What Size Moving Trailer Do I Need?

What size trailer do I need?

Moving trailers come in a variety of styles and sizes, so it’s important to know your needs before reserving one. We asked Paul Kelly, a U-Haul trailer program manager, for tips on finding the right moving trailer.

Kelly’s advice: “If moving equipment, machinery or tools, be sure to look up specific weights for your cargo online and compare that with the weight limits for your trailer.” He said to err on the side of caution when estimating weights — opt for a larger trailer if in doubt, as long as your vehicle is capable of towing it.

Kelly also emphasized the importance of loading the heaviest cargo first. He recommended the 60/40 rule: “(Put) 60% of your cargo weight toward the front to ensure proper tongue weight. This will make for a safer trip and help you avoid dangerous swaying.”

You can follow these six steps to determine the right trailer size for your move:

1. List what you’re hauling: Identify what you need to move from your home, particularly large items like couches or bedroom furniture. Completing this step before choosing a trailer will help you accurately estimate the space you need.
2. Measure the dimensions of your large items: Measure items such as sectionals, mattresses, dressers and patio furniture. Record the height, width and depth, then calculate the cubic footage.
3. Estimate total cargo weight: You can use standard measurements for common items when estimating the weight. For example, a loveseat can weigh up to 150 pounds; a recliner could weigh up to 120 pounds. You can also use basic room estimations of 1,000 to 1,500 pounds per fully furnished room.
4. Choose a trailer type: Based on what you need to haul, pick the right trailer type (enclosed or utility) and size. Consider loading access, trip distance and whether you need weather protection.
5. Match trailer to tow vehicle: Review the trailer’s towing requirements and assess whether it can be hauled safely by the vehicle you plan to use. You’ll need to know the vehicle's towing and payload capacity. You’ll also need to install the proper trailer hitch.
6. Confirm fit and safety margin: Make sure everything fits in the trailer, and plan to tow no more than 80% of your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity. This creates a 20% safety buffer that can help avoid damage to both the towing vehicle and the trailer.

Moving trailer types

You can choose from several types of moving trailers, depending on what you need to haul and how far you're moving. Enclosed cargo trailers have built-in weather protection, making them ideal for moves with household furniture and boxes. They also have lockable doors for extra security.

Open utility trailers are better suited for short, local trips hauling bulky outdoor items that don’t need weather protection, like lawnmowers or outdoor furniture. Keep in mind that neither enclosed cargo nor utility trailers are well suited for long-distance or cross-country moves, as they increase vehicle wear and tear and reduce fuel efficiency. In these cases, renting a small moving truck may be more cost-efficient.

For towing vehicles, you can use either a car dolly or vehicle trailer. A car dolly has a weight limit of around 4,000 pounds, so it can only transport smaller vehicles like sedans or coupes. It’s better suited for short distances because the rear tires stay on the road and wear out during travel. For long-distance moves, consider using a vehicle trailer, which can tow large SUVs and trucks and keep all four tires off the ground.

Trailer types and best uses

Use the comparison below to match the right moving trailer to your move distance and cargo needs.

Moving trailer capacity by size

Before choosing a trailer size, evaluate both the volume and weight of your belongings rather than relying strictly on room count. For example, a two-bedroom home with lightweight, minimalist furniture may not require as large a trailer as a home with heavy, solid-wood furniture.

Utility trailer sizes range from 4 by 7 feet to 6 by 12 feet, with weight capacities of 2,400 to 6,000 pounds. Enclosed cargo trailers are typically available in three different sizes: small (4’ x 8’), medium (5’ x 8’) and large (6’ x 12’), with weight capacities ranging from 1,650 to 2,480 pounds.

Small enclosed trailers can fit most items from a dorm room or studio apartment, while a medium trailer can hold items from a one-bedroom home. For two- to three-bedroom homes, you may need to opt for the large trailer because it has the weight capacity and dimensions to hold a dining room table and a king-sized bed, among other items. It’s the largest practical option before upgrading to a full truck for three-bedroom homes.

Trailer sizes by home type and weight

Below, we break down standard cargo trailer sizes by typical home capacities.

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Tow vehicle limits and trailer weight

Checking the tow vehicle’s requirements can help you avoid vehicle strain, brake failure and other safety risks while towing a moving trailer. To maintain control of both the vehicle and the moving trailer, never max out towing capacity, and always build in a 20% (or, at the very least, 10%) safety buffer.

To safely haul a moving trailer, confirm the following specifications:

1. Tow rating: Check inside the driver’s door frame or owner’s manual for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) to calculate the maximum combined weight of passengers, fuel and cargo.
2. Payload: This refers to how much cargo weight the vehicle can handle. Payload is a component of the vehicle’s GVWR.
3. Hitch class: Class I and II hitches can handle trailers and loads up to 3,500 pounds, while a Class III hitch is necessary for anything over that weight. Check the hitch bar on the vehicle for a label with the rating.
4. Tongue weight: This indicates how much downward force can be on the hitch ball, typically 10% to 15% of the fully loaded trailer weight. It reduces available payload in the towing vehicle.
5. Trailer GVWR: Locate the trailer’s GVWR on a label fixed on the left side of the trailer’s frame. This is the maximum total weight the trailer can safely weigh, including the trailer and the cargo.
6. Brake requirements: Trailers that weigh 3,000 pounds or more must be equipped with brakes. Depending on the weight, check the type of braking system your trailer has.
7. Lighting connector: Make sure the wires are in good working order and connected properly to the towing vehicle.
8. Tire ratings: Tire ratings on both the towing vehicle and the moving trailer are printed on the tire’s sidewalls. These ratings give you the maximum weight, air pressure and speed limit for safe hauling.

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