Enclosed Trailer Rental: Will it Work for Your Move?

Cargo trailers for moving

Choosing equipment is a critical step when planning a move. Finding the right service can be confusing, especially for a small move. If you’re thinking about a moving cargo trailer, it helps to know what to expect before agreeing to a rental.

Let’s review enclosed trailer features, how renting them works and why a DIY option like U-Pack® can be a better choice for out-of-state moves.

Where to find small enclosed trailers for rent

Some home improvement stores or local equipment rental companies might offer cargo trailers, but inventory and requirements vary by state and town.

U-Haul® has enclosed cargo trailers available for rent, but not all service locations carry them. While trailer rentals are available for local or long-distance moves, you’re not guaranteed the size you need at a location near you.

U-Haul has enclosed cargo trailers for rent

Here are the specs for the small, enclosed trailers U-Haul offers:

Rental requirements

To rent a trailer from U-Haul, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be 18 years old or older with a valid driver’s license
• Drive a vehicle capable of towing (or rent one)
• Sign the rental agreement/trailer inspection in person
• Reserve with a major credit or debit card online or in person. Cash requires payment in full at the rental location.

Note: Contact U-Haul to confirm rental requirements, as these are subject to change.

Pros and cons of enclosed trailer rentals for moving

Cargo trailers can be easy to find at most truck rental companies, but that doesn’t mean they’re the easiest way to move. While these types of trailers have advantages, the disadvantages can often outweigh the benefits, especially for long-distance moves.

Pros

• Covered trailers are weather resistant
• Low daily rental rate (great for local moves)
• Works well for small moves

Cons

• It can be difficult to maneuver and haul the trailer
• Limited space to hold belongings
• One-way trailer rental for out-of-state moves is significantly more expensive than daily rates for local travel
• Requires a vehicle capable of towing, which could mean additional costs to rent one
• Towing a trailer reduces gas mileage

Other considerations before renting a moving trailer

Keep these things in mind before signing a rental agreement:

Not all vehicles can tow

Most trailer rental companies require a hard-top car or truck (no convertibles or soft-top SUVs) with a compatible hitch to tow a trailer. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to rent a truck from U-Haul or another company for an additional cost.  

Loading can be challenging

Cargo trailers have limited space for belongings, and loading them can be difficult because of their size.

• Cargo trailers rarely come with ramps
• Door openings and internal measurements do not allow most people to stand upright
• The trailers do not offer ground-level loading, unlike U-Pack’s ReloCube® moving containers

Towing and parking can be difficult

Hauling a heavy cargo trailer is outside the comfort level of many people. Vehicles towing a trailer will take longer to get up to speed and longer to stop. Backing up or parking with enclosed trailers can be tricky for drivers not used to towing.

Another thing to consider is where to park during loading or during stops while traveling to the new home. Because cargo trailers are not designed to be unhooked from the towing vehicle, you’ll need enough space for the full length of the car and moving equipment any time you park.

Towing can increase travel time

You must travel more slowly than usual to be safe when hauling a trailer, often below posted speed limits. The maximum recommended driving speed for towing U-Haul trailers is 55 MPH, according to their website. This means additional time on the road when traveling.

Towing will significantly reduce your vehicle's gas mileage

Hauling a heavy trailer will decrease gas mileage in most vehicles, increasing the cost of your move. Exactly how much more you’ll pay will depend on the car, the weight of belongings and driving habits (speed, braking and acceleration).

Read more about how gas prices impact moving costs.

A cargo trailer won’t work for your out-of-state move? U-Pack can help

If towing a trailer for a long-distance move sounds like too much trouble, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there’s a much easier way to move to another state with U-Pack. With U-Pack, you get all the benefits of a DIY move, like cost savings and control, without the hassle of driving the moving equipment.

We handle long-distance moves of all sizes, and you’ll only pay for the space you use down to the minimum of one ReloCube moving container or 5 linear feet in a moving trailer.

Call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to get a free, no obligation quote and learn more about moving with U-Pack. You can also request a personalized quote online.

U-Haul® is a registered trademark of U-Haul International, Inc. Use of third-party trademarks or registered trademarks does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by such third party.