What You Should Know About U-Haul Trailers

Is renting a U-Haul trailer right for your move?

For local moves, U-Haul® rental trucks and trailers are often a popular option because of their low costs. They can also be used for long-distance relocation but driving a moving truck or towing a trailer across state lines can be complicated and costly.

Let’s review what to expect from U-Haul trailers and learn how transporting your belongings to another state can be easier with U-Pack®, another DIY moving solution.

U-Haul trailer sizes and types

U-Haul offers cargo, utility and auto/motorcycle trailers for local and out-of-state moves. Each trailer has its own loading limits, and there are a few different weight guidelines to keep in mind before deciding to rent:

• The weight has to stay within the trailer’s capacity
• The fully loaded trailer can’t exceed your towing vehicle’s curb weight (the weight without any passengers or additional items)
• It must match the rating of the hitch system (the maximum amount of weight the hitch can safely tow)

Note: According to U-Haul’s website, all equipment measurements are approximate and may vary between rental locations. 

Cargo trailers

U-Haul offers 3 sizes of enclosed cargo trailers:

4’x8’

The smallest enclosed trailer U-Haul offers has interior dimensions of 8'1" x 4'1" x 4' (LWH).

• Maximum cargo capacity: 142 cubic feet
• Maximum load: 1,650 lbs.
• Low loading deck
• Holds smaller items like loveseats, twin-sized mattresses and some fitness equipment
• Recommended for dorm moving or hauling luggage for vacations 

5’x8’

The mid-sized enclosed trailer measures 8' x 4'8" x 5'4" (LWH) inside.

• Maximum loading capacity: 208 cubic feet
• Maximum load: 1,800 lbs.
• Low loading deck
• Holds things like office furniture and queen-sized mattresses
• Recommended for dorm or office moving

6’x12’

The largest enclosed option is 11'7" x 6' x 5'5" (LWH) inside and is the only cargo trailer equipped with an automatic hydraulic surge brake (to help with slowing while in transit).  

• Maximum loading capacity: 396 cubic feet
• Maximum load: 2,480 lbs.
• Low loading deck
• Can hold king-sized and California king-sized mattresses
• Recommended for enclosed motorcycle hauling or as an add-on to a 26’ truck rental

Utility trailers 

Utility trailers are open with side rails, and some models include a loading ramp. While the trailers allow taller items to be moved upright, they offer no weather protection. U-Haul offers 4 sizes: 

4’x7’

This utility trailer has inside dimensions of 7'8" x 3'4" (LW).  

• Can hold up to 1,770 lbs.
• Low loading deck
• Recommended for hauling landscaping supplies

5’x8’

This trailer is 108”x 51.5” (LW). 

• Can hold up to 1,890 lbs.
• Low loading deck
• ​​​​​​​Recommended for hauling home improvement supplies, moving furniture and hauling camping gear or ATVs

5’x9’ with ramp 

This trailer has interior dimensions of 9'2" x 4'9" (LW).  

• Can hold 1,650 lbs.
• Equipped with a 4’9” wide ramp
• ​​​​​​​Recommended for hauling landscaping materials in wheelbarrows, appliances on dollies, motorcycles, ATVs and golf carts  

6’x12’ with or without ramp 

The 6x12 utility trailer can come with or without a ramp. It measures 12' x 6'2" (LW) inside and is equipped with an automatic hydraulic surge brake. 

• Select models are equipped with a 4’9” wide ramp
• Maximum load: 2,670 lbs. or 3,710 lbs. for ramp versions
• ​​​​​​​Recommended for larger deliveries or motorcycle hauling 

Auto and motorcycle trailers 

U-Haul also offers 4 trailers for transporting vehicles:

Auto transport trailer

This trailer has a maximum load of 5,290 lbs. and deck dimensions of 148” x 79.25” x 19” (LWH). It comes with a 77.5” long ramp to load your vehicle.

Motorcycle trailer

U-Haul motorcycle trailers have inside dimensions of 7'8" x 3'9.5" (LW) with a maximum load capacity of 1,600 lbs.

Tow dolly

The maximum tow load is 3,450 lbs. for front-wheel-drive vehicles and 3,900 lbs. for rear-wheel-drive cars. The dolly dimensions are approximately 6’11 wide and 11’5’ long. The maximum allowable hitch ball height is 2’1”. 

Toy hauler

This flatbed trailer has deck dimensions of 16’ x 8’6” x 19” (LWH), with a maximum load capacity of 6,845 lbs. It features automatic hydraulic surge brakes, drive-over fenders, three ramps, security chains and multiple heavy-duty tie-down points. 

Towing a U-Haul trailer

You can tow with a U-Haul rental truck or a personal vehicle if it meets specific requirements, including:  

• External mirrors on both sides
• An adequate hitch system with a receiver hitch, ball mount and ball (1 7/8” or 2” ball, 2,000 lbs. minimum, with maximum hitch ball height of 25”)
• Compatible with a four-way flat light connector
• ​​​​​​​A hard top (SUVs and Jeeps) 

Note: Some specific vehicle types are excluded from towing for safety reasons, including 2010 or older Ford Explorers. Enter your vehicle make and model on U-Haul’s website to check compatibility or contact a nearby rental location.

U-Haul trailer pricing

Trailer rentals start at $14.95 per day, according to U-Haul’s website, but those rates are for local use only. Long-distance moves (where you pick up at one location and drop off at another) cost significantly more. Rates are offered for a set number of days based on the equipment needed and the distance it will travel. Additional days can be pricey.

Inventory varies between locations, so you might have to settle for a different trailer than you planned, which may cost more. You can also expect additional costs if you need to rent a vehicle that can tow the trailer.

Consider a trailer alternative

Renting and hauling a trailer can be a hassle, but long-distance moving can be much easier with U-Pack®.

Our flexible moving options mean you don’t have to worry about driving the equipment or running out of space. 

Call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 for your personalized quote or use our convenient online form. If you have questions about how U-Pack compares to one-way trailer rental, let us know in the comments!

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