How to Rent a Car Trailer

DIY car transport: car trailer vs. tow dolly

Your options for moving your car yourself — other than driving it — include renting a tow dolly or renting a car trailer.

Both a tow dolly and a car trailer allow you to transport the vehicle behind a moving truck or another vehicle capable of towing this particular weight capacity. Not every vehicle is powerful enough to tow a car trailer; you’ll need a full-size SUV or a pickup truck.

The difference between the two is the trailer design and the types of vehicles it can haul. A tow dolly lifts and carries the car's front wheels while allowing the back two wheels to stay on the road as it's towed.

On the other hand, with a car trailer, the entire vehicle is rolled up onto a platform. Tow dollies can also have lower maximum weight capacities than car trailers and may only transport certain types of vehicles (like those with front-wheel drive in certain cases).

Alternatives to DIY car transport

If you decide not to rent a car trailer after all, another option is an auto transport service. An auto transport service will ship your vehicle via truck to your new place. You schedule the pickup date and the company will provide you with a delivery timeline. Depending on the distance, your car could be delivered within a few days of pickup.

Open and enclosed auto transport options are available; the former is cheaper but the latter protects your car from the elements.

Choosing the right car trailer

Choosing the right car trailer requires understanding both your vehicle's towing capabilities and the trailer's specifications. Rental companies offer various trailer sizes and weight capacities; matching the right equipment to your needs ensures safe transport and compliance with towing regulations.

Towing vehicle requirements

Your towing vehicle must meet specific requirements to safely haul a car trailer. Most car trailers require a 2-inch hitch ball, though some smaller models may use a 1 7/8-inch ball. Verify your vehicle's towing capacity in the owner's manual — standard car trailers typically require a towing capacity of 5,000 to 7,500 pounds when accounting for both the trailer weight (usually 1,500 to 2,000 pounds) and the loaded vehicle.

Key towing requirements include:

• Electric brakes: Trailers over 3,000 pounds generally need electric brakes that connect to your vehicle's brake controller
• Extended mirrors: Most states require extended side mirrors when the trailer exceeds your vehicle's width
• Speed limits: Vehicles towing trailers typically face reduced speed limits of 55 mph on highways

Always confirm your specific vehicle's towing capacity with the manufacturer before reserving a trailer. Exceeding this limit creates serious safety hazards and may void your vehicle's warranty.

Trailer dimensions and weight limits

Standard car trailers feature platforms measuring approximately 18 to 20 feet long and 6 to 7 feet wide, accommodating most sedans, SUVs and small trucks. The deck height typically sits 18 to 24 inches off the ground, with reinforced steel ramps that extend an additional 5 to 6 feet for loading.

Weight capacity by trailer type

Remember that total weight includes fuel, cargo and aftermarket accessories. Low-clearance sports cars may face challenges with standard trailer angles — the approach angle during loading can scrape vehicles with less than 4 inches of ground clearance. Some rental locations offer trailers with lower deck heights or adjustable ramps for these situations.

Measure your vehicle's dimensions and weight beforehand, and communicate any special requirements when reserving to ensure you receive compatible equipment.

Pros and cons of renting a car trailer

Car trailers keep all four wheels off the ground, preventing mileage accumulation and providing better road stability than tow dollies. However, they cost more to rent and require a vehicle with higher towing capacity to pull them safely.

Cost to rent a car trailer

Several companies offer car trailer rentals, like those that provide moving and storage services. Understanding the pricing structure helps you budget accurately for your move and choose the most cost-effective rental option.

Daily vs. weekly pricing

Rental companies typically offer hourly, daily or weekly rates, with significant savings for longer durations. For example, one rental company the ConsumerAffairs Team researched offered daily rates of $90 (or $630 total for a week) compared to weekly rates of $600.

Typical car trailer rental rates

Rental prices can vary depending on a few factors, including:

• Style: Car trailers can either be enclosed (with an aluminum frame on all sides and on top) or open (just the platform on tires). Enclosed trailers aren’t as widely available and tend to cost more to rent than open trailers.
• Date: Demand for trailer rentals can be higher during peak moving season, which falls between May and September. As a result, you could pay more for a rental if your moving date is in the spring or summer. Rental companies are less likely to offer discounts or promotions then.
• Additional services: You can rent a trailer for less if you bundle it with other services, like a moving truck rental.

One-way vs. local rental costs

One-way rentals, where you pick up the trailer in one location and drop it off in another, typically include additional fees. These surcharges range from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on distance and route popularity. Less common routes or those requiring equipment repositioning cost more.

When booking one-way rentals, reserve well in advance — availability can be limited during peak season.

Local rentals that return to the same location generally offer the base rate without surcharges. However, one-way rentals provide significant convenience for long-distance moves and eliminate the need to backtrack.

While renting a car trailer is generally more expensive than a tow dolly (typically $79 daily), it can be the safer alternative for long-distance moves. A car trailer will generally sway less on highways and roads, making it easier for you to control the towing vehicle at higher speeds.

Also, you can't back up a truck with a tow dolly because it could damage the hitch system, which may not be ideal when you'll need to put the truck in reverse to park or unload the vehicle-in-tow.

Where to rent car trailers

Several national and local companies offer car trailer rentals, each with different pricing structures, availability and service areas. Some major car trailer rental providers include:

• U-Haul: U-Haul operates the largest trailer rental network in North America, with thousands of locations offering car trailers. Daily rates typically range from $90 to $110, with both one-way and local rental options available. Their online reservation system shows real-time availability and allows you to compare prices across different pickup locations.
• Budget Truck Rental: Budget offers car trailers at select locations, generally priced competitively with U-Haul. Their trailers are often bundled with moving truck rentals for discounted rates. However, their car trailer availability is more limited than U-Haul's, particularly for one-way rentals.
• Penske Truck Rental: Penske provides car trailers primarily for customers renting their moving trucks. Standalone trailer rentals may not be available at all locations, so call ahead to confirm availability and pricing.
• Home Depot: Home Depot partners with rental companies to offer car trailers at some store locations. Rates vary by location but generally align with industry standards around $90 to $100 daily.
• Local equipment rental businesses: Local businesses can be cost-effective alternatives, especially for local moves. These independent companies may offer more flexible rental terms and personalized service, though they typically don't support one-way rentals. Check online reviews and verify insurance coverage before booking with smaller providers.

Reserve your trailer one to two weeks in advance during peak moving season (May through September) to ensure availability.

What to keep in mind about trailer rentals

As you search for car trailers to rent, consider your budget and how much you can reasonably afford. Gather quotes from multiple companies, including national moving companies and local trailer rental businesses.

Remember that some moving companies may only rent out a car trailer with a moving truck reservation. Before you research options, know ahead of time whether or not you plan to rent a moving truck or another towing vehicle as well.

Also, take some time a few weeks before your trailer rental to ensure you have all the necessary requirements to tow a vehicle, including the proper hitch and insurance coverage.

The hitch

You'll need the right hitch to connect the car trailer to your towing vehicle. A hitch is a device attached to the towing vehicle to pull the trailer. If you rent a moving truck from a rental company, it comes equipped with the proper hitch for towing a car trailer. The company may also help you hook up the trailer and show you how to load and unload the vehicle.

If you plan to tow with your own vehicle, check the hitch requirements listed in the car trailer's instruction manual. You'll also need to check your vehicle's manual for the type of hitch it may already come equipped with. The hitch you'll need will depend on your vehicle's year, make and model, as well as the weight of the car and trailer you plan to tow. Some moving truck rental companies, like U-Haul, also offer hitch installation services.

Insurance and liability coverage

Brian Smith, vice president of global marketing for freight and shipping software company Cota Systems, said you should verify that your insurance will cover towing before renting a trailer. Contact your auto insurance provider at least two weeks before your move to confirm whether your policy extends to trailer rentals and the vehicle being towed.

“If the vehicle being towed on the trailer has full coverage (comprehensive and collision) on the owners' personally held auto insurance policy, then nothing else is needed and that is the recommended approach,” Scott Hassell, vice president and insurance agent for The Hassell Insurance Group in Clemmons, North Carolina, told us.

However, Hassell recommended considering purchasing additional insurance from the rental company. In the event you need to file a claim, it won't negatively impact your personally held policy. Rental companies typically offer supplemental insurance options, including collision damage waivers and liability coverage for the trailer itself.

Keep documentation of all insurance policies and rental agreements in your towing vehicle during transport.

Review coverage options carefully, as your personal auto policy may not cover damage to the rental trailer or incidents that occur while towing. For personal belongings in the vehicle-in-tow, Hassell added that home insurance may provide coverage, depending on the policy. If you're using a credit card that provides rental coverage, verify it applies to trailers — many cards only cover traditional vehicle rentals.

Loading and operating guidelines

Proper loading and safe operation are critical for preventing accidents and equipment damage. Smith recommends practicing hooking up and driving with the trailer before your move date, and carefully planning your route to avoid roads with towing restrictions.

Before loading

• Read the towing instructions in the owner's manual before attaching the trailer
• Check tire pressure on both the trailer and towing vehicle
• Don't top off the gas tank for the vehicle-in-tow — keep about one-quarter of the tank full to avoid excess weight
• Ensure the parking brake works on the vehicle being transported

Loading procedure

• Position the trailer on level ground with wheel chocks in place
• Drive up the trailer ramps slowly in first gear
• Center the vehicle on the platform, leaving equal space on both sides
• Put the vehicle-in-tow in park (automatic) or first gear (manual)
• Engage the parking brake firmly
• Secure the vehicle with all provided tie-down straps, attaching to designated anchor points
• Connect safety chains in a crisscross pattern under the hitch with slight slack for turning

During transport

• Drive at speeds no higher than 55 mph or below, depending on the posted speed limit
• Brake slowly and sooner than usual, and allow extra stopping distance
• Take turns wider than normal to account for trailer length
• Have someone ride with you to help check blind spots when backing up
• Practice defensive driving and remain overly cautious

Elliot Helm, owner of Sterling Interstate, a moving company in Phoenix, Arizona, recommends checking your hitch hookup to see if it needs tightening every time you stop. “The chains that act as a secondary safety measure should have slack in them to make turns but not so much that you're dragging them creating sparks on the road,” Helm said. Also inspect tire pressure and ensure tie-down straps remain tight.