Generally, no, you cannot pull a trailer with a standard rental car. Most major rental companies explicitly prohibit towing in their standard rental agreements. Violating this policy can void your insurance coverage and leave you financially responsible for any damage to the rental car, the trailer, or other property.
The primary reason is liability. Rental cars are not equipped or tested by the rental company for towing. The vehicle's transmission, brakes, and cooling systems may not be rated for the additional stress, leading to premature wear or mechanical failure. Furthermore, the rental company has no way of verifying if the trailer's brakes and lights are properly connected and functional, creating a significant safety hazard.
If you absolutely need to tow, you must contact the rental company directly. Some companies, like U-Haul (which rents trucks specifically for this purpose) or certain commercial truck rental divisions, offer vehicles equipped for towing. You will need to specify this need when booking, and you will likely be required to use a designated towing vehicle, often at a higher rental rate and with specific insurance requirements.
| Rental Company | Standard Towing Policy | Potential Towing Options (If Any) | Key Consideration |
|---|
| Enterprise | Prohibited on all vehicles | May offer pickup trucks or SUVs for towing upon request | Must be arranged at time of booking; specific vehicle and hitch required. |
| Hertz | Prohibited on all vehicles | Limited availability of tow-ready vehicles | Requires direct contact with a rental location; additional fees apply. |
| Avis | Prohibited on all vehicles | Very rare; typically only through commercial truck divisions | Not a service offered to general consumer rentals. |
| Budget | Prohibited on all vehicles | No standard consumer options | Policy is strict; violation voids all insurance. |
| U-Haul | N/A (Core Business) | Pickup trucks, cargo vans, and trucks designed for towing | Towing capacity and hitch are standard; insurance tailored for towing. |
The safest approach is to assume towing is not allowed. Always read your rental agreement's fine print regarding "prohibited use" and plan for an alternative, such as renting a truck designed for the task from a company that specializes in it.
