What To Expect When You Move With a U-Haul Trailer

Homeowners often turn to renting a U-Haul trailer when considering a do-it-yourself (DIY) move to a new home. Check out our guide below for tips on how to handle the process from start to finish, including what to expect on moving day, associated costs, trailer options, and when to consider renting a moving truck instead.

Ad Disclaimer

The listings that appear are from companies from which this website receives compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. This listing does not include all companies or all available offers and products.

Best for International Moves

4.7

/5

Best for Transparent Pricing

5.0

/5

Best Specialized Labor

4.4

/5

Before Renting

Compare the rental rates of U-Haul to other moving companies, such as PODS or Penske, before committing to one moving method. Trailers are a helpful and economical choice for some people who are moving, but they’re not for everyone.

What TOH Readers Choose: In the This Old House 2025 Moving Survey, U-Haul and PODS were among the most popular providers, alongside local movers and companies like Two Men and a Truck and College Hunks. Notably, 72.2% of respondents made local moves—within their state or completable in a single day—where a trailer rental can be especially cost-effective compared to hiring a full-service mover.

Explore other pre-rental tips in the dropdown sections below:

Get the Right Size Trailer

U-Haul offers a variety of cargo trailers and utility trailers, so book the trailer size that best matches your needs. Cargo trailers are aerodynamic and enclosed and come in three sizes: 4 feet by 8 feet, 5 feet by 8 feet, and 6 feet by 12 feet. Utility trailers are better suited for movers who need vertical space for towing furniture and come in five sizes, starting at 4 feet by 7 feet and going up to 6 feet by 12 feet.

Rent Far in Advance

Make reservations as soon as you can, especially if you’re moving between June and September, which is the peak moving season.

Budget for Costs Before and After Renting

U-Haul trailers start at $14.95 per day, and the price increases if you need damage protection coverage, roadside assistance, or moving supplies. There are no per-mile charges for trailer rentals or towing equipment, so cross-country or long-distance moves won’t affect the cost. 

Also consider what add-on services you might need beyond the trailer itself. According to the TOH 2025 Moving Survey, the most popular purchased add-ons were packing services (34.30%), packing supplies (29.80%), and unpacking (21.20%). Even with a budget-friendly trailer rental, these extras can add up quickly — so map out everything you’ll need before booking.

Verify Insurance Coverage

Ensure your car insurance covers the trailer, and consider adding a related policy if it doesn’t. 

Have the Right Hitch

U-Haul trailers require a car trailer hitch for towing, and U-Haul provides hitch installation services if you don’t have one. Our guide on how much it costs to install a trailer hitch covers pricing in more depth. If your car can’t handle towing the extra weight, consider a U-Haul truck rental instead.

Don’t forget about trailer lights and leveling. Tom Silva notes you’ll need running lights, brake lights, and directionals — check whether the trailer’s plug (often a simple four-pin connector) matches your vehicle’s wiring harness. You’ll also want the trailer tongue level with your hitch receiver; if the trailer tilts nose-up or nose-down, “it’s going to really roll when you go over 50,” Silva says. Drop or lift shanks are available in various heights to get the alignment right.

Picking up the Trailer

Ensure your U-Haul trailer rental documents are in order before leaving the pickup location. It’s also important to complete the following tasks:

• Gather all rental documents: You must sign a rental contract and show a valid driver’s license to secure your trailer at any U-Haul location. A deposit is necessary if you’re paying with cash but not if you’re using a credit card or debit card. 
• Inspect the trailer: Either you or a U-Haul representative will need to assess your vehicle’s towing capacity, the tow hitch’s weight rating, the rating of the hitch ball mount and drawbar, the ball rating and size, wiring, and trailer tire pressure.
• Perform safety checks: Check the brakes, tire pressure, and other necessary parts of your car to ensure your vehicle can safely tow the trailer. Secure all loose items and make sure the hitch is secure.
• Verify that all equipment is present: Don’t drive until you’re sure you have your tow dolly, furniture pads, moving boxes, tape, tie-down ropes, plastic stretch wrap, and other necessary items.

Driving With the Trailer

The trailer and your belongings will affect your speed, braking, maneuverability, and more. Here are a few things to consider when towing your U-Haul trailer:

• Expected gas mileage: Gas mileage will be better for light loads—and more expensive for heavier loads.
• Going through small passageways: Be aware of your trailer’s dimensions when entering low or narrow passages.
• Maneuvering: Don’t exceed 55 miles per hour, and remember that trailers require a wider-than-normal turning radius. Drive forward into a parking space whenever possible, and if you must back up into a spot, place your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and look over your shoulder.
• Packing the trailer: The trailer should have about 60% of the cargo weight in front and 40% in the back. Put heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top, and secure everything with moving straps.
• Speed and braking: Towing heavy items affects braking and acceleration. U-Haul recommends leaving between four and five seconds between you and the car in front of you.
• Overnight Security: If your move takes more than one day, Tom Silva recommends using a hitch lock to secure the trailer to your vehicle when you stop for the night: “I don’t want anybody taking the trailer and unhooking it. So basically, this is a lock. You can put this pin through in place of this pin… and they can’t remove” your trailer or its contents. It’s an inexpensive safeguard that provides real peace of mind at rest stops and hotels.

Dropping off the Trailer

Save money by following the correct drop-off procedure, which includes the following:

• Drop-off time: Missing your drop-off date could amount to penalties, but U-Haul has an option for dropping off trailers after hours. Follow the after-hours drop-off process through the U-Haul app.
• Final inspection: Follow U-Haul’s process for documenting the trailer’s condition. U-Haul will charge additional fees for damages.
• Final receipt: Get a final receipt in person or by email to verify the return and set the deposit refund into motion.

Our Conclusion

We recommend comparing quotes from several truck rental companies and scheduling your rental as far in advance as possible. Choose a trailer that best suits your moving needs and budget. If you do choose a U-Haul trailer, follow each step outlined by the company’s rental policy to avoid incurring needless rental fees.

FAQ About Moving With a U-Haul Trailer