Car dollies are available from the same rental companies that rent trucks and trailers, plus some equipment-only shops
A car dolly is a two-wheeled trailer that lets you tow a vehicle with the front wheels off the ground—the rear wheels stay on the dolly bed while the front wheels roll freely behind. You can rent one from national truck rental chains (U-Haul, Penske, Home Depot), local equipment rental shops, and some independent moving companies. Availability and daily rates vary by location and season, but expect to pay between $15 and $50 per day depending on where you rent and how long you need it.
The rental process is straightforward: you show up with a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card. Most companies require you to be at least 18 or 21 years old. You'll inspect the dolly for damage before you leave, sign a rental agreement, and return it to the same location or a partner location if you're moving long-distance. Some companies charge a drop-off fee if you return it somewhere other than where you rented it.
Key Takeaways
- U-Haul, Penske, and Home Depot rental centers stock car dollies at most locations, though availability can be limited during peak moving season.
- Local equipment rental shops and independent moving companies often have lower daily rates than national chains and may offer better availability in your area.
- You'll need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card to rent; most companies require you to be at least 18 or 21.
- Rental rates typically run $15 to $50 per day, but drop-off fees, mileage charges, or damage waivers can add to the total cost.
- Your own vehicle insurance may or may not cover the dolly and towed vehicle, so check your policy before you rent.
National rental chains and their dolly availability
U-Haul operates the largest network of car dolly rentals in North America. Nearly every U-Haul location stocks at least one or two dollies, though during summer moving season (May through September) they can run out quickly. You can reserve a dolly online at uhaul.com, by phone, or in person. U-Haul charges a daily rate plus a mileage fee if you're towing long-distance; the company also offers damage waivers that cover accidental damage to the dolly.
Penske truck rental has car dollies at many of its locations, though availability is less consistent than U-Haul. You can check availability and reserve online at pensketruckrental.com or call ahead to confirm a dolly is in stock before you drive to the rental center. Penske's daily rates are often comparable to U-Haul, but the company's drop-off policies and mileage charges vary by location.
Home Depot tool rental counters carry car dollies at many stores, particularly in suburban and rural areas where Home Depot locations are common. Rates are often lower than U-Haul or Penske, and you can reserve online through homedepot.com. However, Home Depot locations typically have fewer dollies in stock and may not offer long-distance rentals or drop-off at other locations.
Local equipment rental shops and moving companies
Independent equipment rental shops in your area often have car dollies available and may offer better rates than national chains, especially for short-term rentals. Search online for "equipment rental near me" or "car dolly rental [your city]" to find local options. Call ahead to confirm they have a dolly in stock and ask about their daily rate, mileage charges, and whether they allow out-of-area returns.
Local moving companies sometimes rent car dollies to customers who aren't using their full moving services. These companies understand towing and may offer information on safe towing practices. Rates vary widely, but local movers may be more flexible on rental terms—for example, allowing you to keep the dolly overnight or for a weekend at a flat rate rather than charging by the day.
Specialty towing equipment rental shops exist in larger cities and often cater to contractors and moving professionals. These shops may have multiple dolly styles (standard two-wheel, heavy-duty, or adjustable-height models) and can advise you on which type suits your vehicle. Rates are typically higher than general equipment rental, but the informed and equipment variety can be worth it if you're towing an unusual vehicle or over a long distance.
What to check before you rent
Before you sign a rental agreement, confirm that the dolly is rated for your vehicle's weight. Most standard car dollies are rated for vehicles up to 3,500 pounds; heavier vehicles (large SUVs, trucks, or luxury sedans) may need a heavy-duty dolly. The rental company should provide the dolly's weight capacity on the rental agreement or on a label attached to the dolly itself. If your vehicle is heavier than the dolly's rating, the towing setup can fail and damage both vehicles.
Ask whether the rental price includes a damage waiver or if you need to purchase one. A damage waiver typically costs $10 to $20 per day and covers accidental damage to the dolly—dents, scratches, or mechanical failure—so you're not liable for repairs. Without a waiver, you may be charged for any damage, even minor wear. Check your own auto insurance policy to see whether it covers rental equipment; some policies do, which means you may not need to buy the rental company's waiver.
Confirm the return location and hours before you rent. If you're renting on a Friday and need to return it Monday, make sure the rental center is open Monday. Some locations have limited weekend hours or are closed on Sundays. Ask about late fees if you return the dolly after closing time, and whether you can drop it off at a different location if your plans change.
Insurance and liability when towing with a rental dolly
Your personal auto insurance may or may not cover a rented car dolly and the vehicle being towed. Call your insurance agent before you rent and ask specifically whether your policy covers rental equipment and towed vehicles. Some policies include this coverage automatically; others require you to add it as a rider; some exclude it entirely. If your policy doesn't cover rental equipment, you'll want to purchase the rental company's damage waiver to protect yourself financially.
The vehicle you're towing should have valid insurance in your name or the name of the person towing it. If you're towing someone else's vehicle, confirm that their insurance covers being towed by a rental dolly. Some policies exclude towed vehicles or have restrictions on how far they can be towed. If there's an accident while you're towing, liability can become complicated if the towed vehicle's insurance doesn't cover the situation.
You are responsible for any damage to the dolly while it's in your possession, including damage caused by improper towing, overloading, or hitting obstacles. The rental agreement will spell out what damage you're liable for and what the damage waiver covers. Read this section carefully before you sign, because rental companies can charge hundreds of dollars for repairs to a dolly.
Towing safety and what you need to know about your vehicle
Not every vehicle can be safely towed on a car dolly. Front-wheel-drive vehicles are generally safe to tow on a dolly because the engine and transmission weight is over the rear wheels. Rear-wheel-drive vehicles can also be towed, though the weight distribution is different. All-wheel-drive vehicles should not be towed on a dolly with the front wheels off the ground because the transfer case (which powers all four wheels) can be damaged. Check your vehicle's owner's manual or call the manufacturer before you rent a dolly if you're unsure whether your vehicle can be towed this way.
The vehicle towing the dolly must have adequate towing capacity. Your tow vehicle's manual will list its maximum towing capacity—the total weight of the dolly plus the towed vehicle cannot exceed this number. Exceeding towing capacity puts strain on your engine, transmission, and brakes, and can cause mechanical failure or loss of control while driving. If you're unsure whether your tow vehicle can handle the load, ask the rental company or consult your vehicle's manual.
You'll need to connect the dolly to your tow vehicle using a ball hitch or pintle hook, depending on the dolly type. Most car dollies use a standard 2-inch ball hitch. If your tow vehicle doesn't have a hitch, you'll need to have one installed before you rent the dolly—this typically costs $100 to $300 at a shop. Some rental companies can recommend shops that install hitches quickly, or you can search for "hitch installation near me" to find local options.
Seasonal availability and booking tips
Car dolly availability drops sharply during peak moving season, which runs from May through September. If you need a dolly during these months, reserve it at least one to two weeks in advance. National chains like U-Haul allow online reservations, and you can often lock in a rate before prices climb. If you're booking last-minute during peak season, call multiple rental companies in your area rather than relying on one; local shops may have availability when national chains are sold out.
Winter months (November through March) typically have lower demand and better availability, with lower daily rates at some rental companies. If your move is flexible, renting during the off-season can save money and reduce the stress of competing for limited inventory. However, winter weather can make towing more difficult and dangerous, so factor in road conditions and your own comfort level with towing in snow or ice.
Ask about multi-day or weekly rates when you book. Some rental companies offer discounts if you rent for three days or a full week rather than paying the daily rate for each day. If you're moving across the country and need the dolly for five or six days, a weekly rate may be cheaper than paying daily rates. Compare the daily rate, weekly rate, and any mileage charges before you decide which rental period makes sense for your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car dolly if I don't have a hitch on my vehicle?
No, you need a hitch to connect the dolly to your tow vehicle. If you don't have one, you'll need to have it installed before you pick up the dolly. Installation typically costs $100 to $300 and takes a few hours. Some rental companies can recommend shops that do quick installations, or you can search for "hitch installation" in your area.
What happens if I damage the dolly while I'm towing?
You're liable for damage to the dolly unless you purchased a damage waiver when you rented it. Repairs can cost hundreds of dollars, so a waiver (usually $10 to $20 per day) is often worth the cost. Check your auto insurance first—some policies cover rental equipment, which means you may not need to buy the rental company's waiver.
Can I tow an all-wheel-drive vehicle on a car dolly?
No. All-wheel-drive vehicles should not be towed with the front wheels off the ground because the transfer case can be damaged. Check your vehicle's owner's manual to confirm whether it can be towed on a dolly, or call the manufacturer if you're unsure.
Do I need to return the dolly to the same location where I rented it?
Most national chains allow returns at partner locations, but you may be charged a drop-off fee. Local rental shops may require you to return the dolly to the original location. Ask about return options and any associated fees before you rent.
How much does a car dolly rental typically cost?
Daily rates usually range from $15 to $50 depending on the rental company, location, and season. National chains like U-Haul also charge mileage fees for long-distance rentals. Local equipment shops may offer lower daily rates. Ask about multi-day or weekly discounts, which can reduce the total cost if you need the dolly for more than a day or two.