The Top Moving Trailer Rental Companies

A moving trailer rental can help you safely transport your stuff with fewer out-of-pocket expenses than a traditional professional moving truck or service. It can also have the added benefit of providing extra storage for your move. 

But when deciding whether or not to go with a moving trailer rental, consider the details of your move. Do you need an enclosed trailer to protect your belongings from dirt and dust? Do you need a tow dolly to transport your car when you move? Do you want to drive your own car to pull the trailer, or do you need a moving truck?

To make life a little easier, we’ve picked out the top moving trailer rental companies based on availability and what they offer. 

Top moving trailer rental companies

• U-Haul– Best trailer options
• Budget – Best deals and discounts
• Penske – Most straightforward pricing

We selected these companies for their nationwide availability, affordability, and booking convenience with an app or online reservations. Each company offers different services, truck sizes, trailer sizes, and other perks that put them on the list. 

All prices are accurate as of 11/28/2022. Costs can vary based on the location and date of your move. 

U-Haul: Best trailer options

Pros:

• U-Haul location in every state
• Unlimited mileage option
• Good variety of trailer options
• Affordable pricing 

Cons:

• Most utility trailers only available for local and roundtrip moves
• Charged damage protection and environmental fees

U-Haul trailer rentals

How much does a U-Haul trailer rental cost?

U-Haul trailer rental prices depend on many factors, like your pick-up and drop-off locations, the day of the week, and the season. Base rental prices begin at $14.95 for local moves and increase from there, depending on the size and type of trailer you choose. 

Those prices change for a long-distance move. For example, we were quoted trailer rental prices of $64 for the smallest cargo trailer and $148 for the largest trailer. These prices are for a move from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania during the spring season.

Additional fees include damage protection and environmental fees. You can also rent moving equipment like utility trailers, dollies, and furniture pads for an additional cost. U-Haul also offers regular discounts — check the site for more information.

Budget Truck Rental: Best deals and discounts

Pros:

• Available in 49 states
• Unlimited mileage option
• Variety of deals and discounts available

Cons:

• Only offers car carriers and tow dollies
• Car carriers and tow dollies can only be rented with a moving truck

Budget car carrier and tow dolly

How much does a Budget trailer rental cost?

As far as moving trailers go, Budget only offers car carriers and tow dollies, but their prices are reasonable. Their car carriers and tow dollies must be rented with a moving truck. 

To give you an idea of cost, we were quoted $368 for a 16 ft moving truck and $59 for a car carrier (towing a small SUV) during a spring season move from Charlotte, NC to Pittsburgh, PA. Keep in mind that these quoted prices did not include any discounts or promo codes, so you there is still room for extra savings. 

Budget offers regular discounts and promo codes for specific moves, as well as discounts for military members, first responders, and students. Check the site for more information.

Penske: Most straightforward pricing 

Pros:

• Available in 48 states
• Unlimited mileage option
• No hidden mileage or turn-in fees
• Higher quality moving trucks

Cons:

• Only offers car carriers and tow dollies
• Car carriers and tow dollies can only be rented with a moving truck
• Pricier than other companys

Penske car carrier and tow dolly

How much does a Penske trailer rental cost?

Like Budget, Penske only offers car carriers and tow dollies, which must be rented with a moving truck. For an example of cost, we were quoted $651 for a 16 ft moving truck, $67 for a tow dolly, and $84 for a car carrier (towing a small SUV). These prices are for a spring season move from Charlotte, NC to Pittsburgh, PA.

While these prices are higher then the two other options on our list, Penske gives you a very straightforward and upfront cost, with no hidden mileage or turn-in fees.

Penske also offers discounts and promo codes as well. Check the site for more information.

Tips for packing a trailer rental

There’s a right way and a wrong to do just about everything, especially when it comes to packing a moving trailer rental. Make sure your move doesn’t include dealing with damaged items.

• Be sure to get the proper size.
• Take apart your furniture before you load it.
• Place fragile boxes and items on top of larger, heavier boxes and furniture.
• Organize (and label) your boxed items by room as you load them into the truck. 

The bottom line

U-Haul is the only company that offers enclosed moving trailer rentals. However, Budget and Penske, as well as U-Haul, have car trailers and tow dolly rentals to choose from. Consider the details of your move to decide how renting a moving trailer can help.

Frequently asked questions

Does Budget rent trailers? 

No, Budget does not rent moving trailers. They do, however, offer tow dollies and car carriers when you rent a Budget moving truck.

Does Penske rent trailers? 

No, Penske does not rent trailers. Like Budget, they do rent tow dollies and car carriers.

How much does it cost to rent a cargo trailer?

Cargo trailer rentals start at $14.95 for the most basic model from U-Haul, the only company to offer a cargo trailer. Pricing will vary depending on your specific move details and dates.