What to consider before renting a U-Haul trailer
Renting a trailer from U-Haul® may seem like an easy way to move to another home — and it can be — for local moves. However, if you’re moving long-distance, there are other factors to consider before signing that U-Haul rental agreement.
Let’s look at the details for U-Haul trailers and learn how DIY moves to another state can be easier with U-Pack®.
U-Haul trailer sizes and options
U-Haul rents cargo, utility and auto/motorcycle trailers for out-of-state moves. It’s important to understand each model's dimensions and loading capacity to avoid issues on moving day.
Keep in mind that the maximum total weight of a trailer with your items loaded cannot exceed your towing vehicle’s curb weight (the weight without any passengers or additional items), the equipment’s capacity and your hitch system rating.
According to U-Haul’s website, all equipment measurements are approximate and may vary between rental locations.
Cargo trailers
Cargo trailers are enclosed to protect household items from the elements.
Here are the sizes U-Haul has available:
4’x8’
The smallest enclosed trailer U-Haul offers has interior dimensions of 8'1" x 4'1" x 4' (LWH).
- Maximum cargo capacity: 142 cubic feet
- Maximum load: 1,650 lbs.
- Low loading deck
- Holds smaller items like loveseats, twin-size mattresses and some fitness equipment
- Recommended for dorm moving or hauling luggage for vacations
5’x8’
The mid-sized enclosed trailer measures 8' x 4'8" x 5'4" (LWH) inside.
- Maximum loading capacity: 208 cubic feet
- Maximum load: 1,800 lbs.
- Low loading deck
- Holds things like office furniture and queen-size mattresses
- Recommended for dorm or office moving
6’x12’
The largest enclosed option is 11'7" x 6' x 5'5" (LWH) inside and is the only cargo trailer equipped with an automatic hydraulic surge brake (to help with slowing while in transit).
- Maximum loading capacity: 396 cubic feet
- Maximum load: 2,480 lbs.
- Low loading deck
- Can hold king-size and California king-size mattresses
- Recommended for enclosed motorcycle hauling or as an add-on to 26’ truck rental
Utility trailers
Utility trailers are open with side rails, and some sizes come with a ramp to help you move oversized items. These trailers allow you to move taller items upright, but the downside is that there is no protection from the weather.
Here’s what U-Haul offers:
4’x7’
This utility trailer has inside dimensions of 7'8" x 3'4" (LW).
- Can hold up to 1,770 lbs.
- Low loading deck
- Recommended for hauling landscaping supplies
5’x8’
This trailer is 108”x 51.5” (LW).
- Can hold up to 1,890 lbs.
- Low loading deck
- Recommended for hauling home improvement supplies, moving furniture and hauling camping gear or ATVs
5’x9’ with ramp
This trailer has interior dimensions of 9'2" x 4'9" (LW).
- Can hold 1,650 lbs.
- Equipped with a 4’9” wide ramp
- Recommended for hauling landscaping materials in wheelbarrows, appliances on dollies, motorcycles, ATVs and golf carts
6’x12’ with or without ramp
The 6x12 utility trailer can come with or without a ramp. It measures 12' x 6'2" (LW) inside and is equipped with an automatic hydraulic surge brake.
- Select models are equipped with a 4’9” wide ramp
- Maximum load: 2,670 lbs. or 3,710 lbs. for ramp versions
- Recommended for larger deliveries or motorcycle hauling
Auto and motorcycle trailers
U-Haul also offers trailers made specifically for transporting vehicles.
Tow dolly
The maximum allowed tow load is 3,450 lbs. for front-wheel drive vehicles and 3,900 lbs. for rear-wheel drive vehicles. U-Haul’s website doesn’t list dimensions for this trailer option.
Auto transport trailer
This trailer has a maximum load of 5,290 lbs. and deck dimensions of 148” x 79.25” x 19” (LWH). It comes with a 77.5” long ramp to load your vehicle.
Motorcycle trailer
U-Haul motorcycle trailers have inside dimensions of 7'8" x 3'9.5" (LW) and can hold a maximum load of 1,600 lbs.
Considering a moving truck instead? Check out these 7 things you should know about U-Haul before renting a truck.
Other trailer rental questions
What’s the price of renting a U-Haul trailer?
Advertised rates for trailer rental at $14.95 according to U-Haul’s website, but those rates are for local use.
The cost for long-distance moves (where you pick up at one location and drop off at another) is based on the equipment you need and the distance between locations with a set number of days. More days will mean paying more.
Depending on your location, some trailer types and sizes may not be available for long-distance rentals, so you might need to get different equipment than planned — which can cost more.
Can my vehicle tow a U-Haul trailer?
You can tow with a U-Haul rental truck or a personal vehicle if it meets specific requirements, including:
- External mirrors on both sides
- An adequate hitch system with a receiver hitch, ball mount and ball (1 7/8” or 2” ball, 2,000 lbs. minimum, with maximum hitch ball height of 25”)
- Compatible with a four-way flat light connector
- A hard top (SUVs and Jeeps)
Certain vehicle types are excluded — for safety reasons, U-Haul won’t let you pull a trailer with a Ford Explorer built in specific years.
Is there an easier way to move without renting a trailer?
Renting a trailer can be a hassle — from picking it up and dropping it off to maneuvering it on the road. And, depending on what vehicle you have, you might have to pay more to rent a truck capable of towing and extra fuel costs. Plus, you have a limited amount of space to haul your things.
Moving with U-Pack is much easier, and you won’t have to worry about driving with a trailer, paying extra for fuel or running out of space.
Learn more about U-Pack’s flexible moving options.
Don’t stress about hauling a trailer one way
U-Pack serves all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. We have over 25 years of experience in long-distance moves, and we’re ready to help you relocate without the hassle of renting trailers.
Get a free, no-obligation quote online or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant.
If you have any questions about how U-Pack compares to one-way trailer rental, let us know in the comments. We’re always happy to help!
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