U-Haul Trailer Sizes And Prices: Your Comprehensive Guide to DIY Moving

U-Haul Trailer Sizes And Prices: Your Comprehensive Guide to DIY Moving types.truckstrend.com

Moving can be a daunting task, but for millions, U-Haul offers a practical, cost-effective solution through its extensive fleet of rental trailers. Whether you’re relocating across the country, clearing out a garage, or transporting a vehicle, choosing the right U-Haul trailer size and understanding its associated costs are paramount to a successful and stress-free experience. This guide aims to demystify the U-Haul trailer ecosystem, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision, ensuring your belongings are transported safely and efficiently without breaking the bank.

U-Haul’s diverse range of trailers caters to virtually every hauling need, from compact cargo carriers for small loads to heavy-duty auto transports for vehicles. The key to unlocking their utility lies in understanding the specific dimensions, capacities, and pricing structures of each type. This knowledge not only helps you avoid costly mistakes like renting too small or too large a trailer but also ensures you have the proper towing setup and adhere to safety guidelines.

U-Haul Trailer Sizes And Prices: Your Comprehensive Guide to DIY Moving

Understanding U-Haul Trailer Types: A Fleet for Every Need

U-Haul categorizes its trailers into three primary types, each designed for specific hauling purposes:

1. Cargo Trailers (Enclosed)

These are perhaps the most popular choice for household moves due to their enclosed design, which protects your belongings from weather elements, road debris, and provides an added layer of security. They are ideal for furniture, boxes, appliances, and anything that needs to stay dry and secure.

2. Utility Trailers (Open)

As the name suggests, utility trailers are open-air and come with low sides, making them perfect for hauling oddly shaped items, bulk materials, landscaping supplies, or even small vehicles like ATVs and motorcycles. Their open design allows for easy loading and unloading of items that might not fit into an enclosed trailer. Many models feature a built-in ramp for convenience.

3. Car Trailers (Vehicle Transports)

Specifically designed for transporting vehicles, U-Haul offers two main types:

• Tow Dollies: These lift only the front wheels of the towed vehicle off the ground, making them suitable for most front-wheel-drive cars.
• Auto Transports: These are flatbed trailers that lift all four wheels of the towed vehicle off the ground, providing maximum protection and suitable for a wider range of vehicles, including all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive cars.

Choosing the Right U-Haul Trailer Size: Cargo Trailers

Selecting the correct enclosed cargo trailer size is crucial to avoid multiple trips or, conversely, paying for unused space. Here’s a breakdown of U-Haul’s cargo trailer sizes and their typical uses:

• 4×8 Cargo Trailer:

  • Capacity: Approximately 140 cubic feet.
  • Ideal For: Small moving jobs, such as a dorm room, studio apartment, or decluttering a single room. It’s perfect for boxes, small furniture items, and personal belongings. Its compact size makes it easy to tow.
  • Features: Lightweight, low loading deck, equipped with tie-downs.

• 5×8 Cargo Trailer:

  • Capacity: Approximately 200 cubic feet.
  • Ideal For: A larger studio apartment, a small 1-bedroom apartment, or significant decluttering projects. It can typically hold a queen-size bed, a dresser, and several boxes.
  • Features: Low loading deck, tie-downs, usually has a wider rear door opening than the 4×8.

• 5×10 Cargo Trailer:

  • Capacity: Approximately 270 cubic feet.
  • Ideal For: A 1-bedroom apartment or a small 2-bedroom apartment. This size offers a good balance between capacity and maneuverability. It can accommodate larger furniture pieces like sofas, dining tables, and multiple appliances.
  • Features: Low loading deck, tie-downs, often comes with a built-in ramp for easier loading of heavier items.

• 6×12 Cargo Trailer:

  • Capacity: Approximately 396 cubic feet.
  • Ideal For: A 2-bedroom home or larger apartment. This is U-Haul’s largest enclosed cargo trailer and can handle substantial loads, including multiple rooms of furniture, appliances, and a high volume of boxes.
  • Features: Low loading deck, tie-downs, and a wide ramp for easy loading of large and heavy items. This trailer often requires a more capable towing vehicle.

Choosing the Right U-Haul Trailer Size: Utility Trailers

Utility trailers are versatile for open-air hauling. Here are the available sizes:

• 4×7 Utility Trailer:

  • Capacity: Can hold up to 1,600 lbs.
  • Ideal For: Small landscaping projects, hauling lawn equipment, debris removal, or transporting a motorcycle or ATV.
  • Features: Open top, low sides, easy to load.

• 5×8 Utility Trailer:

  • Capacity: Can hold up to 1,890 lbs.
  • Ideal For: Slightly larger landscaping jobs, transporting small furniture items that don’t need protection from the elements, or multiple large appliances.
  • Features: Open top, low sides.

• 5×9 Utility Trailer with Ramp:

  • Capacity: Can hold up to 1,650 lbs.
  • Ideal For: Similar uses to the 5×8 but with the added convenience of a built-in ramp, making it perfect for loading ATVs, dirt bikes, or heavy rolling equipment like lawnmowers.
  • Features: Open top, low sides, sturdy loading ramp.

• 6×12 Utility Trailer:

  • Capacity: Can hold up to 2,670 lbs.
  • Ideal For: Large landscaping projects, construction materials, large appliances, or even small vehicles.
  • Features: Open top, low sides, often requires a more robust towing vehicle.

• 6×12 Utility Trailer with Ramp:

  • Capacity: Can hold up to 2,670 lbs.
  • Ideal For: The most versatile utility trailer, ideal for large, heavy, and awkward items that benefit from ramp loading, such as motorcycles, small tractors, or multiple large pieces of furniture.
  • Features: Open top, low sides, heavy-duty loading ramp.

Choosing the Right U-Haul Car Trailer

Transporting a vehicle requires specific equipment to ensure safety and prevent damage.

• Tow Dolly:

  • Purpose: Ideal for towing front-wheel-drive vehicles. The front two wheels of your car are secured onto the dolly, while the rear two wheels remain on the ground.
  • Limitations: Not suitable for all-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive vehicles without disconnecting the driveshaft. Vehicle weight limits apply.
  • Benefits: Generally less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver than an auto transport.

• Auto Transport:

  • Purpose: Lifts all four wheels of the towed vehicle off the ground, providing maximum protection during transport. Suitable for most cars, trucks, and SUVs.
  • Benefits: Reduces wear and tear on the towed vehicle, offers greater peace of mind, and is compatible with a wider range of vehicles (including AWD/RWD).
  • Considerations: Heavier and longer than a tow dolly, requiring a more powerful towing vehicle and greater caution while driving.

U-Haul Trailer Pricing Explained

U-Haul trailer prices are dynamic and depend on several factors, making it essential to get an accurate quote directly from their website or a representative. Here are the primary factors influencing the cost:

1. Trailer Size and Type: Larger trailers and specialized car trailers are generally more expensive than smaller utility or cargo trailers.
2. Rental Duration: Prices are typically quoted on a daily basis for in-town rentals. One-way rentals factor in the distance and estimated time.
3. Distance (One-Way vs. In-Town):
   • In-Town Rentals: Usually charged at a flat daily rate, allowing you to pick up and return the trailer to the same location. These are generally the most affordable option for local moves.
   • One-Way Rentals: Priced based on the origin, destination, and estimated mileage. This allows you to pick up a trailer at one U-Haul location and drop it off at another in a different city or state. One-way rates include a set number of days and miles.
4. Availability and Demand: Prices can fluctuate based on the time of year (e.g., summer is peak moving season), day of the week, and local availability. Booking in advance can sometimes secure better rates.
5. Location: Prices can vary by region and even by specific U-Haul dealer within a city.

Additional Costs to Consider:

• Environmental Fee: A small, mandatory fee added to most rentals.
• Insurance Options: U-Haul offers optional coverage plans like "Safetow®" which covers damage to the trailer and your belongings in transit. While optional, it’s highly recommended for peace of mind.
• Hitch and Wiring: If your towing vehicle isn’t equipped, you may need to purchase or rent a hitch, ball mount, and wiring harness for trailer lights. U-Haul offers installation services for these.
• Taxes: Applicable state and local taxes will be added to the rental cost.
• Accessories: Items like furniture pads, tie-downs, and moving blankets are typically rented or purchased separately.

Practical Advice: Always use U-Haul’s online reservation system to get an exact quote. Input your desired pick-up location, drop-off location (if one-way), dates, and trailer type. The system will provide a detailed breakdown of the estimated costs.

Important Considerations Before Renting

Before you hook up your U-Haul trailer, several critical factors must be addressed to ensure a safe and efficient move:

• Towing Vehicle Compatibility: This is paramount. Your vehicle must have the appropriate towing capacity for the loaded trailer. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for its maximum towing capacity and tongue weight limits. You’ll also need a compatible hitch receiver (Class I, II, or III, depending on the trailer) and a properly sized hitch ball. All U-Haul trailers require working brake lights, turn signals, and running lights, so your vehicle needs a functional wiring harness.
• Weight Distribution and Loading: Proper loading is essential for stability and safety. Distribute weight evenly, with about 60% of the weight in the front half of the trailer (closest to the towing vehicle) and 40% in the rear. Secure all items with tie-downs to prevent shifting during transit. Overloading a trailer is dangerous and illegal.
• Driving with a Trailer:
  • Speed: Adhere to lower speed limits for trailers, often 55 mph in many states.
  • Braking: Your braking distance will significantly increase. Begin braking earlier than usual.
  • Turns: Make wider turns to account for the trailer’s length.
  • Lane Changes: Allow ample space when changing lanes.
  • Backing Up: This takes practice. It’s often easier to pull forward and reposition than to back up extensively.
• Insurance Options: While your personal auto insurance might offer some coverage, U-Haul’s Safetow® plan specifically covers damage to the U-Haul trailer itself and offers protection for your cargo against certain perils. Review your existing policies and consider U-Haul’s options for peace of mind.
• Pre-Rental Checklist: Before leaving the U-Haul lot, inspect the trailer thoroughly for any existing damage, ensure the tires are properly inflated, and verify that all lights are working. Confirm the trailer is securely hitched and the safety chains are crossed and connected.

U-Haul Trailer Sizes and Estimated Price Ranges (Illustrative)

Please note: These prices are estimated typical ranges for the US and can vary significantly based on location, demand, rental duration, and specific U-Haul promotions. Always get a live quote from U-Haul’s website for accurate pricing. One-way prices are highly variable based on distance.

Trailer Type	Size (W x L)	Approximate Capacity	Typical In-Town Daily Price Range (USD)	Typical One-Way Price Range (USD – highly variable)
Cargo Trailers
Enclosed	4 ft x 8 ft	140 cu. ft.	$14.95 – $24.95	$100 – $300+
Enclosed	5 ft x 8 ft	200 cu. ft.	$19.95 – $29.95	$150 – $400+
Enclosed	5 ft x 10 ft	270 cu. ft.	$29.95 – $39.95	$200 – $500+
Enclosed	6 ft x 12 ft	396 cu. ft.	$34.95 – $49.95	$250 – $600+
Utility Trailers
Open	4 ft x 7 ft	Max 1,600 lbs	$14.95 – $24.95	Not typically available one-way
Open	5 ft x 8 ft	Max 1,890 lbs	$19.95 – $29.95	Not typically available one-way
Open w/ Ramp	5 ft x 9 ft	Max 1,650 lbs	$24.95 – $34.95	Not typically available one-way
Open	6 ft x 12 ft	Max 2,670 lbs	$29.95 – $39.95	Not typically available one-way
Open w/ Ramp	6 ft x 12 ft	Max 2,670 lbs	$34.95 – $44.95	Not typically available one-way
Car Trailers
Tow Dolly	Fits most FWD cars	Max 3,450 lbs (car weight)	$44.95 – $64.95	$150 – $700+
Auto Transport	Fits most cars/SUVs	Max 5,290 lbs (car weight)	$54.95 – $79.95	$200 – $1,000+

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Do I need a special license to tow a U-Haul trailer?
A1: In most states, no special license is required for towing U-Haul trailers for non-commercial use, as long as your vehicle’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is within legal limits. Always check your state’s specific Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regulations.

Q2: Can I rent a U-Haul trailer one-way?
A2: Yes, U-Haul offers one-way rentals for most of its cargo and car trailers, allowing you to pick up at one location and drop off at another. Utility trailers are generally for in-town use only.

Q3: What kind of hitch do I need for a U-Haul trailer?
A3: You’ll need a hitch receiver appropriate for the trailer’s weight (typically Class I, II, or III), a properly sized hitch ball (usually 1-7/8" or 2" for most trailers), and a functional wiring harness for the trailer lights. U-Haul can help you determine the correct setup and even install hitches.

Q4: Do U-Haul trailers have brakes?
A4: Most smaller U-Haul trailers (like 4×8 or 5×8 cargo trailers) do not have independent braking systems. Larger trailers (e.g., 6×12 cargo trailers and auto transports) typically come equipped with surge brakes, which engage automatically when the towing vehicle slows down.

Q5: What if I need to extend my rental period?
A5: Contact U-Haul customer service as soon as possible if you anticipate needing to extend your rental. Extensions are subject to availability and additional charges will apply.

Q6: Are there hidden fees when renting a U-Haul trailer?
A6: U-Haul is generally transparent with its pricing. There are no "hidden" fees, but it’s crucial to understand that the initial quoted price may not include optional insurance, environmental fees, taxes, or charges for additional equipment (like hitches or moving supplies). Always review the final quote carefully.

Conclusion

Navigating U-Haul trailer sizes and prices doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding the different types of trailers, their capacities, and the factors that influence pricing, you can confidently select the perfect solution for your moving or hauling needs. Remember that proper planning, choosing the right size, ensuring your towing vehicle is compatible, and prioritizing safety during loading and driving are all critical steps for a successful experience. U-Haul offers unparalleled flexibility and convenience for DIY movers, and with this comprehensive guide, you’re well-equipped to make the best choices for your next big haul.