5 Best Moving Trailer Rentals (Updated Review)
Here’s the bottom line: The best trailer rentals for moving are U-Haul for most DIY moves, Penske for towing a car, U-Pack if you don’t want to tow, Budget for discounts, and Home Depot for local utility trailers. U-Haul includes unlimited miles on every trailer rental and offers 24/7 self-service at 22,000+ locations in the U.S. and Canada. This guide compares each company, trailer types, and costs, so you can decide between a trailer and hiring professional movers.
rating
5 / 5
- Fast delivery
- Nationwide
- 100+ mile moves
rating
4.3 / 5
- Affordable pricing
- Online pricing
- Several discounts
rating
4.15 / 5
- Greatest coverage
- 7 truck sizes
- One way rentals
rating
4 / 5
- Most expensive
- 4 truck sizes
- Unlimited mileage
Compare quotes from at least three companies before you book. moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator weighs distance, home size, move date, and services together, so you can see whether a trailer actually beats hiring movers for your move.
What are the best moving trailer rentals?
U-Haul is our pick for the best moving trailer rental overall because it offers the widest range of trailer types, one-way and local rentals, and nationwide availability.
- Best overall: U-Haul rents cargo, utility, car, and motorcycle trailers, with or without a truck.
- Best for car towing: Penske Truck Rental pairs car carriers and tow dollies with its moving trucks.
- Best if you don’t want to tow: U-Pack drops off a trailer, you load it, and U-Pack drives it.
- Best for discounts: Budget Truck Rental offers military, student, and AARP discounts on truck-and-trailer rentals.
- Best for local moves: Home Depot rents utility trailers by the 4-hour block, day, week, or four weeks.
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How do you choose the best moving trailer rental?
The best moving trailer rental depends on four things: the trailer type, whether you’ll tow it, your move distance, and your vehicle’s towing capacity.
- Enclosed cargo trailer: Choose a cargo trailer for weather protection and lockable doors. It’s the best fit for furniture and boxes.
- Utility trailer: Choose an open utility trailer for a small local move or items that don’t need weather protection.
- Tow dolly or car carrier: Choose towing equipment if your main goal is bringing your car along behind a moving truck.
- Freight trailer service: Choose a moving container company like U-Pack if you want trailer space without towing it yourself.
Before you book, check your vehicle’s towing capacity, whether the company allows one-way trailer rentals, and whether you need to rent a truck to get the trailer you want. U-Haul also installs trailer hitches if your vehicle doesn’t have one.
1. U-Haul: Best overall
U-Haul is best known for its affordable moving truck rentals, but it also rents more trailer types than any other company on our list. Unlimited miles are included on every U-Haul trailer rental, and you can rent a trailer with or without a truck.
U-Haul cargo trailers come in 4 feet x 8 feet, 5 feet x 8 feet, and 6 feet x 12 feet, and utility trailers range from 4 feet x 7 feet to 6 feet x 12 feet. U-Haul also rents car trailers, tow dollies, and motorcycle trailers.
- Best for: U-Haul suits most DIY movers who want the widest selection of trailer types.
- Not ideal for: U-Haul isn’t the best pick if customer support matters most to you.
- Best move type: U-Haul works for both local and one-way moves.
- Standalone trailer rental: Yes, you can rent a U-Haul trailer without a truck.
U-Haul pros & cons
- Cargo & utility trailers
- Several trailer sizes
- Local & one-way rentals
- 22,000+ locations in the U.S. & Canada
- Unlimited miles on trailers
- No truck rental required
- Some customer service complaints
- Add-ons like damage protection raise costs
- More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
- Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
- Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
- U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
2. Penske Truck Rental: Best for car towing
Penske Truck Rental doesn’t rent cargo or utility trailers, but it’s a strong choice if you need to tow your car behind a moving truck. Penske rents car carriers and tow dollies only with a Penske truck, since its towing equipment is built to pull behind Penske trucks.
Penske’s tow dolly carries front-wheel-drive vehicles up to 4,300 pounds. Its car carrier fits front-wheel, four-wheel, and all-wheel-drive vehicles, with capacity that depends on your truck size.
- Best for: Penske suits movers who need to tow a vehicle behind a rental truck.
- Not ideal for: Penske won’t work if you need a cargo or utility trailer.
- Best move type: Penske fits long-distance truck moves with a car in tow.
- Standalone trailer rental: No, Penske towing equipment requires a Penske truck rental.
Penske pros & cons
- Car carriers & tow dollies
- One-way truck rentals
- Unlimited miles on one-way moves
- A+ BBB rating
- Often pricier than competitors
- No cargo or utility trailers
- Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
- Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
- Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
3. U-Pack: Best if you don’t want to tow
U-Pack is a moving container company and one of the best alternatives to a traditional trailer rental. U-Pack drops off a moving trailer or ReloCube container, you load it, and U-Pack drives it to your new home.
U-Pack charges by the linear feet of trailer space you use, and every quote includes fuel, taxes, tolls, and driver fees. U-Pack serves long-distance moves through 240+ service centers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.
- Best for: U-Pack suits long-distance movers who want trailer space without towing it.
- Not ideal for: U-Pack isn’t a fit if you want a traditional DIY trailer rental.
- Best move type: U-Pack handles out-of-state and long-distance moves.
- Standalone trailer rental: No, U-Pack is a moving service, and its drivers handle the transport.
U-Pack pros & cons
- Pay only for the space you use
- Trailers & ReloCube containers
- Professional drivers handle transport
- Instant online quotes
- Fuel included in every quote
- Long-distance moves only
- Trailer may not fit some streets or driveways
- Up to 3 business days to load & unload
- Built for interstate moves of 100+ miles
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Transit averages four to six business days
- Instant online quotes 24/7
4. Budget Truck Rental: Best for discounts
Budget Truck Rental rents only car carriers and tow dollies, and you have to add them to a 16-foot, 24-foot, or 26-foot truck rental. Budget’s edge is its discounts, including 20% off for U.S. military personnel traveling with orders.
Budget also offers discounts for students, AARP members, police, fire, and EMT workers. You’ll see towing options and prices for your location when you start a reservation.
- Best for: Budget suits discount-minded renters who need a truck plus towing equipment.
- Not ideal for: Budget won’t work if you want a cargo trailer or a standalone trailer rental.
- Best move type: Budget fits truck moves with a tow dolly or car carrier.
- Standalone trailer rental: No, Budget towing equipment is an add-on to a truck rental.
Budget pros & cons
- Low base prices
- Car carriers & tow dollies
- Military, student & AARP discounts
- F rating from the BBB
- No cargo or utility trailers
- Truck rental required
- Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
- Round-trip and one-way moves available
- User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
5. Home Depot: Best for local moves
Home Depot rents utility, dump, and flatbed trailers for local use, along with pickup trucks, cargo vans, and box trucks. Its 5 feet x 8 feet solid-wall utility trailer carries up to 1,400 pounds.
Home Depot rents trailers by the 4-hour block, day, week, or four weeks, so you pay for the time you need. Its smaller trailers work best for small moves or moves where you don’t mind making multiple trips.
- Best for: Home Depot suits small local moves and short-term trailer rentals.
- Not ideal for: Home Depot isn’t built for one-way or long-distance moves.
- Best move type: Home Depot fits local moves, store runs, and small hauling jobs.
- Standalone trailer rental: Yes, Home Depot rents trailers on their own for local use.
Home Depot pros & cons
- Trailers, pickups, vans & box trucks
- Same-day pickup at many stores
- 4-hour, daily, weekly & 4-week rates
- No enclosed cargo trailers
- Local moves only
- Prices vary by store
Where else can you rent a moving trailer?
You can also rent a moving trailer from local equipment rental companies or peer-to-peer marketplaces. These options often carry larger or heavier-duty trailers than national truck rental brands.
- Equipment rental companies: Sunbelt Rentals and United Rentals rent utility and equipment trailers. They’re built more for job sites than household moves, so ask about enclosed options.
- Peer-to-peer marketplaces: Sites like Neighbors Trailer let you rent enclosed, utility, car hauler, and flatbed trailers from local owners. Confirm insurance coverage and hitch requirements before you book.
- Local U-Haul dealers: Many hardware stores and auto shops rent U-Haul trailers as neighborhood dealers. Check hours, since some dealers close early on weekends.
How much do moving trailer rentals cost?
Moving trailer costs depend on the trailer type, your move distance, and whether the trailer is a standalone rental or a truck add-on. Local utility trailers are usually the cheapest option, while one-way cargo trailers and freight trailer services cost more because they cover more distance.
- Utility trailers: Utility trailers cost the least and work best for local moves and short rentals.
- Enclosed cargo trailers: Cargo trailers cost more than utility trailers but protect your belongings from weather.
- Tow dollies & car carriers: Penske and Budget price towing equipment as add-ons to a truck rental.
- Freight trailer services: U-Pack costs more than towing your own trailer, but its quotes include fuel and driving.
Damage protection, towing equipment, one-way routes, and summer demand can all raise your price. Compare quotes from at least three companies before you book.
How do the best moving trailer rentals compare?
Here’s how the five best moving trailer rental companies compare on trailer options and BBB ratings as of September 2026:
| Company | Best for | Trailer options | BBB rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | Overall | Cargo, utility, car, motorcycle & tow dolly | A+ |
| Penske | Car towing | Car carrier & tow dolly | A+ |
| U-Pack | No towing | Freight trailer & ReloCube | A+ |
| Budget | Discounts | Car carrier & tow dolly | F |
| Home Depot | Local moves | Utility, dump & flatbed | A+ |
Each moving trailer type fits a different kind of move. Here’s how they compare on distance and weather protection:
| Trailer type | Best for | Long distance? | Weather protection? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo trailer | Furniture & boxes | Yes | Yes |
| Utility trailer | Small local moves & bulky items | Not ideal | No |
| Tow dolly | Front-wheel-drive cars | Sometimes | No |
| Car carrier | Any car, all wheels off the ground | Yes | No |
| Freight trailer | Long moves without towing | Yes | Yes |
Can you rent a moving trailer without a truck?
Only U-Haul and Home Depot rent trailers on their own. Here’s how each company handles it:
| Company | Without a truck? | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | Yes | Rents cargo, utility, car & motorcycle trailers on their own. |
| Penske | No | Towing equipment requires a Penske truck. |
| U-Pack | Not applicable | U-Pack drives the trailer for you. |
| Budget | No | Towing equipment is a truck add-on. |
| Home Depot | Yes, locally | Rents utility, dump & flatbed trailers for local use. |
Why should you use a trailer rental for moving?
A trailer rental costs less than hiring professional movers and gives you more room than the back of a pickup truck.
- Save money: Renting a trailer costs far less than hiring movers. You’ll do the heavy lifting, but a small move shouldn’t take long to load.
- Flexibility: You can pack at your own pace or make several trips between homes. Multiple trailer sizes make it easy to match your load.
- Protect your items: Enclosed cargo trailers keep rain and road debris off your belongings in transit.
- Easy loading: Trailers sit lower to the ground than moving trucks, so heavy boxes are easier to lift inside.
If you’d rather skip the heavy lifting, book a moveBuddha Certified mover instead. Certified movers add $1,000 in move coverage and dispute mediation if something goes wrong.
How should you pack a moving trailer?
A trailer handles differently than a moving truck, so how you load it matters for safety on the road.
- Disassemble furniture: Trailers are smaller than moving trucks, so taking furniture apart helps everything fit. Load large, heavy pieces first, and stand furniture on its side when you can.
- Distribute weight evenly: Balance the load from side to side so the trailer stays under control. Uneven weight can make the trailer hard to steer and cause it to fishtail or roll over.
- Get the right trailer size: The loaded trailer must stay under your vehicle’s towing limit. Pick a trailer your vehicle can handle first, then worry about fitting everything.
- Put heavy boxes on the bottom: Stack the heaviest boxes low and fragile boxes on top. Strap everything down to keep items from shifting.
Looking for more tips? See our guide on how to pack a moving truck and these moving and packing hacks.
FAQ
What is the cheapest moving trailer rental company?
The cheapest moving trailer rental depends on the trailer you need. Home Depot is often cheapest for short local utility trailer rentals, and U-Haul offers the best value for enclosed cargo trailers. Budget may be cheapest for a truck plus towing equipment if you qualify for a discount.
Who offers one-way cargo trailer rentals?
U-Haul offers one-way cargo trailer rentals with unlimited miles. Penske and Budget rent towing equipment only with a truck. U-Pack is the best alternative if you don’t want to tow.
What size moving trailer do I need?
The right trailer size depends on how much you’re moving and what your vehicle can tow. Small utility trailers suit local moves with boxes and a few large items, while 6 feet x 12 feet cargo trailers fit apartment moves. Always check the trailer’s weight limit and your vehicle’s towing capacity.
Is a tow dolly or car carrier better?
A car carrier is usually better for long-distance moves because it lifts all four wheels off the ground. A tow dolly costs less but works only with front-wheel-drive vehicles. Check which options your rental company allows for your truck size.
Can an SUV tow a moving trailer?
Yes, many SUVs can tow a moving trailer if the loaded trailer stays within the vehicle’s towing capacity. You’ll need the right hitch, which U-Haul can install. Leave a safety margin rather than towing at the maximum limit.
Do moving trailer rentals include unlimited miles?
U-Haul includes unlimited miles on all trailer rentals. Penske offers unlimited miles on one-way truck moves, and towing equipment rides along with the truck. Compare full quotes, not just base rates.
Is a U-Haul trailer or U-Pack better for long-distance moves?
A U-Haul trailer is better if you want a lower-cost DIY move and you’re comfortable towing. U-Pack is better if you want trailer space without driving it. U-Pack quotes include fuel, taxes, tolls, and driver fees.
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
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