Moving can get expensive, but no worries, you have options for renting a trailer! Whether you’re transporting furniture or need to move a car, a trailer lets you save money while still handling the job.
Therefore, if you’re looking for the best moving companies offering trailer rentals in 2025, we’ve got you covered. So continue scrolling and discover the top choices for your next move.
If you are one of those who doesn’t want to compromise service quality for cheap rates, Budget is your go-to company. True to its name, Budget offers highly affordable rates, especially for long distances.
Though you can only rent a car trailer or dolly with a truck rental, the company offers great discounts to help you reduce overall costs. Plus, if you’re planning a local move, their rates become even more budget-friendly.
| Pros | Cons |
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Budget’s car trailers secure your vehicle above the ground on a trailer attached to the back of your 26-foot truck. However, you cannot attach a Budget car trailer to your personal vehicle, and the weight limit is the lowest compared to other companies. This trailer is designed for long-distance moves.
| Features | Detail Info |
| Vehicle Compatibility | Four-wheel and all-wheel-drive cars |
| Weight Limit | 4,055 lbs |
| Maximum Car Width | 6’7” |
| Best for | Long-distance moves |
Budget’s tow dollies work similarly to those of U-Haul and Penske. This helps to limit extra mileage on your car. However, this trailer rental offer is only available for one-way rentals. So, if you need one-way trips, choosing Budget is great, but it is not ideal for round trips. Moreover, this company also offers lower rates, especially with discounts.
| Feature | Details Info |
| Vehicle Compatibility | All-wheel, four-wheel, and rear-wheel drive cars |
| Weight Limit |
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| Maximum Car Width | 6’3” – 76” |
| Best For | Local moves |
How much does it cost to move with Budget?Budget doesn’t offer flat rates for its car trailers or tow dollies. Instead, the price is based on the number of days and miles for your move. This can help keep costs lower compared to other companies that base prices on location. However, to get an exact price, you’ll need to call Budget directly since the rental cost for trailers and dollies isn’t included in the online quote tool. |
Get a detailed review of the Budget from our guide- Budget Truck Rental Review.
U-Haul allows you to rent moving trailers separately, so you don’t need to rent a truck alongside them. This flexibility makes it a great choice for those who only need a trailer for their move.
What is really impressive about U-Haul is its numerous trailer options. You will get a total of 13 trailer choices that include- moving trailers, car carriers, and tow dollies.
However, you must consider if there are any hidden fees. U-Haul has a reputation for adding extra costs to your final bill. Therefore, always check for any additional charges before finalizing your rental.
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Cargo trailers are perfect for protecting your belongings from weather and debris. You can choose this service for bedroom furniture, fragile items, or high-end furniture. They offer lockable doors for security so that your possessions stay safe during your move.
| Size | Price per Day | Weight Limit | Best For | Suitable Application |
| 4’ x 8’ | $14.95 | 1,650 lbs. | Long-distance | Single room, dorm room |
| 5’ x 8’ | $18.95 | 1,800 lbs. | Long-distance | Single room, twin bed, couches, chairs |
| 6’ x 12’ | $29.95 | 2,480 lbs. | Long-distance | Larger loads of furniture |
| What can fit in a 4×8 cargo trailer?
A 4×8 cargo trailer holds up to 1,600 pounds. It’s perfect for college students moving out of dorms. It can fit a small bed, a couch, boxes, and small appliances. Your items stay safe from weather and road debris. |
These open trailers are great for oversized items like landscaping equipment, grills, or patio furniture. They come with tie-down rings but are not lockable. Some models feature EZ Ramps for easy loading.
| Size | Price per Day | Weight Limit | Best For | Ramp Included | Long-Distance vs Local |
| 4’ x 7’ | $14.95 | 1,700 lbs. | Single room, lawnmowers, bulky items | No | Long-distance |
| 5’ x 8’ | $18.95 | 1,890 lbs. | Single room, twin bed, bulky furniture | No | Long-distance |
| 5’ x 9’ with ramp | $24.95 | 1,650 lbs. | 1–2 rooms | Yes | Long-distance |
| 6’ x 12’ | $29.95 | 2,670 lbs. | Several rooms, bulky furniture | No | Long-distance |
| 6’ x 12’ with ramp | $34.95 | 2,110 lbs. | Several rooms, bulky furniture | Yes | Long-distance |
If shipping your car sounds too pricey, renting a car or motorcycle trailer is a solid alternative. Your vehicle sits on top of the trailer, so you don’t have to worry about tire wear on the road. If you’re moving 300 miles or more, a car trailer is your best bet.
U-Haul car trailers can handle vehicles up to 5,290 lbs. To give you an idea, a Ford F-150 weighs between 6,000 and 7,000 lbs. So, before you book, make sure your car fits the weight limit.
| Type | Price per Day | Weight Limit | Best For | Ramp Included | Long-Distance vs Local |
| Auto trailer | $54.95 | 5,290 lbs. | Cars under 5,290 lbs., long-distance moves | Yes | Long-distance |
| Motorcycle trailer | $14.95 | 950 lbs. | Motorcycles, mopeds | Yes | Long-distance |
A tow dolly is a cheaper way to move your car, but it doesn’t offer as much protection as a full trailer. It lifts the front wheels while the back ones stay on the road, so your car won’t rack up extra miles.
If you’re on a budget and have a smaller car, this could be a good option. But it’s better for short trips—long-distance moves can put too much strain on your back tires.
| Type | Price per Day | Weight Limit | Best For | Long-Distance vs Local |
| Tow dolly | $44.95 | 3,450 lbs. (front-wheel) or 3,900 lbs. (rear-wheel) | Front-wheel or rear-wheel drive cars | Local |
How much does it cost to move with U-Haul?Renting a trailer with U-Haul is generally more affordable compared to other companies as you don’t need to rent a full truck. You can just rent the trailer on its own. Several factors influence U-Haul’s base rates, including:
However, while the base rates may seem low, U-Haul is known for adding extra fees. These can include charges for gas, mileage, and even damage protection plans. |
Penske is known for great customer service and being upfront about pricing. When you book with them, you know exactly what you’re getting, which isn’t always the case with other moving companies.
One big perk is that Penske guarantees your truck size and pickup location, which some other companies charge extra for.
However, the downside here is that Penske only rents car trailers and doesn’t offer other types of moving trailers. Plus, you can only tow their trailers with a Penske rental truck.
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Penske’s car trailers are designed to keep your vehicle safe with a secure three-point tie-down system and a ramp for easy loading. These trailers are perfect for cars with all-wheel or rear-wheel drive. However, they do have a lower weight limit than other options, so it’s important to check if your car fits.
| Type | Weight Limit | Front-wheel drive | Four-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | Best for | Long-distance vs. local |
| Car trailer | 4,055 to 5,000 lbs. | Yes | Yes | Yes | All-wheel or rear-wheel drive cars | Long-distance |
Penske’s car dollies, similar to their car trailers, can only be towed with a Penske truck. However, their weight capacity is higher than U-Haul’s. This makes them a better choice if you have a heavier car. This could be a deciding factor if you’re looking for more towing power.
| Type | Weight Limit | Front-wheel drive | Four-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | Best for | Long-distance vs. local |
| Car tow dolly | 4,300 lbs. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Front-wheel drive cars | Local |
How much does it cost to move with Penske?The cost of renting a trailer from Penske can be tricky to pin down because they don’t have fixed rates. Prices depend on the availability of trailers at your location. If there are plenty of trailers available, the rental will be cheaper; if they’re in high demand, the cost will go up. Additionally, seasonality plays a role. During peak moving times, like summer, prices may be higher, potentially doubling from what you’d pay in the off-season, such as winter. |
First, make sure the trailer is big enough to fit all your belongings. It’s important to also check the weight capacity, as overloading the trailer can cause problems down the road.
If you’re worried about weather conditions, an enclosed trailer is a great option to protect your things. However, if you’re moving large, bulky items, an open trailer might be more suitable. Additionally, if you’re transporting a vehicle, look for a car carrier or tow dolly.
Another thing to consider is whether your vehicle is compatible with the trailer. Make sure your car or truck has the right towing capacity and that the hitch system works with the trailer.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Inquire about insurance for the trailer, and check if your own car insurance covers towing. You don’t want to be caught off guard in case something goes wrong.
Before you hit the road, inspect the trailer to make sure it’s in good shape. Check the tires, lights, and brakes to ensure everything is functioning properly. It’s a simple step that can save you a lot of hassle later.
Now, let’s talk about the cost. Compare prices between different rental companies, but also make sure to factor in extra fees like mileage costs or security deposits. It’s also a good idea to read through the rental terms, so you know the return policies and any potential late fees.
Find out if the trailer comes with essential accessories, like tie-downs, ramps, or dollies. If not, ask about any additional costs for renting them separately.
Finally, make sure the rental company offers convenient pick-up and drop-off locations. If you’re planning a one-way rental, check for flexibility so you can drop off the trailer at a different location.
U-Haul is our top choice for trailer rental as they offer both moving and auto transport trailers with flexible rental options. However, it comes with hidden fees and customer service concerns.
However, Penske and Budget provide more affordable car transport options. With Penske, you get options for boasting higher weight limits, and Budget offers you competitive pricing.
Therefore, evaluate factors like pricing, availability, and flexibility to pick the right company. Go with U-Haul for access in fifty states, and Penske and Budget for solid, cost-effective alternatives.
If you have front-wheel drive cars, choose a tow dolly for the best experience. However, for rear-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles, a car trailer usually suits best. Nevertheless, before choosing any trailer, make sure to match the trailer with your car type to avoid any issues.
Whether your car can tow a trailer or not depends on the car. Luxury, antique, smaller cars (like coupes and hatchbacks) and electric cars are typically not designed for towing. Therefore, check your car’s specification and model to see if it’s tow-friendly. To identify so, visit the websites of companies like U-Haul and Penske. They offer tools on their websites to help determine towing capabilities.
The weight a trailer can tow depends on the type and size. For example, U-Haul’s car trailers typically have a weight limit of 3,800-5,000 lbs., while tow dollies can handle up to 4,300 lbs. Always check the trailer’s weight capacity before renting.
For safe moving trailer or tow dolly driving, you must take safety precautions. Here are what you should take care of: