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What to Know Before Renting a U-Haul Trailer
By Susan Doktor MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Towing capacity. Gross vehicle weight. Stabilizer jacks. Fifth wheels. If those terms sound familiar to you, chances are you’re either in the trucking business or you’ve hitched a trailer to your car a time or two before.
If it’s your first time thinking about renting a trailer, you’ll need to understand those terms and more to choose the right trailer for your payload and tow a trailer safely. Today we’ll take a look at renting a trailer from U-Haul, one of the largest trailer rental companies.
It’s not surprising that U-Haul attracts so much business. U-Haul moving solutions are plentiful and include long-distance moves, local moves, U-Box self-storage units, U-Haul truck rentals and auto transport trailers. The company offers some of the lowest rates in the trailer rental industry. Its selection of trailers and cargo vans is one of the widest we’ve come across when reviewing trailer rental companies. If you’re thinking about renting a trailer, you’d be wise to put U-Haul on your short list of cargo trailer rental companies to contact. So let’s see what U-Haul is all about, shall we?
Table of Contents
- What types of U-Haul trailers are available?
- How to determine the right U-Haul trailer size for your needs
- What are the requirements for renting a U-Haul trailer?
- What is the average cost of renting a U-Haul trailer?
- How to load and unload a U-Haul trailer safely
- What is the process for returning a U-Haul trailer?
- Renting a U-Haul Trailer FAQs
- How We Chose the Main Things to Know Before Renting a U-Haul Trailer
What types of U-Haul trailers are available?
One of the reasons why U-Haul is so popular for trailer rentals is its wide variety of open and enclosed trailers.
You have your choice of enclosed cargo trailers. They’re available in three sizes, are lightweight metal boxes designed to be aerodynamic and save renters money on fuel. They also protect your belongings from inclement weather and theft.
Utility trailers are open to the elements and make it easy to fit taller items inside. They’re recommended for clear days and moving lawnmowers and other maintenance equipment, towing recreational vehicles and more. Many come equipped with a U-Haul EZRamp, which simplifies loading and unloading with a tow dolly.
Cargo Trailers
U-Haul cargo trailers are available in three sizes. Door opening dimensions are provided on U-Haul’s website. Choose the smallest trailer that will accommodate the items you wish to transport to save on rental fees and gas.
| Type of trailer | Dimensions | Max load |
| 4×8 Cargo Trailer Rental | 8’1″ x 4’1″ x 4′ | 1,600 lbs. |
| 5×8 Cargo Trailer Rental | 8′ x 4’8″ x 5’4″ | 1,800 lbs. |
| 6×12 Cargo Trailer Rental | 11’7″ x 6′ x 5’5″ | 2,480 lbs. |
Utility Trailers
U-Haul Utility trailers are available in five sizes. Some come equipped with a U-Haul EZRamp, which simplifies loading and unloading and allows you to move heavy items on a towing dolly.
| Type of trailer | Dimensions | Max load |
| 4×7 Utility Trailer Rental | 7’8″ x 3’4″ | 1,770 lbs. |
| 5×8 Utility Trailer Rental | 108″ x 51.5″ | 1,890 lbs. |
| 5×9 Utility Trailer Rental with Ramp | 9’2″ x 4’9″ | 1,650 lbs. |
| 6×12 Utility Trailer Rental | 12′ x 6’2″ Ramp width 4’9” |
2,670 lbs. |
| 6×12 Utility Trailer Rental with Ramp | 12′ x 6’2″ Ramp width 4’9” |
3,710 |
How to determine the right U-Haul trailer size for your needs
You can make an educated guess on the right trailer size for your needs by taking a few steps. These steps can be challenging, but they’re essential to towing your belongings safely.
The first step in choosing the right size trailer is to confirm that your vehicle is suitable for towing what you need to move. Of course, your vehicle must be equipped with a trailer hitch. Then refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to find out the maximum load it can tow.
Next, figure out the outer dimensions, weight and volume of your belongings. A measuring tape and bathroom scale can come in handy. The same goes for a calculator: it can help you convert feet and inches to cubic feet.
If you’re transporting large furniture or appliances that you can’t weigh at home, you can research average weights in these categories to help you estimate the total weight of your belongings.
Next, add the weight of the trailer itself to the weight of your belongings to get a total figure and be sure the trailer you choose is within the towing limits of your vehicle. Trailer weights for every size U-Haul trailer are available at Uhaul.com.
Finally, match all of these figures to an available U-Haul trailer. Err on the generous side when choosing your trailer to avoid disappointment when loading time arrives.
What are the requirements for renting a U-Haul trailer?
The requirements for renting a U-Haul trailer fall into three categories: driver requirements, payment requirements and vehicle/trailer safety requirements.
Driver requirements are fairly simple: you must be at least 18 years old and present a valid driver’s license at your pick-up location.
When renting a truck or car trailer, no deposit is required if you’re paying by major credit card or debit card. If you’re paying with cash, you’ll be required to pay a deposit of $60 or $75 or estimated rental charges (whichever is greater). That’s true for a one-way move or in-Town® rentals.
Vehicle safety requirements are much more complex. Fortunately, during the reservation process, a U-Haul representative can call up your vehicle information automatically and advise you whether it’s suitable for the towing equipment you wish to rent. Requirements are stringent and you may need to adjust your plans to meet them.
Here’s a summary of safe vehicle operating requirements from Uhaul.com:
- Must be equipped with a hard top if it is an SUV or Jeep. U-Haul does not allow any type of sport-utility vehicle not equipped with a hardtop to tow U-Haul equipment.
- Tow vehicle and trailer lighting must be operational at all times, day and night. All U-Haul trailers and towing are wired with a 4-way flat light connector.
- The curb weight of your tow vehicle must exceed the weight of the loaded trailer.
- In order to tow, your vehicle must be equipped with an adequate hitch system and lighting connections. Your hitch system includes the receiver hitch, 4-way flat light connector, and ball. The overall rating is determined by the lowest-rated component of the three. Your hitch must have a 1-7/8″ or 2″ hitch ball (2,000 lbs. minimum) and it can’t exceed the maximum allowable hitch ball height, which is 25″.
- Your vehicle must have external mirrors on both sides.
- The allowed cargo in a trailer is calculated based on the curb weight of your vehicle and the lowest-rated component of your hitch system.
What is the average cost of renting a U-Haul trailer?
There are many variables to consider when calculating U-Haul trailer rental rates. Here are a few factors U-Haul considers when giving you a price for your move:
- What size trailer do you need?
- Will you require a trailer that’s equipped with a loading ramp?
- Are you doing a one-way move or is your drop-off location the same as your pick-up location? Returning your truck to the same U-Haul location where you picked it up costs less than a one-way rental.
- For how many days will you need your trailer?
- Will you need tie-downs or other special equipment to complete your move safely?
- What day and time will you need to pick up your trailer? Renting on peak days will cost more. You can expect to pay more during the summer and on holidays.
All U-Haul trailer rentals include unlimited mileage. For local moves, two days of rental are included in your final cost. For one-way rentals, five days are included. If you need more days than are included in your rental, you’ll pay an additional fee for each day you keep your trailer.
So there’s really no average cost for renting a U-Haul trailer. For precise figures that reflect your moving needs, you can fill out a quick form on Uhaul.com and get an accurate, up-to-date price for your rental.
How to load and unload a U-Haul trailer safely
Loading a U-Haul trailer
Step 1: Dress appropriately. That includes wearing hard shoes and safety gloves that give you a better grip on what you’re carrying.
Step 2: Use proper equipment. Your U-Haul representative will figure out what kind of trailer you can safely tow. But you may need to rent additional equipment to move large items without injuring yourself.
Step 3: Load your heaviest items first. Put about 60% of the weight you’re carrying in the center of the trailer and place the remaining 40% divided over each axel.
Step 4: Secure the load. Whenever possible, pack your trailer tightly so items don’t shift during transit. You may also need tie-downs, ropes, and other accessories to secure the contents of your trailer.
Step 5: Check for visibility. Your car must be equipped with two side-view mirrors in order to rent a trailer. Use them frequently. It takes time to get used to towing a trailer, especially when backing up.
Unloading a U-Haul trailer
Step 1: Wear protective shoes and gloves as you would when loading your trailer.
Step 2: Park safely. That means parking on a flat, non-graded piece of land. It helps to have a helper with you. If you do, have them place blocks on the downhill side of the trailer before you shift into park. Then apply the parking brake.
Step 3: Practice safe uncoupling: When it comes time to uncouple your trailer, once again, make sure you’re parked on a flat surface. Chock the wheels to prevent the trailer from rolling. Then jack up the trailer. Be sure to disconnect the electrical connector, too.
Step 4: Sequence your unloading of individual items so that the cargo weight is balanced throughout the unloading process.
What is the process for returning a U-Haul trailer?
Returning your trailer is as easy as picking it up. If you’ve booked a local rental, you must return your trailer to the U-Haul location where you picked it up. For one-way rentals, visit the U-Haul location that’s nearest to your final destination. In either case, a U-Haul representative will check your trailer in, which involves, among other things, making sure it’s empty and inspecting it for damage.
You can return a U-Haul trailer after hours online or by using the company’s mobile app. Sign into your account, then select “return my truck”. You’ll then receive information on where to park your trailer. You’ll be asked to upload photos that document the trailer’s condition upon return and report any damage. You’ll be shown a copy of your pending charges, which you can accept to complete your return.
Renting a U-Haul Trailer FAQs
How We Chose the Main Things to Know Before Renting a U-Haul Trailer
Whether it’s your first time renting a trailer or you’re already a pro at trailer transport, choosing the right trailer and trailer rental company for any particular move involves a certain foundational knowledge. Our goal in presenting this information was to help you make the most practical and safest decision when selecting a trailer.
We reviewed the two types — and many sizes — of trailers available through U-Haul, one of the leading trailer rental companies in the U.S. We compared their specs, including linear dimensions and maximum weight capacity to aid you in choosing the right trailer for the items you’re moving. We then investigated the costs associated with renting a trailer and what factors determined how much you’ll pay for your rental.
U-Haul applies various safety rules when renting you a trailer. The company won’t rent you a trailer unless your towing vehicle is properly equipped with the appropriate trailer hitch and meets a proper weight standard. We reviewed those requirements so you’ll know what you’re getting into. Finally, we provided advice on how to load and unload your trailer safely and more conveniently.
