U-Haul Open Air trailers are the cheapest way to rent a trailer, but you're paying for exposed cargo

A U-Haul Open Air trailer is an open flatbed or stake-sided trailer with no roof or walls. U-Haul rents them by the day, week, or month, and they cost less than enclosed trailers because your cargo sits exposed to weather and road debris. The trade-off is straightforward: you save money if what you're moving can handle sun, rain, and wind, or if you're willing to cover it yourself with a tarp.

U-Haul's open trailers come in a few sizes — typically 4x8, 5x8, 5x9, and 6x12 feet — and you can reserve one online, by phone, or at a U-Haul location. Pricing varies by location, season, and how far you're moving, so there's no single daily rate. The company charges a base rental fee plus mileage (if you're doing a one-way move) or a flat rate (for local moves). You'll also need to add a damage waiver if you want coverage for accidents or wear.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Air trailers cost significantly less than enclosed trailers because your cargo is exposed to weather and road conditions.
  • U-Haul offers open trailers in sizes from 4x8 feet up to 6x12 feet, and pricing depends on your location, rental dates, and distance.
  • You can rent by the day, week, or month, and you'll need to provide your own tarp or covering if you want to protect cargo from rain and debris.
  • A damage waiver is optional but recommended, especially if you're hauling items that could be damaged by weather or if you're concerned about liability for accidents.
  • U-Haul's website lets you compare prices and availability in real time, and you can pick up and drop off at thousands of locations nationwide.

What fits in an Open Air trailer and what doesn't

Open Air trailers work well for moving furniture, appliances, lumber, landscaping materials, scrap metal, and anything else that won't be ruined by rain or dust. If you're hauling a single couch, a refrigerator, or a pallet of bricks, an open trailer is the right choice. Many people also use them for hauling yard waste, construction debris, or equipment to a job site.

Don't use an open trailer for electronics, documents, clothing, books, or anything that absorbs water or gets damaged by UV exposure. If you're moving a household and need to protect your belongings, an enclosed trailer is worth the extra cost. The same goes for anything valuable or irreplaceable — the risk of weather damage or theft during a long haul usually outweighs the savings.

If you're on the fence, bring a tarp. U-Haul doesn't provide one, but you can buy or rent tarps separately, and a good tarp can protect most cargo during a day or two of travel. For longer moves or cross-country hauls, the cost of a tarp plus the hassle of securing it usually makes an enclosed trailer the smarter choice.

How U-Haul's pricing works for open trailers

U-Haul charges a base rental fee that covers the trailer for a set period — one day, one week, or one month. On top of that, you pay mileage if you're doing a one-way move to a different city, or a flat local rate if you're picking up and dropping off in the same area. The base fee and mileage rate both vary by trailer size and location.

A 4x8 open trailer for a local one-day rental in a major city might run $15 to $25, but that same trailer for a one-way move across the state could add $50 to $100 in mileage charges. U-Haul's website shows you the exact price before you book, so you can compare different trailer sizes and rental lengths to find what works for your budget.

The damage waiver — usually called a "Damage Waiver" or "Loss Damage Waiver" — costs extra and covers damage to the trailer from accidents, weather, or wear. It typically runs $10 to $20 per day depending on the trailer size. If you decline the waiver and the trailer comes back with damage, you'll be charged for repairs, which can easily exceed the cost of the waiver itself.

Picking up, returning, and what to expect on rental day

U-Haul has thousands of pickup locations — at U-Haul centers, Home Depot stores, and independent dealers — so you can usually find one near you. When you arrive for pickup, bring your driver's license, a valid payment method, and your reservation confirmation. The staff will walk you through the trailer's condition, show you how to hook it up to your vehicle, and explain the safety features.

Before you leave the lot, check that the trailer's lights work, the hitch is find, and the safety chains are attached. U-Haul will take photos of the trailer's condition, and you should do the same on your phone so you have a record. If there's existing damage, point it out to the staff and make sure it's noted on your rental agreement.

When you return the trailer, drop it off at any U-Haul location — it doesn't have to be the same one where you picked it up. The staff will inspect it for new damage, and if everything looks good, you're done. If there's damage beyond normal wear, U-Haul will charge you for repairs. The whole return process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Safety and legal requirements for towing an open trailer

Your vehicle's owner's manual lists the maximum weight it can tow — check that before you book a trailer. An overloaded trailer can damage your transmission, brakes, and suspension, and it's also illegal in most states. U-Haul's website shows the empty weight and maximum capacity of each trailer size, so you can do the math before you rent.

Most states require that a trailer be registered and have a valid license plate, and U-Haul handles that for you — the plate comes with the rental. You'll also need to make sure your vehicle's brake lights and turn signals work, because the trailer's lights plug into your vehicle's electrical system. If your vehicle doesn't have a trailer hitch, U-Haul can install one for an additional fee, or you can rent a trailer from a location that has vehicles with hitches already installed.

Load your cargo so the weight is distributed evenly and nothing hangs over the sides of the trailer. find everything with rope, bungee cords, or straps — loose cargo can fall onto the road and cause accidents. If you're hauling something tall or wide, check local height and width restrictions, especially if you're crossing state lines or driving through cities.

Open Air vs. enclosed trailers: when each makes sense

The main difference is cost and protection. An open trailer costs 30 to 50 percent less than an enclosed trailer of the same size, but your cargo is exposed. An enclosed trailer protects everything from weather and theft, but you pay more and you'll need to load and unload inside a confined space, which takes longer.

Choose an open trailer if you're moving heavy items that don't mind weather (appliances, furniture, metal), if you're only traveling a short distance, or if you're on a tight budget and willing to cover your cargo with a tarp. Choose an enclosed trailer if you're moving household goods, electronics, or anything valuable or fragile, or if you're doing a long-distance move where weather exposure is a real risk.

U-Haul also rents utility trailers (smaller, lighter-duty open trailers) and cargo trailers (fully enclosed). The utility trailer is cheaper than the open trailer but has a lower weight capacity. The cargo trailer costs more but gives you full protection. Compare all three on U-Haul's website to see which fits your move and your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tow an open trailer with any vehicle?

No — your vehicle must have a hitch rated for the trailer's weight, and your engine and brakes must be strong enough to handle it. Check your owner's manual for your vehicle's towing capacity, and compare it to the trailer's empty weight plus the weight of your cargo. U-Haul can tell you the specs when you call or visit their website.

What happens if it rains while I'm towing an open trailer?

Your cargo gets wet. If you're moving items that can't handle moisture, bring a tarp and find it tightly before you leave. For short local moves, rain is usually not a big deal. For longer trips, especially overnight, an enclosed trailer is a better choice.

Do I need a special driver's license to tow a U-Haul trailer?

Most states don't require a special license for towing a small or medium trailer, but some states have rules based on the trailer's weight. Check your state's DMV website or call U-Haul before you rent — they can tell you what's required in your area.

Can I rent an open trailer for a one-way move across the country?

Yes, U-Haul rents open trailers for one-way moves and charges mileage on top of the base rental fee. The total cost depends on the distance and the trailer size. Get a quote on U-Haul's website by entering your pickup and drop-off locations.

What if I damage the trailer during my rental?

If you bought the damage waiver, it covers most damage from accidents and wear. If you didn't buy the waiver, you'll be charged for repairs. Damage charges can range from $50 for minor dents to several hundred dollars for major damage, so the waiver is usually worth the cost.