U-Haul Trailers: Information and Alternatives (2024)

What to consider before renting a U-Haul trailer

Renting a trailer from U-Haul® may seem like an easy way to move to another home — and it can be — for local moves. However, if you’re moving long-distance, there are other factors to consider before signing that U-Haul rental agreement.

Let’s look at the details for U-Haul trailers and learn how DIY moves to another state can be easier with U-Pack®.

U-Haul Trailers: Information and Alternatives (1)

U-Haul trailer sizes and options

U-Haul rents cargo, utility and auto/motorcycle trailers for out-of-state moves. It’s important to understand each model's dimensions and loading capacity to avoid issues on moving day.

Keep in mind that the maximum total weight of a trailer with your items loaded cannot exceed your towing vehicle’s curb weight (the weight without any passengers or additional items), the equipment’s capacity and your hitch system rating.

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

Cargo trailers

Cargo trailers are enclosed to protect household items from the elements.

Here are the sizes U-Haul has available:

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-size 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-size 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-size and California king-size mattresses
  • Recommended for enclosed motorcycle hauling or as an add-on to 26’ truck rental

Utility trailers

Utility trailers are open with side rails, and some sizes come with a ramp to help you move oversized items. These trailers allow you to move taller items upright, but the downside is that there is no protection from the weather.

Here’s what U-Haul offers:

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 trailers made specifically for transporting vehicles.

Tow dolly

The maximum allowed tow load is 3,450 lbs. for front-wheel drive vehicles and 3,900 lbs. for rear-wheel drive vehicles. U-Haul’s website doesn’t list dimensions for this trailer option.

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) and can hold a maximum load of 1,600 lbs.

Considering a moving truck instead? Check out these 7 things you should know about U-Haul before renting a truck.

Other trailer rental questions

What’s the price of renting a U-Haul trailer?

Advertised rates for trailer rental at $14.95 according to U-Haul’s website, but those rates are for local use.

The cost for long-distance moves (where you pick up at one location and drop off at another) is based on the equipment you need and the distance between locations with a set number of days. More days will mean paying more.

Depending on your location, some trailer types and sizes may not be available for long-distance rentals, so you might need to get different equipment than planned — which can cost more.

Can my vehicle tow 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)

Certain vehicle types are excluded — for safety reasons, U-Haul won’t let you pull a trailer with a Ford Explorer built in specific years.

Is there an easier way to move without renting a trailer?

Renting a trailer can be a hassle — from picking it up and dropping it off to maneuvering it on the road. And, depending on what vehicle you have, you might have to pay more to rent a truck capable of towing and extra fuel costs. Plus, you have a limited amount of space to haul your things.

Moving with U-Pack is much easier, and you won’t have to worry about driving with a trailer, paying extra for fuel or running out of space.

Learn more about U-Pack’s flexible moving options.

Don’t stress about hauling a trailer one way

U-Pack serves all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. We have over 25 years of experience in long-distance moves, and we’re ready to help you relocate without the hassle of renting trailers.

Get a free, no-obligation quote online or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant.

If you have any questions about how U-Pack compares to one-way trailer rental, let us know in the comments. We’re always happy to help!

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.

U-Haul Trailers: Information and Alternatives (2024)

FAQs

What can fit in a 6x12 U-Haul trailer? ›

The 6x12 U-Haul trailer is a versatile option for those looking to move their belongings. It can fit the contents of a typical one-bedroom apartment or a small studio apartment. The trailer can hold items such as a queen-size bed, a dresser, a sofa, chairs, and various boxes.

What is the difference between a trailer and a utility trailer? ›

Your first decision when you're selecting a trailer is whether to go with a cargo trailer, also known as an enclosed trailer—usually with walls, a roof and a locking gate or door typically found at the rear—or a utility trailer, which is generally more of a flatbed trailer variety, with no walls or roof.

What size is the smallest U-Haul trailer? ›

The 4x8 cargo trailer is lightweight and easy to tow behind any vehicle, it is our smallest enclosed cargo trailer rental.

What type of trailer connector does U-Haul use? ›

Most full-sized vehicles come with a 7-way round connection for trailer lighting. U-Haul trailers require a 4-way flat connection. With the Nite-Glow Adapter, easily connect any of our U-Haul trailers to your 7-way round vehicle outlet.

Can you fit a king size bed in a 6x12 trailer? ›

Full/Double – Cargo Van, 10′ and up moving trucks, and 5'x8′ cargo trailers and up. Queen – Cargo Van, 10′ and up moving trucks, and 5'x8′ cargo trailers and up. King – 10′ and up moving trucks, and a 6'x12′ cargo trailer.

Can a queen size bed fit in a 6x12 trailer? ›

If you have more belongings to move, a cargo trailer in sizes 5×8, 5×10 or 6×12 will work perfectly to move your mattress.

Who makes the best hauling trailers? ›

So what are the best utility trailer brands? The best utility trailers are Sure-Trac, FLOE, and Sport Haven. They are made from aluminum, steel, wood, and even polymer. You'll find single and tandem axles, some with no sides, and all the way up to 24" sides.

How do I know what trailer to buy? ›

Be sure to prioritize quality construction, weight capacity, and safety features. Make sure the trailer you want can handle the weight of your cargo! It's important to consider the weight of your cargo plus the weight of the trailer itself.

What is a Conestoga trailer? ›

What is a Conestoga trailer? Conestoga trailers are unique trailers that combine the versatility of flatbed trailers with the coverage and protection of dry van trailers. This style of trailer comes equipped with retractable curtains made of durable tarp on a metal frame.

What can a 5x8 U-Haul trailer hold? ›

The 5x8 enclosed trailer can hold a queen-size bed and tow up to 1,800 lbs! All cargo trailer rentals have a soft ride, rub rails, multiple tie-downs and lockable doors to protect your belongings.

What is the best size utility trailer? ›

A 5'x10' trailer is ideal for small loads such as landscaping equipment and some furniture. A 6'x12' trailer is slightly larger and can accommodate larger items such as home appliances or be used as a motorcycle trailer. A 7'x18' trailer is ideal for larger loads such as furniture or construction materials.

Do I need wiring for a U-Haul trailer? ›

Because it's the law! If you're going to tow a trailer, you need your trailer lights to be connected to your vehicle.

What size ball do U-Haul trailers use? ›

The standard size is the 2" hitch ball. The 2" hitch ball is the standard size required to rent a U-Haul trailer, whether it be the 5x9 Utility Trailer or 6x12 Cargo Trailer. The 2" hitch ball fits most class 3 receivers, which is typically the most common trailer hitch.

Do you need wiring for a trailer hitch? ›

Any vehicle towing a trailer requires a trailer wiring harness to safely connect the taillights, turn signals, brake lights and other necessary electrical systems. If your vehicle is not equipped with working trailer wiring, there are a number of different solutions to provide the perfect fit for your specific vehicle.

How big is the inside of a 6x12 enclosed trailer? ›

Condition:new
Model:6x12' Enclosed Cargo Trailer 6x12SA-3500
Floor Length:12' or 144.00"
Width:6' or 72.00"
Height:6' 3" or 75.00"
7 more rows

Will a refrigerator fit in a U-Haul trailer? ›

Utility trailers can fit tall items like refrigerators.

What is the load capacity of a 6x12 dump trailer? ›

Trailers, 6' X 12' Dump Trailer Specs Page
Specifications
Deck Width6 ft
Deck Length12 ft
Capacity6,000 lbs
Hitch Type2 5/16 in. Ball Hitch
2 more rows

What size U-Haul fits a king bed? ›

U-Haul 10-Foot Truck

It can easily fit a king-sized bed, frame, loveseat, two end tables, and a four-piece dining room table with spare room for boxes filled with household items.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Roderick King

Last Updated:

Views: 5247

Rating: 4 / 5 (51 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Roderick King

Birthday: 1997-10-09

Address: 3782 Madge Knoll, East Dudley, MA 63913

Phone: +2521695290067

Job: Customer Sales Coordinator

Hobby: Gunsmithing, Embroidery, Parkour, Kitesurfing, Rock climbing, Sand art, Beekeeping

Introduction: My name is Roderick King, I am a cute, splendid, excited, perfect, gentle, funny, vivacious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.