting repeatedly. For very large or specialized jobs, equipment rental companies like Sunbelt or Herc sometimes offer better pricing on longer rentals (a week or more) than daily rates suggest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special license to tow a trailer?

Most states do not require a special license for towing a standard utility or enclosed trailer. However, some states require a commercial license if the trailer exceeds a certain weight (usually 10,000 pounds) or if you are towing for business. Check your state's DMV website or call before you rent a large or specialty trailer to confirm you do not need additional licensing.

What happens if I damage the trailer while renting it?

You are liable for damage unless you purchased the rental shop's damage waiver or your insurance covers it. The shop will charge you for repairs, which can range from $50 for a small dent to $2,000 or more for frame damage or a major accident. Report any damage when ready when it happens so the shop can document it and you can file a claim with your insurance if applicable.

Can I rent a trailer one-way, or do I have to return it to the same location?

Most local rental shops require you to return the trailer to the location where you rented it. Large chains like U-Haul sometimes offer one-way rentals, but availability and pricing vary. Call ahead to ask about one-way options if you need to return the trailer elsewhere.

What if my vehicle does not have a hitch?

The rental shop can install a hitch for you, usually for $100 to $300 depending on your vehicle and the hitch class needed. This takes a few hours, so plan ahead. Alternatively, some shops rent hitches separately if your vehicle already has a receiver but no ball or coupler installed.

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

If you need a trailer for more than a few months per year, buying a used one is usually cheaper than renting. A used utility trailer costs $1,000 to $5,000 depending on size and condition. However, you are then responsible for maintenance, storage, registration, and insurance. Rent if you use a trailer occasionally; buy if you use one regularly.