U-Haul trailers rent by the day, week, or month, with prices that depend on trailer size, distance, and current demand

U-Haul is the largest trailer rental network in North America, with locations at most U-Haul truck rental centers and many independent dealers. You reserve online or by phone, pick up at your chosen location, and return it to any U-Haul location nationwide — though returning to a different location than you rented from usually costs more. Pricing is not fixed; it changes based on local demand, the time of year, and how far you are moving the trailer.

The rental period starts when you pick up and ends when you return. U-Haul charges by the day, and you pay for every day you hold the trailer, including weekends. If you rent for a week or longer, U-Haul offers weekly and monthly rates that are cheaper per day than daily rates, so a seven-day rental costs less than seven individual daily rentals.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul trailers range from small utility trailers (4 by 8 feet) to large enclosed trailers (8.5 by 20 feet), and size directly affects the daily rental rate.
  • You must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license and a credit card to rent; a damage waiver is optional but costs extra per day.
  • Mileage is unlimited on most U-Haul trailer rentals, so you pay the same rate whether you drive 10 miles or 500 miles.
  • Returning a trailer to a location different from where you rented it adds a drop-off fee that can range from $20 to $200 or more depending on distance.
  • U-Haul's website shows real-time availability and pricing for your specific dates and locations, so you can compare options before you commit.

Trailer sizes and what they fit

U-Haul offers five main trailer categories. The utility trailer (4 by 8 feet) holds a few pieces of furniture, a motorcycle, or yard equipment — it is open on top and sides. The enclosed cargo trailer (5 by 8 feet or 6 by 12 feet) protects items from weather and is popular for moving household goods or protecting valuables. The car hauler (16 feet long) carries one or two vehicles and requires a different class of driver's license in some states. The boat trailer is sized for specific boat lengths and includes a winch. The large enclosed trailer (8.5 by 20 feet) holds the contents of a small apartment or house and is the closest U-Haul comes to a moving truck in trailer form.

Size determines price more than anything else. A 4-by-8 utility trailer might rent for $15 to $25 per day in a low-demand period, while an 8.5-by-20 enclosed trailer can run $50 to $100 per day or more. U-Haul's website lets you enter your move date and see real prices for each size in your area, so you can match the trailer to what you actually need to move rather than guessing.

How pricing works and what affects the cost

U-Haul does not publish a standard rate card. Instead, prices change based on supply and demand in your local market. A trailer that rents for $20 per day on a Tuesday in January might cost $50 per day on a Saturday in June. Peak moving season (May through September) and weekends are always more expensive than off-season weekdays. If U-Haul has few trailers available in your area on your chosen dates, the price goes up.

Mileage is included — you do not pay per mile. You pay the daily rate for however many days you hold the trailer, and you can drive it as far as you need. If you rent for seven or more days, U-Haul switches you to a weekly rate that is lower per day. A month-long rental gets an even lower daily rate. For example, a trailer that costs $25 per day might cost $140 per week (about $20 per day) or $450 per month (about $15 per day).

A damage waiver (sometimes called a protection plan) costs extra — typically $10 to $20 per day — and reduces your liability if the trailer is damaged during the rental. Without it, you are responsible for all damage. U-Haul also charges a one-time reservation fee (usually $5 to $10) when you book online.

Drop-off fees and one-way rentals

If you return the trailer to the same location where you rented it, there is no extra charge beyond the daily rental rate. If you return it to a different location, U-Haul charges a drop-off fee. The fee depends on the distance between locations and the trailer size. A 20-mile drop-off might cost $30 to $50, while a 200-mile drop-off could cost $150 to $300 or more.

U-Haul's website shows the drop-off fee before you complete the reservation, so you can see the total cost upfront. If the fee is high, you have the option to return to your original location instead or to shop for a different rental company. Some independent trailer rental companies charge flat rates or lower drop-off fees, so it is worth checking a few options if you are moving a long distance.

What you need to rent and how to reserve

You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license. U-Haul requires a credit card to hold the reservation and charge the rental. Some locations accept debit cards, but a credit card is the standard. You do not need a special driver's license to tow most U-Haul trailers under 10,000 pounds, but some states require a commercial license for heavier trailers or car haulers — U-Haul's website will tell you if your state has this requirement.

To reserve, go to uhaul.com, enter your pickup location, return location, and dates, then select the trailer size. The website shows available trailers, the daily rate, any drop-off fee, and the total cost. You can add a damage waiver and reserve online with your credit card. Alternatively, call a U-Haul location directly or visit in person. Online reservations often show lower prices than phone reservations, so checking the website first is worth the time.

Pickup is usually the same day or the next day if you book in advance. You will need to show your driver's license and credit card at pickup. The U-Haul staff will walk you through the trailer's condition, point out any existing damage, and explain the hitch connection. Ask questions about the hitch type and brake system if you are not familiar with towing — U-Haul staff can show you how to connect and disconnect safely.

Comparing U-Haul to other trailer rental options

U-Haul is the largest network, so it has the most locations and the easiest one-way rentals. However, it is not always the cheapest. Local equipment rental companies, Home Depot tool rental, and Penske often have lower rates for short-distance moves or small trailers. If you are moving locally and returning the trailer the same day, a local company might save you $20 to $50. If you are moving across the country, U-Haul's nationwide network and unlimited mileage make it more convenient than a local company, even if the daily rate is slightly higher.

Rent-A-Center and some Ace Hardware locations also rent trailers, usually at lower daily rates than U-Haul but with higher mileage charges or lower weight limits. If your move is short and light, these options can be cheaper. If your move is long or heavy, U-Haul's unlimited mileage usually wins. Get quotes from at least two sources before you decide — the difference can be $50 to $200 depending on your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most U-Haul trailers under 10,000 pounds do not require a commercial license in most states. However, some states require a commercial license for trailers over a certain weight or for car haulers. U-Haul's website will tell you the requirement for your state when you enter your location and trailer type.

What happens if I return the trailer late?

U-Haul charges for each additional day you hold the trailer. If you rent for one day and return it two days later, you pay for two days. There is no grace period, so return the trailer on time or call ahead to extend the rental and lock in the rate before you go over.

Can I rent a U-Haul trailer if I do not have a credit card?

Most U-Haul locations require a credit card. Some accept debit cards with a PIN, but this varies by location. Call ahead or check the specific location's page on uhaul.com to confirm what payment methods they take.

Is the mileage really unlimited?

Yes, on standard U-Haul trailer rentals. You pay the daily rate regardless of how many miles you drive. Some specialty trailers or promotions may have mileage limits, so check your reservation confirmation to be sure.

What if the trailer breaks down during my rental?

Call U-Haul roadside support when ready. The number is on your rental agreement. U-Haul will send help or arrange a replacement trailer. You are not responsible for mechanical failures on U-Haul's equipment.