5 Best Moving Trailer Rentals (Updated Review)
Fact Checked by: Here’s the bottom line: When it comes to smaller moves, moving trailer rentals are a great option. They tend to be more affordable than the best moving companies, and you can tow them behind your car or a moving truck. If you plan to go the DIY route instead of hiring professional movers, then a trailer rental may be the best way to go.
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Finding a reliable and affordable trailer rental company can sometimes be a challenge. That is why it is always important to compare estimates from multiple companies, which you can do easily using our moving cost calculator.
Best moving trailer rentals at a glance
If you want the quick answer, 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 rental options, and broad nationwide availability. Penske is best if you need to tow a car behind a moving truck, U-Pack is best if you want trailer-style space without driving the trailer yourself, Budget is best for discounts, and Home Depot is best for local utility trailer rentals.
- Best overall: U-Haul
- Best for car towing: Penske Truck Rental
- Best if you don’t want to drive the trailer: U-Pack
- Best for discounts: Budget Truck Rental
- Best for local moves: Home Depot
How to choose the best moving trailer rental
The best moving trailer rental for your move depends on four things: what type of trailer you need, whether you want to tow it yourself, how far you’re moving, and what your vehicle can safely handle.
- Choose an enclosed cargo trailer if you want weather protection and extra security for furniture and boxes.
- Choose a utility trailer if you’re making a small local move or hauling items that don’t need protection from the elements.
- Choose a tow dolly or car carrier if your main goal is transporting a vehicle behind a moving truck.
- Choose a moving container company like U-Pack if you want the space and flexibility of a trailer without towing it yourself.
You should also make sure your vehicle can safely tow the trailer and your belongings. Before booking, check your vehicle’s towing capacity, whether the rental is available for one-way moves, and whether you need to rent a truck to get the trailer option you want.
1. U-Haul: Best overall
We chose U-Haul as best overall because of its widespread availability, variety of trailer options, and ease of use.
U-Haul is best known for its affordable moving truck rentals, but it also offers several types of trailers to cater to the needs of DIY movers. U-Haul cargo trailer rental options include 4 feet x 8 feet, 5 feet x 8 feet, and 6 feet x 12 feet, while utility trailers are available in sizes ranging from 4 feet x 7 feet to 6 feet x 12 feet. These trailers can be rented in addition to or separately from its moving trucks.
- Best for: Most DIY movers who want the widest selection of trailer types.
- Not ideal for: People who want premium customer support above all else.
- Best move type: Local and one-way moves.
- Standalone trailer rental? Yes.
- 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
Pros and cons
- Offers both enclosed cargo trailers and utility trailers
- Several trailer sizes available
- Trailers can be used for in-town moves and one-way moves
- 22,700+ locations in the United States and Canada
- Unlimited miles on trailer rentals
- Can rent trailers without a truck rental
- Some complaints of poor customer service
- Additional fees like damage protection can drive up the base cost
2. Penske Truck Rental: Best for car towing
Penske Truck Rental is another moving truck rental company that offers additional trailer options. While it doesn’t offer enclosed trailers or utility trailers like U-Haul, it is a great choice if you need a car carrier in addition to your moving truck rental.
When you rent a 16-, 22-, or 26-foot truck with Penske, you also have the option to rent a car trailer or tow dolly so you can tow your vehicle. This way, you don’t have to worry about how you’ll transport your car. Penske’s car trailer can be used for long-distance moves, while tow dollies are limited to local moves.
- Best for: Movers who need to tow a vehicle behind a rental truck.
- Not ideal for: People looking for cargo or utility trailer rentals.
- Best move type: Long-distance truck moves with a car in tow.
- Standalone trailer rental? No, generally tied to truck rentals.
- 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
Pros and cons
- Offers car carriers and tow dollies for vehicle transport
- One-way truck rentals available
- Unlimited mileage on long-distance moves
- Excellent customer service
- Prices can be higher than similar competitors
- No cargo or utility trailers
3. U-Pack: Best if you don’t want to drive the trailer
U-Pack is a moving container company. If you like the extra space of a moving trailer but don’t want the responsibility of towing it yourself, U-Pack is one of the best alternatives to a traditional trailer rental. Instead of renting a trailer you drive on your own, U-Pack delivers either a moving trailer or ReloCube container to your home, gives you time to load it, and then handles the transportation for you.
This makes U-Pack a strong fit for long-distance moves where you want more flexibility than full-service movers but less hassle than a DIY trailer rental. Its biggest advantage is flexible pricing: U-Pack’s moving trailer offers a large amount of space, but you only pay for the portion you actually use. If you want a trailer-style moving solution without towing, U-Pack is one of the best options available.
- Best for: Long-distance movers who want trailer space without towing it themselves.
- Not ideal for: People who want a traditional DIY trailer rental.
- Best move type: Long-distance moves.
- Standalone trailer rental? No, this is a moving container service.
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
Pros and cons
- Only pay for the space you use
- Large moving trailer and ReloCube moving containers offer flexibility
- Professionals handle the driving for you
- Instant online quotes
- Fast delivery times
- Only available for long-distance moves
- Freight trailer may not fit on street or driveway in some areas
- Only three business days to load and unload
4. Budget Truck Rental: Best for discounts
While Budget Truck Rental is limited to car carriers and tow dollies for trailer rentals, it is a great pick if you’re looking for discount prices on these rentals. These trailers must be rented as an add-on to the truck rental, and are only available with the 16-foot and 26-foot truck sizes.
As the name implies, what really sets Budget Truck Rental apart are its low prices. In addition to lower base prices, they also offer discounts for students, military service members, AAA members, and more. This helps make up for the added hassle of needing to make a phone call to find out how much a trailer add-on will cost for your move.
- Best for: Discount-minded renters who need a truck plus vehicle towing equipment.
- Not ideal for: People looking for enclosed cargo trailers or standalone trailer rentals.
- Best move type: Budget truck moves with a tow dolly or car carrier.
- Standalone trailer rental? No.
- Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
- Round-trip and one-way moves available
- User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
Pros and cons
- Some of the lowest prices for DIY moves
- Car carriers and tow dollies available
- Wide variety of available discounts
- No cargo trailers or utility trailers
- Moving truck rental is required
- Can’t get a quote for a car carrier or tow dolly online
5. Home Depot: Best for local moves
Home Depot offers rental services for pickup trucks, cargo vans, box trucks, and utility trailers, making them a great choice for local moves. Home Depot’s utility trailers are available in sizes ranging from 3’ x 5’ to 5’ x 8’.
These utility trailers are available at a flat hourly, daily, weekly, or even four-week rate for local work, so you can rent them for the exact length of time you’ll need. Their smaller size means they are better suited for smaller moves or moves where you’re okay doing multiple loads.
- Best for: Small local moves and short-term utility trailer rentals.
- Not ideal for: One-way or long-distance moves.
- Best move type: Local moves, store runs, and small hauling jobs.
- Standalone trailer rental? Yes, for local rentals.
Pros and cons
- Offers pickup truck, cargo van, box truck, and utility trailer rentals
- Easy rental pickup and drop off process
- Hourly, daily, weekly, and four-week rates
- No cargo trailers
- Only available for local moves
- Must return trailer to same location
What moving trailer rentals usually cost
The cost of a moving trailer varies based on the type of trailer, how far you’re going, and whether the trailer can be rented on its own or only as an add-on to a truck. In general, local utility trailer rentals are usually the cheapest option, while one-way enclosed cargo trailers and freight trailer services cost more because they offer more flexibility and space.
- Utility trailers: Usually best for low-cost local moves and short-term rentals.
- Enclosed cargo trailers: Often cost more than utility trailers, but offer better protection for household goods.
- Tow dollies and car carriers: Usually priced as add-ons to truck rentals rather than standalone rentals.
- Freight trailer services like U-Pack: Typically cost more than towing your own trailer, but save you the effort of driving it.
Your total price may also increase with damage protection, towing equipment, one-way routing, and peak-season demand. That’s why we recommend comparing quotes from at least three companies before booking.
Comparing the best moving trailer rentals
Here’s an overview of what each of the best trailer rental companies have to offer. It’s worth getting a free quote from at least three of these companies to find the best option for your move.
| Company | Best… | Trailer options | Additional services | BBB rating | State availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | Overall | Enclosed trailer rental, utility trailer rental, tow dolly, car carrier, motorcycle trailer | Moving truck rental, U-Box moving containers | A+ | All 50 states + Canada |
| Penske Truck Rental | Car towing | Car trailer, tow dolly | Moving truck rental | A+ | 49 states |
| U-Pack | Moving containers | N/A | Moving trailer & ReloCube moving container services | A+ | All 50 states, + Canada and Puerto Rico |
| Budget Truck Rental | Discounts | Car trailer, tow dolly | Moving truck rental | A+ | 48 states |
| Home Depot | Local moves | Utility trailers | Pickup trucks, cargo vans, box trucks | A+ | All 50 states, + Canada and Puerto Rico |
Moving trailer types compared
Get an idea of how each moving trailer type compares on protection and towing vehicles below.
| Trailer type | Best for | Good for long-distance moves? | Can you tow it with your own vehicle? | Protects items from weather? | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enclosed cargo trailer | Furniture, boxes, and most household goods | Yes | Yes | Yes | U-Haul cargo trailers |
| Utility trailer | Small local moves, tools, outdoor items, bulky loads | Usually not ideal | Yes | No | U-Haul utility trailers, Home Depot utility trailers |
| Tow dolly | Towing a front-wheel-drive vehicle behind a truck | Local moves or limited use cases | No, usually paired with a moving truck | No | Penske tow dolly, Budget tow dolly |
| Car carrier | Towing a vehicle with all four wheels off the ground | Yes | No, usually paired with a moving truck | No | Penske car carrier, Budget car carrier |
| Freight trailer service | Long-distance moves when you don’t want to drive the trailer | Yes | No | Yes | U-Pack moving trailer |
Reasons to use a trailer rental for moving
So, why should you use a trailer rental instead of hiring professional moving services or just loading everything into the back of a pickup truck?
Here are some of the top reasons why this might be a good choice for your move:
- Save money: Renting a trailer is going to be significantly cheaper than hiring professional movers. Yes, you’ll have to do the heavy lifting yourself, but if you don’t have a lot of stuff to move, it still shouldn’t take you too long to get everything loaded.
- Flexibility: A trailer rental gives you added flexibility for how you do your move. For example, you can pack at your own pace or transport items between your old and new homes over the course of multiple trips. And with multiple trailer sizes available, it’s easy to find the size that works best for your needs. There are options to hire last-minute movers as well.
- Protect your items: Enclosed trailers offer valuable protection for your items while in transit. You don’t have to worry about a rainstorm getting everything wet, or a bump in the road causing stuff to fall out the back.
- Easy loading: Trailers generally have lower loading decks than moving trucks, making them easier to load. This will make it much easier when carrying heavy boxes.
Can you rent a moving trailer without a truck?
Use the table below to figure which companies let you rent a trailer with a moving truck rental.
| Company | Can you rent a trailer without a truck? | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | Yes | Offers enclosed cargo trailers, utility trailers, tow dollies, and car carriers that can often be rented without a truck. |
| Penske | No | Car carriers and tow dollies are typically only available with a qualifying truck rental. |
| U-Pack | Not in the traditional sense | U-Pack delivers the trailer to you and handles the driving, so it is not a self-tow rental. |
| Budget | No | Budget’s trailer options are add-ons to truck rentals, not standalone cargo trailer rentals. |
| Home Depot | Yes, for local use | Home Depot offers utility trailer rentals for local moves, but they must be returned to the same location. |
Tips for packing your trailer rental
While a trailer rental definitely offers many advantages, you should also be sure to use it appropriately. Here are a few tips to keep in mind so that everything goes smoothly on moving day:
- Disassemble furniture. Because trailers are smaller than full-size moving trucks, taking apart your furniture can help ensure everything fits inside. Load large pieces of furniture and other heavy items first. If possible, position furniture on its side so it takes up less space.
- Distribute weight evenly. Try to evenly distribute the weight of your items as you load the trailer. This will make it easier to keep the trailer under control as you drive to your destination. Uneven weight distribution could make it harder to steer, and even cause the trailer to fishtail or roll over.
- Get the right trailer size. Most trailer rental companies offer multiple trailer options. Remember, the total weight of the trailer must not exceed your own vehicle’s towing limit. Otherwise, it could cause significant damage to your vehicle. While getting a trailer that is big enough to hold all your stuff is handy, your first focus should be making sure your car will be able to handle the load.
- Place heavy boxes on the bottom. Just like when you load a moving truck, place the heaviest boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes with fragile items on top. Secure boxes with moving straps, if possible. This will keep items from shifting during transportation and reduce the risk of damage.
Looking for more tips? Check out these moving and packing hacks.
FAQ About Moving Trailer Rental Companies
What is the cheapest moving trailer rental company?
In many cases, the cheapest moving trailer rental depends on what kind of trailer you need. For local utility trailer rentals, Home Depot can be one of the most affordable options. For enclosed cargo trailers and broader trailer selection, U-Haul often offers the best overall value. If you need a truck plus a car carrier or tow dolly, Budget may have the lowest advertised rates, especially if you qualify for a discount.
Who offers one-way cargo trailer rentals?
U-Haul is one of the best-known companies for one-way cargo trailer rentals, which makes it a strong choice for long-distance DIY moves. Other companies may offer towing equipment like car carriers or dollies, but they often require a truck rental and may not offer standalone enclosed cargo trailers for one-way moves.
What size moving trailer do I need?
The right trailer size depends on how much you’re moving and what vehicle you plan to tow it with. Smaller utility trailers work well for local moves, boxes, and a few large items, while enclosed cargo trailers are better for apartment or small-home moves where you want weather protection. Before booking, always check both the trailer’s weight limit and your vehicle’s towing capacity.
Is a tow dolly or car carrier better?
A car carrier is usually the better option for long-distance moves because it lifts all four wheels of the vehicle off the ground. A tow dolly can be more affordable, but it is generally better for shorter moves and specific vehicle types. The best choice depends on your vehicle, your route, and whether your rental company allows both options for your move.
Can an SUV tow a moving trailer?
Yes, many SUVs can tow a moving trailer, but only if the combined weight of the trailer and your cargo stays within the vehicle’s towing capacity. You’ll also need the correct trailer hitch and should leave a safety margin rather than towing at the maximum limit. Always check your owner’s manual before renting.
Do moving trailer rentals include unlimited miles?
Some do and some don’t. U-Haul, for example, is known for offering unlimited miles on many trailer rentals, which can make it a strong value for longer moves. Other rental costs may depend more on the truck rental, route, or equipment add-ons, so it’s important to compare the full quote rather than just the base rate.
What’s better for long-distance moves: a U-Haul trailer or U-Pack?
A U-Haul trailer is better if you want a true DIY move and are comfortable towing the trailer yourself. U-Pack is better if you want trailer-sized moving space without having to drive the trailer. In other words, U-Haul is typically better for lower-cost DIY flexibility, while U-Pack is better for convenience on long-distance moves.
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