The Ultimate Guide to U-Haul Trailer Rental: Sizes, Prices, and How to Choose the Right One
The Ultimate Guide to U-Haul Trailer Rental: Sizes, Prices, and How to Choose the Right One Lmctruck.Guidemechanic.com
Moving can be one of life’s most challenging events, whether you’re relocating across town or embarking on a cross-country adventure. The sheer volume of belongings, the logistics, and the need to protect your valuables can feel overwhelming. This is where U-Haul trailer rentals step in, offering a flexible and cost-effective solution for various moving and hauling needs.
But with so many options, how do you know which U-Haul trailer is right for you? Understanding the different sizes, their capacities, and typical pricing is crucial for making an informed decision. As an expert blogger and someone with extensive experience in navigating the world of DIY moves, I’ve seen firsthand how choosing the correct trailer can make or break your moving experience. This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about U-Haul trailer rental sizes and prices, helping you tow with confidence and efficiency.
The Ultimate Guide to U-Haul Trailer Rental: Sizes, Prices, and How to Choose the Right One
Why U-Haul Trailers Are a Smart Choice for Your Hauling Needs
U-Haul has been a household name in the moving industry for decades, and for good reason. Their extensive network means you can often pick up and drop off trailers at convenient locations, making one-way moves particularly straightforward. Beyond that, their diverse fleet caters to almost any hauling requirement, from a few boxes to an entire vehicle.
Based on my experience, one of U-Haul’s biggest advantages is the sheer availability and variety of their equipment. They provide reliable, well-maintained trailers designed to be user-friendly, even for those new to towing. This accessibility, combined with competitive pricing, makes them a go-to option for countless individuals and families.
Unpacking U-Haul Trailer Types: Utility, Cargo, and Auto Transport
U-Haul categorizes its trailers into three primary types, each serving distinct purposes. Understanding these categories is the first step in selecting your ideal rental. We’ll dive deep into each one, exploring their specific sizes, typical uses, and what you can expect in terms of pricing.
1. U-Haul Utility Trailers: The Open-Air Workhorses
Utility trailers are open-top trailers, meaning they don’t have walls or a roof. They are incredibly versatile, perfect for hauling items that are weather-resistant, oversized, or simply don’t fit into an enclosed space. Think lumber, landscaping materials, ATVs, or even a small boat.
Common uses:
- Transporting garden waste, mulch, or topsoil.
- Moving appliances or furniture that might be too tall for an enclosed trailer.
- Hauling recreational vehicles like motorcycles, ATVs, or dirt bikes.
- DIY projects requiring transport of building materials.
Pro tips from us: Always secure your load exceptionally well on a utility trailer. Tarps and plenty of tie-downs are your best friends to prevent items from shifting or flying out.
Let’s explore the specific sizes available:
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4′ x 7′ Utility Trailer:
- Description: This is U-Haul’s smallest utility trailer, featuring an open design and a low deck. It’s surprisingly robust for its size, making it a popular choice for smaller projects. It often comes with a built-in ramp, which is incredibly useful.
- Capacity: It can handle approximately 1,650 lbs of cargo. This is perfect for light hauling jobs, such as moving a few pieces of furniture, a small lawnmower, or several bags of cement.
- Ideal Use: Excellent for quick trips to the hardware store, hauling debris, or transporting a single motorcycle or ATV.
- Estimated Price: Local rentals typically range from $14.95 to $19.95 per day. One-way rentals will be significantly higher and vary based on distance and demand.
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5′ x 8′ Utility Trailer:
- Description: A step up in size, this utility trailer offers more floor space and often comes with a sturdy loading ramp for easier access. Its larger dimensions make it suitable for a broader range of items.
- Capacity: This trailer can comfortably carry up to 1,890 lbs. It’s a great option for larger appliances, multiple pieces of furniture, or more extensive yard work.
- Ideal Use: Perfect for moving a washing machine and dryer, a larger sofa, or a couple of dirt bikes. It’s also very popular for landscaping and home renovation projects.
- Estimated Price: Local rentals generally fall between $19.95 to $24.95 per day. As with all trailers, one-way pricing will depend heavily on the route and duration.
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5′ x 9′ Utility Trailer (with Ramp):
- Description: This size is often highlighted for its robust ramp and slightly longer bed than the 5×8, making it especially convenient for rolling items on and off. It’s a favorite among those transporting recreational vehicles.
- Capacity: Similar to the 5×8, it can hold up to 1,890 lbs. The main advantage here is the enhanced ramp system, designed for easier loading of heavier wheeled items.
- Ideal Use: The go-to choice for transporting motorcycles, ATVs, golf carts, or other similar wheeled equipment. It’s also excellent for general household moves where items might be bulky but not overly heavy.
- Estimated Price: Expect local daily rates from $19.95 to $24.95. One-way costs are variable.
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6′ x 12′ Utility Trailer:
- Description: This is U-Haul’s largest utility trailer, providing ample space for substantial loads. It’s often equipped with a low deck and a heavy-duty ramp, making it suitable for larger equipment and multiple items.
- Capacity: With a capacity of up to 2,670 lbs, this trailer can handle significant weight and volume. It’s ideal for larger moves or commercial-grade hauling.
- Ideal Use: Great for moving an entire bedroom set, multiple large appliances, construction materials, or even a small vehicle like a riding lawnmower or side-by-side ATV.
- Estimated Price: Local rentals are typically in the range of $29.95 to $34.95 per day. One-way pricing will be calculated based on the specific travel plan.
2. U-Haul Cargo Trailers: The Enclosed Protectors
Cargo trailers, also known as enclosed trailers, offer protection from the elements and added security for your belongings. They are perfect for moving furniture, boxes, electronics, and anything you want to keep dry, clean, and out of sight.
Common uses:
- Moving household goods and furniture during a residential move.
- Transporting sensitive electronics or delicate items.
- Protecting valuables from rain, snow, or road grime.
- Storing items temporarily during a renovation.
Common mistakes to avoid are underestimating the amount of space you need. It’s always better to go slightly larger than to cram everything in, risking damage.
Let’s look at the available sizes for cargo trailers:
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4′ x 8′ Cargo Trailer:
- Description: This is U-Haul’s smallest enclosed trailer, compact yet surprisingly spacious. It’s designed to be lightweight and easy to tow, even with smaller SUVs or trucks.
- Capacity: It offers 142 cubic feet of loading space and can carry up to 1,600 lbs. This is roughly equivalent to a small studio apartment or dorm room’s worth of items.
- Ideal Use: Perfect for small apartment moves, college students, or transporting sensitive equipment, several boxes, and a few pieces of small furniture.
- Estimated Price: Local daily rentals usually cost around $18.95 to $22.95. One-way options are available but will be priced dynamically.
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5′ x 8′ Cargo Trailer:
- Description: A very popular choice, the 5×8 enclosed trailer strikes a good balance between size and maneuverability. It provides significantly more space than the 4×8 while remaining relatively easy to tow.
- Capacity: With 208 cubic feet and a weight capacity of 1,800 lbs, it can hold items from a one-bedroom apartment or a substantial amount of boxes and furniture.
- Ideal Use: Excellent for moving a one-bedroom apartment, transporting larger appliances, or securely moving business inventory.
- Estimated Price: Local rentals typically range from $22.95 to $28.95 per day. One-way prices are determined by route and demand.
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5′ x 10′ Cargo Trailer:
- Description: Offering an additional two feet in length over the 5×8, this trailer provides valuable extra space without a massive increase in towing difficulty. It’s a great intermediate option.
- Capacity: This trailer boasts 240 cubic feet of space and a 1,600 lb weight capacity. It’s suitable for slightly larger one-bedroom apartments or smaller two-bedroom dwellings.
- Ideal Use: Ideal for slightly larger apartment moves, transporting long items like mattresses or kayaks, or when you need just a bit more room than the 5×8 offers.
- Estimated Price: Daily local rates are usually between $24.95 to $30.95. One-way costs will vary.
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6′ x 12′ Cargo Trailer:
- Description: This is U-Haul’s largest enclosed trailer, providing maximum cargo space. It features a wide and tall interior, often with a low loading deck for ease of access.
- Capacity: It offers a generous 396 cubic feet of space and can carry up to 2,470 lbs. This is enough for a two-bedroom home or a large apartment.
- Ideal Use: Best for larger apartment or smaller home moves, transporting extensive collections of items, or when you need ample space and protection for your belongings.
- Estimated Price: Local daily rentals typically fall between $29.95 to $36.95. One-way pricing is distance and demand-dependent.
3. U-Haul Auto Transport Trailers: For Your Vehicle’s Journey
When you need to move a car, truck, or SUV, U-Haul offers specialized trailers designed specifically for vehicle transport. These are critical for long-distance moves or when a vehicle is inoperable.
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U-Haul Auto Transport (Full Trailer):
- Description: This is a full car hauler, meaning all four wheels of your vehicle rest on the trailer bed. It provides the most secure way to transport a car, offering full support and protection.
- Capacity: Designed to carry most cars, trucks, and SUVs up to 5,290 lbs. It features easy-access loading ramps and secure tie-downs.
- Ideal Use: Essential for long-distance moves, transporting classic cars, or moving vehicles that are not in running condition.
- Estimated Price: Auto transports are almost exclusively rented one-way. Prices can vary significantly based on distance and route, often ranging from $79 to $800+ for long distances. Local rentals are less common but may be available for around $50-$70 per day.
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U-Haul Tow Dolly:
- Description: A tow dolly lifts only the front wheels of your vehicle off the ground, with the rear wheels remaining on the road. It’s a more economical option for certain vehicles and distances.
- Capacity: Suitable for front-wheel-drive vehicles up to 3,900 lbs. Some rear-wheel-drive cars can be towed backward, but check U-Haul’s specific guidelines.
- Ideal Use: Best for shorter distance moves or when you need to transport a front-wheel-drive vehicle and want a more budget-friendly option than a full auto transport.
- Estimated Price: Like auto transports, tow dollies are often rented one-way. Prices can range from $49 to $400+ for long distances. Local daily rates might be around $40-$60.
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Motorcycle Trailers (Often 5′ x 9′ Utility Trailer):
- Description: While U-Haul doesn’t have a distinct "motorcycle trailer" category separate from utility trailers, their 5′ x 9′ utility trailer with a ramp is specifically recommended for motorcycles. It’s designed to securely hold one or more bikes.
- Capacity: Can typically accommodate up to two motorcycles, depending on their size, with a total weight capacity of 1,890 lbs. Multiple tie-down points ensure stability.
- Ideal Use: Transporting one or two motorcycles safely and securely, whether for a rally, repair, or a move.
- Estimated Price: As covered under utility trailers, local rentals typically cost $19.95 to $24.95 per day. One-way pricing will vary.
Factors Influencing U-Haul Trailer Rental Prices
While we’ve provided estimated daily rates, several key factors can significantly impact the final price of your U-Haul trailer rental. Understanding these will help you budget effectively.
- Local vs. One-Way Rental: Local rentals (picking up and returning to the same location) are always cheaper, often based on a daily rate. One-way rentals, where you return the trailer to a different U-Haul center, include additional fees for repositioning the equipment and are priced based on the specific route and estimated mileage.
- Distance and Duration (for One-Way): The further you’re going, the more expensive a one-way rental will be. The quoted price for one-way usually includes a set number of days; exceeding this can incur extra charges.
- Availability and Demand: During peak moving seasons (summer, end of the month, holidays), prices can be higher due to increased demand. Booking in advance can sometimes secure better rates.
- Location: Prices can vary slightly by region or even by specific U-Haul dealer, reflecting local operating costs and market conditions.
- Optional Insurance/Coverage: U-Haul offers Safemove® and Safemove Plus® coverage options to protect you from damage to the trailer or your belongings. While optional, based on my experience, it’s a worthwhile consideration for peace of mind, especially for long distances or valuable cargo.
- Additional Equipment: If you need moving blankets, dollies, or tie-down straps, these are rented separately and will add to your total cost.
Pro tips from us: Always get a full quote that includes all fees, taxes, and any optional coverages before finalizing your reservation. This prevents any surprises.
How to Choose the Right U-Haul Trailer: A Decision-Making Guide
Selecting the perfect U-Haul trailer isn’t just about price; it’s about matching the equipment to your specific needs. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
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Assess Your Cargo:
- Size: Measure your largest items (sofas, mattresses, appliances). This will dictate the minimum internal dimensions you need for an enclosed trailer, or the bed length for a utility trailer.
- Weight: Estimate the total weight of everything you plan to haul. This is critical for staying within the trailer’s capacity and your towing vehicle’s limits.
- Fragility/Weather Sensitivity: If your items are delicate, valuable, or susceptible to weather damage (electronics, upholstered furniture, artwork), an enclosed cargo trailer is non-negotiable. For rugged items like lumber or yard waste, a utility trailer is fine.
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Consider Your Towing Vehicle:
- Towing Capacity: This is paramount. Every vehicle has a maximum towing capacity specified by the manufacturer. You must know this number. It refers to the total weight of the loaded trailer.
- Hitch Class: Your vehicle needs an appropriate trailer hitch installed. U-Haul trailers require a specific ball size (usually 1-7/8" or 2"). Ensure your hitch is rated for the trailer’s gross weight.
- Vehicle Type: While U-Haul provides helpful guides, generally, a larger, heavier vehicle (truck, large SUV) is better suited for towing larger trailers.
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Local vs. One-Way Move:
- If you’re moving within the same city or short distance and returning to the same U-Haul location, a local rental is likely your most economical choice.
- For moves across states or long distances, a one-way rental is necessary. Be prepared for higher costs reflecting the logistical effort of repositioning the trailer.
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Budget: While you want to be cost-effective, never compromise safety or the integrity of your belongings to save a few dollars. Factor in the rental cost, fuel consumption (towing significantly increases fuel usage), and any optional insurance.
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Weather Considerations: If you’re moving during a rainy season or across areas prone to unpredictable weather, an enclosed trailer offers peace of mind.
Common mistakes to avoid are:
- Underestimating Size: Always err on the side of a slightly larger trailer. It’s frustrating and costly to realize your items don’t fit.
- Overloading: Exceeding the trailer’s weight capacity is incredibly dangerous, leading to tire blowouts, braking issues, and loss of control.
- Ignoring Towing Capacity: Never attempt to tow a trailer heavier than your vehicle’s rated capacity. This can damage your vehicle and is a significant safety hazard.
- Not Checking Hitch Requirements: Ensure your hitch is correctly installed, the ball size is correct, and the wiring for lights is functional.
Towing Safety Tips & Preparation: Experience Matters
Based on my years of experience, proper preparation and safe towing practices are just as important as choosing the right trailer. Neglecting these steps can lead to dangerous situations and costly damages.
- Pre-Trip Inspection: Before you leave the U-Haul lot, double-check everything. Ensure the trailer is securely hitched, the safety chains are crossed and attached, and the wiring for brake lights and turn signals is working correctly. Check tire pressure on both your vehicle and the trailer.
- Load Distribution: This is crucial. For any trailer, aim for 60% of the cargo weight to be in the front half of the trailer, closest to the towing vehicle. This creates proper tongue weight (the downward force on your hitch) and prevents dangerous swaying.
- Secure Your Load: Use plenty of moving blankets, ropes, and tie-down straps to secure all items inside the trailer. Prevent shifting during transit, as this can unbalance the trailer and damage your goods. For open utility trailers, a heavy-duty tarp is essential.
- Practice Driving: If you’re new to towing, find an empty parking lot to practice turns, backing up, and braking. Trailers make your vehicle longer and less maneuverable.
- Adjust Your Driving:
- Speed: Drive slower than you normally would. High speeds increase the risk of sway and make stopping more difficult.
- Braking: Allow significantly more stopping distance. Trailers add considerable weight, increasing the momentum.
- Turns: Take wider turns to avoid hitting curbs or other obstacles with the trailer.
- Lane Changes: Be mindful of the increased length and blind spots.
For more in-depth advice on preparing your vehicle and ensuring a smooth move, you might find our article on "" incredibly helpful.
Making Your U-Haul Trailer Reservation
Booking your U-Haul trailer is straightforward. You can do it online via the U-Haul website, through their mobile app, or by calling your local U-Haul center. I always recommend reserving well in advance, especially if you have specific dates or a unique trailer size in mind, particularly during peak moving seasons.
You’ll need to provide details about your towing vehicle (make, model, year) to ensure compatibility. U-Haul’s system will guide you through the process and help you select the appropriate hitch and wiring if you don’t already have them. For current pricing and to make a reservation, visit the official U-Haul website.
Conclusion: Tow with Confidence, Move with Ease
Choosing the right U-Haul trailer for your specific needs doesn’t have to be a guessing game. By understanding the different sizes, their capacities, and the factors influencing pricing, you can make an educated decision that ensures a safe, efficient, and stress-free move. Whether you’re hauling a few boxes across town or transporting a vehicle across the country, U-Haul offers a versatile and accessible solution.
Remember to prioritize safety, always confirm your towing vehicle’s capabilities, and never hesitate to ask U-Haul representatives for guidance. With careful planning and the right trailer, your next hauling project or big move can be a remarkably smooth journey. Now go forth and tow with confidence!
