How much does it cost to rent a trailer?
How much does it cost to rent a trailer?
$15 – $150 per day
$100 – $500 per week
$30 – $100 per day (enclosed cargo)
Average trailer rental cost
Renting a trailer costs $15 to $150 per day for most standard options, depending on the trailer type, size, and rental duration. Small utility trailers start as low as $14.99 for four hours, while larger enclosed cargo trailers and specialty haulers can run $50 to $150 or more per day. Weekly rentals typically offer better per-day rates, ranging from $100 to $500 or more for a full seven days.
| Trailer type | Daily rental cost | Weekly rental cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small utility trailer (4' x 7') | $15 – $40 | $80 – $200 |
| Medium utility trailer (5' x 8' or 5' x 9') | $25 – $55 | $100 – $275 |
| Large utility trailer (6' x 12') | $35 – $75 | $150 – $350 |
| Small enclosed cargo trailer (4' x 8') | $30 – $50 | $120 – $250 |
| Medium enclosed cargo trailer (5' x 8') | $35 – $60 | $140 – $300 |
| Large enclosed cargo trailer (6' x 12') | $50 – $100 | $200 – $450 |
| Car/motorcycle trailer | $45 – $85 | $175 – $400 |
| Flatbed/toy hauler (16') | $75 – $150 | $300 – $500+ |
Prices vary by region, season, and rental company. Most providers charge based on duration, with some offering hourly rates for quick local projects. Unlike truck rentals, many trailer rentals include unlimited miles, which can make them a more economical choice for long-distance moves.
Types of trailers available for rent
Trailer rentals fall into three main categories: cargo (enclosed) trailers, utility (open) trailers, and specialty trailers like motorcycle haulers and flatbeds. Choosing the right type depends on what you're hauling, how much weather protection your load needs, and the weight of your cargo.
| Category | Best for | Starting daily cost |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosed cargo trailers | Furniture, appliances, boxed goods | $30 – $50 |
| Open utility trailers | Yard waste, lumber, equipment | $15 – $35 |
| Car/motorcycle trailers | Vehicle transport | $45 – $85 |
| Flatbed/toy haulers | ATVs, heavy equipment, large loads | $75 – $150 |
Enclosed trailers provide lockable doors and weather protection, making them ideal for moving household belongings. Open utility trailers offer easier loading for bulky items like landscaping materials. Specialty trailers accommodate vehicles, motorcycles, and oversized recreational equipment.
Enclosed cargo trailer rental costs
Enclosed cargo trailers are the most popular choice for moving and cost $30 to $100 per day, depending on size. These trailers feature lockable swing doors or ramp doors and full weather protection, keeping your belongings safe and dry during transport.
| Cargo trailer size | Inside dimensions (L x W x H) | Max load | Volume | Daily cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4' x 8' with swing door | 8'1" x 4'2" x 4' | 1,650 lbs | 142 cu. ft. | $30 – $50 |
| 5' x 8' with swing door | 8'1" x 4'8" x 5' | 1,800 lbs | 208 cu. ft. | $35 – $60 |
| 5' x 8' with ramp door | 8'1" x 4'8" x 5' | 1,800 lbs | 208 cu. ft. | $40 – $65 |
| 6' x 12' with swing door | 11'7" x 6' x 5'3" | 1,770 lbs | 396 cu. ft. | $50 – $100 |
4' x 8' cargo trailer
The smallest enclosed option works well for studio apartment moves or transporting a few large items. At 142 cubic feet of space and a max load of 1,650 lbs, it can handle dressers, mattresses, and several boxes. The empty trailer weighs 850 lbs, making it towable by most midsize vehicles and SUVs.
5' x 8' cargo trailer
This midsize trailer is the most versatile enclosed option, offering 208 cubic feet of cargo space and an 1,800-lb max load. It is suitable for one-bedroom apartment moves. Both swing door and ramp door versions are available; the ramp version costs slightly more but makes loading heavy items like appliances much easier, with a ramp capacity of 1,000 lbs.
6' x 12' cargo trailer
The largest enclosed trailer provides 396 cubic feet of cargo volume, nearly double the 5' x 8' option. Despite its size, the max load is 1,770 lbs due to the trailer's own weight of 1,920 lbs. You'll need a vehicle with a towing capacity of at least 4,400 lbs (the gross vehicle weight) to safely pull this trailer.
Always check your vehicle's towing capacity before renting a trailer. The gross vehicle weight (trailer weight plus cargo) must not exceed your vehicle's rated towing limit. Overloading can cause brake failure, tire blowouts, and loss of vehicle control.
Open utility trailer rental costs
Open utility trailers cost $15 to $75 per day and are ideal for hauling yard waste, building materials, furniture, and equipment. They offer easy loading from the sides and rear but don't provide weather protection or security for your cargo.
| Utility trailer size | Inside dimensions (L x W x H) | Max load | Daily cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4' x 7' with gate | 7'6" x 3'2" | 1,770 lbs | $15 – $35 |
| 5' x 8' with gate | 9' x 4'2" | 1,890 lbs | $25 – $45 |
| 5' x 9' with ramp | 8'11" x 4'8" | 1,650 lbs | $30 – $55 |
| 6' x 12' with gate | 12' x 6' | 2,670 lbs | $35 – $65 |
| 6' x 12' with ramp | 11'11" x 6' | 3,710 lbs | $45 – $75 |
Small utility trailers (4' x 7' and 5' x 8')
Small utility trailers are the most affordable rental option and work perfectly for dump runs, hauling mulch or gravel, and transporting lumber. The 4' x 7' model weighs just 630 lbs empty, so most cars and small trucks can tow it safely. The 5' x 8' version offers more floor space at 36 square feet and supports up to 1,890 lbs of cargo.
Large utility trailers (6' x 12')
The 6' x 12' utility trailer is available in gate and ramp configurations. The ramp version stands out with a maximum load of 3,710 lbs and a gross vehicle weight of 6,000 lbs, making it suitable for hauling heavy equipment, riding mowers, and large loads of building materials. The gate version handles up to 2,670 lbs with a gross vehicle weight of 4,400 lbs.
Specialty trailer rental costs
Specialty trailers for motorcycles, vehicles, and recreational toys cost $45 to $150 per day. These trailers serve specific purposes that standard cargo and utility trailers can't easily accommodate.
| Specialty trailer type | Max load | Towing requirement (GVW) | Daily cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle trailer with ramp | 1,530 lbs | 2,400 lbs | $45 – $70 |
| Car transport trailer | 3,500 – 5,000 lbs | 5,000 – 7,500 lbs | $50 – $85 |
| Toy hauler/16' flatbed | 6,845 lbs | 10,000 lbs | $75 – $150 |
Motorcycle trailers
Motorcycle trailers feature built-in ramps rated for 1,530 lbs, tie-down points, and wheel chocks to keep bikes secure during transport. The inside dimensions of 8'9" x 4' can accommodate up to three motorcycles depending on their size. At 870 lbs empty and a gross vehicle weight of only 2,400 lbs, most SUVs and trucks can tow this trailer.
Toy haulers and flatbed trailers
The largest rental trailer option is the 16-foot flatbed toy hauler, which features three ramps (each rated for 2,500 lbs) and supports a maximum load of 6,845 lbs. This trailer is designed for hauling ATVs, side-by-sides, golf carts, and small vehicles. It requires a tow vehicle rated for at least 10,000 lbs, so a full-size truck is necessary.
Trailer rental providers compared
Several national and local companies rent trailers, each with different pricing structures, availability, and trailer selection. Comparing providers can save you significant money, especially on multi-day or long-distance rentals.
| Provider | Trailer types | Starting price | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | Cargo, utility, motorcycle, car, flatbed | $14.95 per day | Unlimited miles, one-way rentals, largest selection |
| Tractor Supply Co. | 6' x 10' utility | $14.99 for 4 hours | Hourly rates, in-store pickup, budget-friendly for short tasks |
| Home Depot | Utility, flatbed | $19 – $49 per day | Convenient store locations, tool rentals available |
| Penske | Cargo, car haulers | $30 – $80 per day | Pairs with truck rentals, AAA discounts |
| Local rental yards | Varies widely | $25 – $100+ per day | Negotiable rates, specialty options, flexible terms |
U-Haul
U-Haul remains the most popular trailer rental company, offering the widest selection of trailer types and sizes. All U-Haul trailer rentals include unlimited miles, which makes them especially cost-effective for long-distance moves. One-way rentals are available, allowing you to pick up a trailer in one city and drop it off in another. U-Haul also provides hitch installation services if your vehicle doesn't already have one.
Tractor Supply Co.
Tractor Supply offers a single 6' x 10' utility trailer at hourly rates: $14.99 for four hours or $24.99 for eight hours. Rentals can extend up to seven days. This is an excellent option for quick local tasks like hauling purchases home, clearing brush, or making a dump run. Availability varies by store location.
Home Depot and other providers
Home Depot rents utility and flatbed trailers at select locations, with daily rates starting around $19 to $49. Penske primarily offers cargo and car hauler trailers, often paired with their truck rental services. Local rental yards and equipment companies may carry specialty trailers like dump trailers, landscape trailers, or heavy-duty flatbeds not available from national chains.
Factors that affect trailer rental costs
The final price of your trailer rental depends on several variables beyond the base daily rate. Understanding these factors helps you budget accurately and avoid unexpected charges.
| Cost factor | Impact on price |
|---|---|
| Trailer size | Larger trailers cost 50% to 200% more than the smallest options |
| Rental duration | Weekly rates save 30% to 50% over daily rates |
| One-way vs. round-trip | One-way rentals add $50 to $200+ in drop-off fees |
| Insurance/damage waiver | Adds $10 to $25 per day |
| Hitch installation | $100 to $350+ one-time cost if your vehicle needs one |
| Season and demand | Summer months can increase rates by 10% to 30% |
| Location | Urban areas and high-demand cities tend to charge more |
Rental duration
Most providers offer hourly, daily, and weekly rates. Hourly rates work best for quick projects like hauling yard waste to the dump. Daily rates suit local moves and day-long projects. Weekly rates provide the best value per day, often saving 30% to 50% compared to renting day by day.
One-way vs. round-trip rentals
Round-trip rentals (pick up and return to the same location) are the most affordable option. One-way rentals, where you drop the trailer off at a different location, incur additional fees ranging from $50 to $200 or more depending on distance. U-Haul is one of the few providers that consistently offers one-way trailer rentals nationwide.
Insurance and damage waivers
Rental companies typically offer optional damage waivers or insurance coverage for $10 to $25 per day. This covers damage to the trailer itself. Your auto insurance policy or credit card benefits may already provide some coverage for rental trailers, so check before purchasing additional protection.
Hitch and wiring costs
If your vehicle doesn't have a trailer hitch, you'll need one installed before you can tow. Trailer hitch installation costs $100 to $350 or more, depending on the hitch class and vehicle type. Wiring for trailer lights adds another $20 to $75. U-Haul offers hitch installation services at many of its locations.
Trailers require electrical connections for brake lights and turn signals. Most utility trailers use a 4-way flat wiring connector, while larger trailers may need 7-pin connectors. Make sure your vehicle's hitch wiring matches the trailer's connector, or bring an adapter.
Tips for saving money on trailer rentals
Smart planning can cut your trailer rental costs significantly. Here are proven strategies to keep expenses low while still getting the right trailer for your project.
- Rent only the size you need. A 4' x 7' utility trailer at $15 per day handles most dump runs and small hauls. Don't pay for a 6' x 12' if you won't fill it.
- Use hourly rates for short tasks. Tractor Supply's $14.99 for four hours is hard to beat for quick local hauling jobs.
- Book in advance. Reserving your trailer early helps you lock in better rates and ensures availability, especially during peak summer months.
- Rent midweek. Weekday rentals are often cheaper and easier to book than weekend pickups when demand is highest.
- Choose round-trip over one-way. Returning the trailer to the same location avoids drop-off fees of $50 to $200+.
- Compare multiple providers. Prices for the same trailer size can vary by 20% to 40% between companies in the same area.
- Check your existing insurance. Your auto policy or credit card benefits may cover rental trailer damage, saving you $10 to $25 per day on optional waivers.
- Consider weekly rates for multi-day projects. If you need the trailer for more than three days, a weekly rate is almost always cheaper than paying daily.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to rent a trailer?
The cheapest option is Tractor Supply Co.'s 6' x 10' utility trailer at $14.99 for four hours. For full-day rentals, U-Haul's small 4' x 7' utility trailer starts at approximately $14.95 per day with unlimited miles included. Comparing quotes from local rental yards may also reveal competitive pricing.
Do trailer rentals include mileage charges?
U-Haul includes unlimited miles on all trailer rentals, which is a significant advantage for long-distance hauling. Other providers may charge per-mile fees or limit mileage, so always ask about mileage policies before booking.
What kind of vehicle do I need to tow a trailer?
Small utility trailers (gross vehicle weight under 2,500 lbs) can be towed by most midsize sedans, crossovers, and SUVs. Medium trailers (up to 4,400 lbs GVW) require a full-size SUV or pickup truck. Large flatbed and toy hauler trailers (up to 10,000 lbs GVW) need a heavy-duty truck with appropriate towing capacity.
Do I need my own hitch to rent a trailer?
Yes, your vehicle must have a compatible trailer hitch and wiring connector. If your vehicle doesn't have one, U-Haul and many auto shops offer hitch installation for $100 to $350+. Some rental locations may refuse to rent a trailer if your vehicle's hitch or towing capacity doesn't match the trailer's requirements.
How long can I rent a trailer?
Most providers offer hourly (four to eight hours), daily, and weekly rental terms. Tractor Supply allows rentals up to seven days. U-Haul and other national chains offer flexible terms from one day to several weeks. For rentals longer than a week, ask about monthly rates or long-term rental agreements, which can reduce costs further.
Should I rent an enclosed or open trailer?
Choose an enclosed cargo trailer if your items need protection from weather, road debris, or theft. The lockable doors add security during overnight stops on long moves. An open utility trailer works better for heavy or bulky items like landscaping materials, equipment, and construction supplies that don't require weather protection and are easier to load from the sides.