who rents car trailers

[RicardoFitz]

You can rent a car trailer from several major national chains, with U-Haul being the most widespread and commonly used option. Other primary retailers include hardware stores like The Home Depot and Lowe's, as well as truck rental companies like Penske. Your choice will depend on availability, cost, and the specific towing capacity required for your vehicle.

The most critical first step is verifying your vehicle's towing capabilities. Check your owner's manual for the maximum tow rating and ensure it can handle the combined weight of the trailer and your cargo. You will also need a standard 2-inch hitch receiver and a functional wiring harness for the trailer lights.

Here’s a comparison of the main rental options:

Rental Company	Typical Trailer Type	Average Daily Cost	Key Requirement	Weight Capacity (approx.)	Unique Consideration
U-Haul	Auto Transport (open)	$55 - $65	Valid Driver's License, Credit Card	5,290 lbs	Requires vehicle info for tow check; widely available
The Home Depot	Utility Trailer	$25 - $40	Valid Driver's License	1,950 lbs	Often used for lighter loads; limited auto transport
Lowe's	Utility Trailer	$20 - $35	Valid Driver's License, Proof of Insurance	1,500 lbs	Similar to Home Depot; good for small jobs
Penske	Auto Transport (open)	$60 - $75	Valid Driver's License, Credit Card	5,200 lbs	Often paired with truck rentals; fewer locations
Local Rental Yards	Various (Flatbed, Enclosed)	$50 - $150+	Varies by company	Varies significantly	Best for specialized, heavy-duty trailers

For a standard car move, U-Haul's auto transport trailer is the usual go-to. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. Be prepared to show your driver's license and a major credit card at pickup. The rental agent will typically walk you through the hitching process and check your vehicle's lights.

[LaMaggie]

Just go to U-Haul's website. I rented one last month to move a project car. You put in your info and what you're towing with, and it tells you right away if your vehicle is approved. It was about sixty bucks for the day. Super easy. Just make sure you have a hitch already installed on your truck or SUV. They showed me how to connect it in five minutes.

[DelMaci]

Price and convenience are key. Don't just default to U-Haul without checking The Home Depot or Lowe's first. If you're only hauling a load of junk to the dump or some landscaping materials, their smaller utility trailers are way cheaper—sometimes half the price. They're lighter and easier to handle, too. The catch is they're not designed for moving an actual car, so match the trailer to the job.

[ParkerDella]

Your vehicle's ability to tow is the non-negotiable starting point. That sedan in your driveway probably can't do it. You need a truck or a robust SUV with a proper factory-installed or Class III aftermarket hitch. The rental company will ask for your vehicle's make, model, and year to confirm it's safe. Safety is everything here; an underpowered vehicle with a loaded trailer is a major hazard on the road.

[SanTimothy]

As someone who's towed everything across three states, my advice is to think about the details. Reserve online, but always call the specific location a day before to confirm your trailer is actually there. When you pick it up, do a slow walk-around with your phone's camera, recording any existing rust or damage. Those small dings can turn into a blame game when you return it. It’s a simple step that saves a lot of hassle.