The main places to rent a trailer are equipment rental chains, truck rental companies, and local independent shops

You have three broad routes: national chains like Home Depot, U-Haul, and Sunbelt Rentals; truck rental companies like Penske and Budget that also stock trailers; and local equipment rental shops in your area. National chains tend to have predictable pricing and availability online, but may charge more per day. Local shops often undercut the big names and let you negotiate, but you need to call or visit in person to see what they have. The best choice depends on trailer type, how long you need it, and whether you want to book ahead or rent same-day.

Trailer rental costs vary widely by size, type, and location. A small utility trailer (4×8 feet) might run $25 to $50 per day at a local shop or $40 to $75 at a national chain. Enclosed trailers and car haulers cost more—often $75 to $150 per day. Weekly and monthly rates usually offer a discount compared to daily rates, so if you need the trailer for five or more days, ask about weekly pricing. Mileage is sometimes unlimited, sometimes charged per mile, and sometimes included in a daily rate—always confirm before you commit.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul, Home Depot, Penske, and Budget are the largest national options; local equipment rental shops often have lower daily rates and more flexibility on price.
  • Trailer type—utility, enclosed, car hauler, or specialty—determines cost more than anything else, with enclosed and car-hauling trailers running two to three times the price of open utility trailers.
  • Weekly rates usually cost less per day than daily rates, so a five-day rental often makes sense to book as a weekly rental instead.
  • You will need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card for the deposit; some companies require you to own a vehicle with a hitch already installed.

National chains: U-Haul, Home Depot, and Penske

U-Haul is the largest trailer rental network in the United States and has the widest selection of trailer types. You can reserve online, see real-time availability at nearby locations, and often pick up same-day. U-Haul charges by the day and typically does not charge mileage. Prices vary by location and season, but a basic utility trailer usually costs $15 to $40 per day, while enclosed trailers run $60 to $120 per day. U-Haul also rents specialty trailers—car haulers, motorcycle trailers, and equipment trailers—though availability depends on your local market.

Home Depot rents trailers through its stores, and the selection is smaller than U-Haul but often cheaper for short, local moves. Home Depot focuses on utility trailers and small enclosed trailers, with daily rates typically $15 to $35. You reserve in-store or online and pick up at the location where you booked. Home Depot does not charge mileage, and you can return the trailer to any Home Depot location (not just where you rented it), which is useful if your move ends far from home.

Penske and Budget are truck rental companies that also stock trailers, usually utility and enclosed models. Penske tends to have newer equipment and higher daily rates ($40 to $80 for a utility trailer), while Budget is often cheaper ($25 to $60). Both allow you to book online and pick up at any of their locations. Penske and Budget charge mileage on some trailer types, so read the fine print before you book.

Local equipment rental shops and independent dealers

Independent rental shops exist in almost every town and often undercut national chains by 20 to 40 percent on daily rates. You find them by searching "equipment rental near me" or "trailer rental [your city]" in Google Maps. Call ahead to confirm they have the trailer type you need, because inventory changes daily and they do not always update their websites.

Local shops often negotiate on price, especially for weekly or monthly rentals or if you rent multiple pieces of equipment at once. They may also be more flexible about insurance requirements and hitch compatibility. The downside is that you cannot book online with most of them, and their hours may be limited (many close by 5 p.m. on weekdays and do not open on Sundays). If you need a trailer on short notice or outside normal business hours, a national chain is your only option.

Some local shops also offer delivery and setup, which can save you time if you are renting an enclosed trailer or specialty equipment. Ask whether delivery is included in the rental price or charged separately.

What to know before you rent: hitch, insurance, and deposits

Your vehicle must have a hitch receiver installed before you can tow a trailer. Most rental companies will not rent to you without one, and some will not even let you reserve until you confirm you have it. If your vehicle does not have a hitch, you can have one installed at a shop (usually $200 to $500 depending on the vehicle) or rent a vehicle with a hitch already in place. Some truck rental companies offer vehicles with hitches included, which may be cheaper than renting a trailer separately if you need both.

Rental companies require proof of insurance before you pick up a trailer. Your auto insurance policy usually covers trailer rental, but call your insurer before you book to confirm. If your policy does not cover rentals, the rental company will sell you a daily insurance add-on, typically $10 to $20 per day. Read what it covers—some policies cover damage to the trailer only, not damage caused by the trailer to other property.

You will also pay a deposit, usually $50 to $200, held on your credit card. The deposit is refunded when you return the trailer in the same condition you rented it. If you damage the trailer, the rental company will charge you for repairs. Some companies offer damage waivers (usually $10 to $15 per day) that reduce or eliminate your liability for accidental damage, though intentional damage is never covered.

Comparing daily, weekly, and monthly rates

Rental companies price trailers by the day, week, or month. A daily rate is the most expensive per-day cost, but it is the only option if you need the trailer for just one or two days. Weekly rates (usually a seven-day period) cost less per day than daily rates—often 30 to 50 percent less. Monthly rates offer even deeper discounts. If you need a trailer for five or more days, always ask what the weekly rate is and compare it to the daily rate multiplied by the number of days you need it.

Some companies charge a drop-off fee if you return the trailer to a different location than where you rented it. U-Haul and Home Depot typically do not charge this; Penske and Budget sometimes do. If you are moving across state lines or to a distant city, confirm the return policy before you book.

Specialty trailers: car haulers, enclosed, and equipment trailers

If you need to haul a car, motorcycle, or expensive equipment, an open utility trailer is not enough. Car haulers (also called auto transporters) have a deck and ramps designed to find a vehicle safely. They cost $75 to $150 per day at national chains and $50 to $100 at local shops. Enclosed trailers protect cargo from weather and theft and run $60 to $120 per day. Equipment trailers (flatbeds, gooseneck trailers) are built for heavy loads and cost $80 to $200 per day depending on size and capacity.

Specialty trailers require more skill to tow safely and may require a special endorsement on your driver's license in some states (check your state's DMV website). Rental companies usually do not enforce this, but you are legally responsible if you are stopped. Specialty trailers also have weight limits—confirm the trailer's capacity before you load it, because overloading voids your insurance and can damage your vehicle's transmission.

How to book and what to bring on pickup day

For national chains, book online through their website or app. You enter your location, the trailer type, and the dates you need it. The website shows real-time availability and price. You can reserve with a credit card and pay in full online, or pay at pickup. For local shops, call or visit in person, describe what you need, and ask about availability and price. Many local shops do not take reservations and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

On pickup day, bring a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card for the deposit. The rental company will inspect the trailer with you, point out any existing damage, and have you sign a rental agreement. Read the agreement carefully—it lists what you are responsible for, what the insurance covers, and what happens if you return the trailer late. Ask questions about anything you do not understand before you sign.

When you return the trailer, the rental company will inspect it again. If there is new damage, they will estimate the repair cost and charge your credit card. If there is no damage, your deposit is refunded within a few business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a trailer if I do not have a hitch on my vehicle?

No. Rental companies require proof that your vehicle has a hitch receiver installed. If you do not have one, you can have one installed at an auto shop (usually $200 to $500) or rent a truck with a hitch already in place from a truck rental company.

What happens if I return the trailer late?

Most rental companies charge an additional daily rate for each day (or partial day) the trailer is late. Some charge a flat late fee instead. Check your rental agreement for the specific policy. If you know you will be late, call the rental company as soon as possible—they may extend your rental period at the daily rate rather than charging a late fee.

Does my car insurance cover damage to a rented trailer?

Usually yes, but call your insurance company before you rent to confirm. Your policy may cover damage to the trailer, damage caused by the trailer to other property, or both. If your policy does not cover trailer rentals, the rental company will sell you a daily insurance add-on for $10 to $20 per day.

Is it cheaper to rent a trailer or a moving truck?

For a small, local move, a trailer is usually cheaper because you use your own vehicle to tow it. For a long-distance move or if you need to haul a lot of cargo, a moving truck may be cheaper because you do not pay for fuel to tow a trailer, and truck rental companies often offer better weekly and monthly rates than trailer companies.

Can I rent a trailer for one-way use, like moving to another state?

Yes, but confirm the return policy first. U-Haul and Home Depot allow one-way returns at any location. Penske and Budget sometimes charge a drop-off fee for one-way rentals. Local shops usually require you to return the trailer to the same location where you rented it.