Rent a tow dolly from U-Haul, Home Depot, or local equipment rental shops

A tow dolly is a two-wheeled trailer that lifts the front wheels of a car off the ground so you can tow it behind another vehicle. You can rent one from three main sources: national chains like U-Haul and Home Depot, local equipment rental companies, or sometimes from independent moving companies. U-Haul and Home Depot typically have the widest availability and online booking, while local shops may offer lower prices or same-day pickup if you need one quickly.

The rental cost varies by location and season, but U-Haul generally charges between $15 and $25 per day for a standard car dolly, plus a mileage fee that ranges from $0.50 to $1.50 per mile depending on the distance. Home Depot's pricing is similar, though they may have different daily rates by region. Local rental shops sometimes undercut these prices, especially if you're renting for a full week or longer. Always call ahead or check online availability, because dolly inventory can run low during peak moving seasons (May through September).

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul, Home Depot, and local equipment rental shops all rent tow dollies, with U-Haul and Home Depot offering the easiest online booking.
  • Daily rates typically range from $15 to $25, plus mileage charges that add $0.50 to $1.50 per mile to your total cost.
  • You will need a valid driver's license, a vehicle capable of towing (check your owner's manual for towing capacity), and proof of insurance.
  • Dolly availability drops sharply during summer months, so reserve at least one week in advance if you're renting between May and September.
  • A tow dolly works only for front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive cars; rear-wheel-drive vehicles require a full car trailer instead.

What you need to rent a tow dolly

Rental companies require a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. You'll also need to provide proof that your towing vehicle can handle the weight—check your vehicle's owner's manual for the towing capacity, which is usually listed in the specifications section. A standard car dolly weighs 500 to 700 pounds and adds another 2,500 to 3,500 pounds when a car is loaded on it, so your vehicle needs to be rated for at least 4,000 pounds of towing capacity.

Most rental companies ask for proof of auto insurance, though some will sell you damage coverage at the rental counter if you don't have it. U-Haul's damage waiver typically costs $15 to $20 per day and covers most accidental damage to the dolly. Home Depot has similar coverage options. Read the damage terms carefully—some waivers exclude damage from improper loading or towing, so understanding what you're responsible for matters before you leave the lot.

Renting from U-Haul versus Home Depot

U-Haul has more locations overall and allows you to pick up a dolly at one location and drop it off at another, which is useful if you're moving across state lines. Their online reservation system is straightforward, and you can see real-time availability by zip code. U-Haul charges a daily rate plus mileage, and they often run promotions during off-peak seasons that can lower your per-day cost.

Home Depot's rental service operates through a partnership with local equipment rental companies, so availability and pricing vary by store. Home Depot's advantage is convenience if you're already shopping there, and some locations offer same-day pickup. However, Home Depot typically doesn't allow one-way rentals—you must return the dolly to the same location. Compare both by entering your zip code and rental dates on their websites; the difference in total cost can be $30 to $50 depending on distance and timing.

Local equipment rental shops and independent movers

Independent equipment rental companies often charge less than national chains, especially for multi-day or weekly rentals. Search "equipment rental near me" or "tow dolly rental [your city]" to find local options. Call ahead to confirm they have a dolly in stock and ask about their damage policy—some local shops are more flexible about minor wear, while others charge steep damage fees.

Some moving companies rent dollies as a side service and may bundle the dolly rental with other equipment if you're also renting a truck. This can sometimes save money if you're doing a full move. However, local shops may have limited hours or require cash payment, so confirm their payment methods and availability before making a trip.

Front-wheel-drive cars versus rear-wheel-drive cars

A tow dolly works by lifting the front wheels of a car off the ground, which means it's designed for front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles. If your car is front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive, a dolly is the right choice and will cost less than a full car trailer. The front wheels sit on the dolly's platform, the rear wheels stay on the ground, and the car is towed backward.

Rear-wheel-drive cars cannot be towed on a dolly this way because lifting the front wheels would leave the rear wheels unsupported and damage the transmission. If you're towing a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, you need a full car trailer instead, which costs significantly more—typically $40 to $75 per day plus mileage. Before you rent, confirm your car's drivetrain in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website.

Loading and towing safety

When you pick up the dolly, the rental company will show you how to load the car and find it with straps or chains. The front wheels go onto the dolly's platform, and you'll use the provided straps to tie down the frame or suspension points—never strap to bumpers or trim pieces, as these can tear away. The rental agreement will include loading instructions; follow them exactly, because improper loading can void your damage coverage.

Before you leave the lot, check that all straps are tight and the car sits level on the dolly. Drive slowly for the first few miles to make sure everything feels stable. Towing a dolly requires more braking distance than towing a trailer, so increase your following distance and avoid sudden stops. If you're unfamiliar with towing, ask the rental agent to walk you through the process—it takes five minutes and prevents costly mistakes.

Booking online versus in person

U-Haul's website and app let you reserve a dolly, see the total cost upfront, and lock in the price before you arrive. This is the fastest route if you know your rental dates and location. Home Depot's online system works similarly, though availability may show as "call for details" at some locations. Booking online also gives you a confirmation number, which is useful if there's a dispute about your reservation.

Renting in person at a local shop can sometimes get you a better price if you negotiate or if they have a current promotion, but you won't know the total cost until you're at the counter. In-person rental is worth considering only if you need the dolly the same day and online availability shows nothing available in your area. Even then, call first to confirm they have one in stock before making the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a tow dolly if my vehicle's towing capacity is borderline?

No. If your vehicle is rated for exactly 4,000 pounds and the loaded dolly weighs 3,500 pounds, you're at the limit with no safety margin. Rental companies may refuse to rent to you, and towing at or above your vehicle's rated capacity risks transmission damage and brake failure. Check your manual and rent only if you have at least 500 pounds of capacity above the loaded dolly weight.

What happens if I damage the dolly during the rental?

If you purchased damage coverage, the waiver typically covers accidental damage up to a certain amount (often $1,000 to $2,500). You'll pay a deductible, usually $100 to $300. If you didn't buy coverage, you're responsible for the full repair cost, which can be $500 to $2,000 for frame or axle damage. Report any damage when ready when you return the dolly—waiting until later can result in higher charges.

Do I need a special driver's license to tow a dolly?

Most states don't require a special license for towing a dolly, but some states have restrictions based on the total weight of the towing vehicle plus the loaded dolly. Check your state's DMV website before you rent. A few states require a commercial license if the combined weight exceeds a certain threshold (often 26,000 pounds), though this is rare for standard car towing.

Can I rent a dolly for a one-way trip across the country?

U-Haul allows one-way rentals and will calculate mileage charges based on the distance. Home Depot does not allow one-way rentals. If you're moving across the country, U-Haul is your option, though the mileage fees can add $200 to $400 to your total cost depending on distance. Get a quote online before committing.

What if the dolly I reserved isn't available when I arrive?

Call the rental location as soon as you realize there's a problem—don't wait until your pickup date. If they can't honor your reservation, they may offer a different dolly or a discount on a future rental. If you booked through U-Haul or Home Depot online, you have a confirmation number and can escalate the issue to customer service. Always have a backup plan, such as the name of another rental location nearby.