Does U-Haul Rent Small Utility Trailers?
Does U-Haul Rent Small Utility Trailers? cars.truckstrend.com
Moving, decluttering, tackling a home improvement project, or even just transporting oversized items often brings up the question of how to get things from point A to point B. For many, the immediate thought turns to renting a large moving truck. However, for smaller, more manageable loads, a full-sized truck can be overkill, expensive, and difficult to maneuver. This is where the humble utility trailer comes into its own. But does U-Haul, the undisputed leader in DIY moving and storage, offer these versatile small utility trailers?
The answer, unequivocally, is yes! U-Haul provides a comprehensive fleet of rental equipment, and small utility trailers are a significant part of their offerings. These open-top trailers are an incredibly practical and cost-effective solution for a wide array of hauling needs, from landscaping materials and furniture to junk removal and small equipment transport. This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about renting a small utility trailer from U-Haul, ensuring you’re well-equipped for your next hauling task.
Does U-Haul Rent Small Utility Trailers?
The U-Haul Utility Trailer Fleet: What’s Available?
U-Haul’s commitment to meeting diverse customer needs is evident in its selection of utility trailers. Unlike their enclosed cargo trailers, utility trailers are open-top, making them ideal for items that might be too tall for an enclosed space, need to be loaded from the top, or simply don’t require protection from the elements.
While inventory can vary by location, the most common small utility trailer sizes you’ll find at U-Haul include:
- 4′ x 7′ Utility Trailer: This is often the smallest and most maneuverable option. It’s perfect for hauling landscaping debris, a few pieces of furniture, or small equipment. Its compact size makes it easy to tow, even for less experienced drivers, and it can often be pulled by a wider range of vehicles.
- 5′ x 8′ Utility Trailer: A slightly larger and arguably more popular option, the 5×8 utility trailer offers more cargo space without being overly cumbersome. It’s a great choice for medium-sized landscaping projects, hauling ATVs or dirt bikes (if properly secured and within weight limits), or moving larger appliances.
- 5′ x 10′ Utility Trailer: While bordering on "medium" rather than "small" for some, the 5×10 utility trailer is still a very manageable option for those needing a bit more length. It’s excellent for longer lumber, kayaks, or more extensive yard work.
Each U-Haul utility trailer typically features:
- Open Top Design: For easy loading of tall or bulky items.
- Low Loading Deck: Simplifies the process of loading and unloading.
- Heavy-Duty Ramp (on most models): Crucial for rolling on dollies, lawnmowers, or other wheeled equipment.
- Sturdy Tie-Down Points: Essential for securing your load safely.
- Independent Suspension: Provides a smoother ride and better handling.
- Safety Chains and Lighting: Standard for safe towing on public roads.
These features make U-Haul utility trailers highly versatile and a go-to choice for various tasks, from weekend DIY projects to professional landscaping jobs.
Why Choose a Small U-Haul Utility Trailer? Benefits Galore
Opting for a small utility trailer over a larger truck or even multiple trips in your personal vehicle offers numerous advantages:
- Cost-Effectiveness: For small to medium hauling needs, a utility trailer is almost always significantly cheaper than renting a moving truck. You save on rental fees and often on fuel, as your personal vehicle will likely be more fuel-efficient than a large truck.
- Versatility: Beyond just moving, these trailers are perfect for:
- Hauling gardening supplies (mulch, soil, plants).
- Transporting building materials (lumber, drywall, concrete bags).
- Clearing out garage clutter or junk.
- Picking up large purchases (appliances, furniture, outdoor equipment).
- DIY home renovation projects.
- Ease of Towing & Maneuverability: Smaller trailers are lighter and easier to hitch, tow, and back up compared to large moving trucks. This makes them less intimidating for individuals who are new to towing.
- No Need for a Dedicated Tow Vehicle (in some cases): Many SUVs, minivans, and even some sedans have the towing capacity for U-Haul’s smaller utility trailers, provided they have the correct hitch and wiring. This eliminates the need to rent a separate tow vehicle.
- Wide Availability: With thousands of locations across North America, finding a U-Haul utility trailer near you is typically very easy, even for last-minute needs.
- Safety & Reliability: U-Haul trailers are generally well-maintained and equipped with essential safety features, providing peace of mind during your journey.
How to Rent a Small U-Haul Utility Trailer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Renting a utility trailer from U-Haul is a straightforward process, designed for convenience.
- Determine Your Needs:
- What are you hauling? This dictates the trailer size.
- What’s the weight? Crucial for ensuring your vehicle can handle the load.
- How long do you need it? Rentals are typically daily, but longer durations are possible.
- One-way or In-town? In-town rentals (pickup and return at the same location) are generally cheaper. One-way rentals are possible but usually more expensive for trailers.
- Check Your Tow Vehicle:
- Hitch: Does your vehicle have a hitch receiver and a properly sized ball (usually 1 7/8" or 2")? U-Haul specifies the required ball size for each trailer.
- Wiring: Does your vehicle have a working 4-pin flat electrical connector for the trailer lights?
- Towing Capacity: This is paramount. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to find its maximum towing capacity and ensure it exceeds the combined weight of the trailer and your anticipated load. U-Haul also has a "Towing Guide" tool on their website.
- Make a Reservation:
- Online (Recommended): Visit U-Haul’s website (uhaul.com). Select "Trailer Rental," input your dates, pickup location, and desired trailer size. The online system will guide you through vehicle compatibility checks.
- By Phone: Call your local U-Haul center or their central reservation line.
- In Person: Visit a U-Haul location. While possible, online reservations are recommended to ensure availability, especially during peak seasons.
- Pickup Day:
- Arrive at your scheduled time with your driver’s license, reservation confirmation, and the vehicle you intend to use for towing.
- A U-Haul representative will inspect your hitch and wiring, help you properly connect the trailer, and ensure all lights are working.
- They will go over the rental agreement, including optional Safemove® coverage (damage waiver). Consider this coverage for peace of mind.
- Perform your own visual inspection of the trailer (tires, lights, structure) before leaving.
- Return:
- Return the trailer to the agreed-upon location by the due time.
- The representative will disconnect the trailer and complete the return process.
Important Considerations Before You Tow
Towing a trailer, even a small one, requires careful attention to safety and regulations.
- Towing Vehicle Requirements:
- Hitch Ball Size: U-Haul trailers require specific ball sizes (e.g., 1-7/8" or 2"). Ensure your hitch ball matches.
- Electrical Connection: A 4-pin flat connector is standard for trailer lights. If your vehicle doesn’t have one, U-Haul offers wiring services or adapters.
- Towing Capacity: Never exceed your vehicle’s manufacturer-recommended towing capacity. This is not just about power, but also braking and structural integrity.
- Weight Limits: Be mindful of the trailer’s maximum load capacity, but also the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of your vehicle and trailer combined. Overloading is dangerous and illegal.
- Proper Loading:
- Weight Distribution: Load heavier items over the trailer’s axle or slightly forward of it. Too much weight in the rear can cause dangerous swaying (fishtailing). Too much weight far forward can overload your vehicle’s rear suspension. Aim for 60% of the load in the front half of the trailer.
- Secure the Load: Use strong ropes, straps, or bungee cords to secure everything inside the trailer. Even small items can shift and cause instability or become projectiles.
- Safety Tips for Driving:
- Pre-Trip Inspection: Before every drive, check the hitch connection, safety chains, lights (turn signals, brake lights, running lights), and tire pressure on both your vehicle and the trailer.
- Increase Following Distance: You’ll need more time and distance to stop with a trailer.
- Wider Turns: Trailers cut corners. Account for the extra length and width, especially in turns and when backing up.
- Slower Speeds: Drive at a reduced speed, especially on highways and in windy conditions.
- Avoid Sudden Movements: Smooth acceleration, braking, and steering are key to maintaining control.
- Check Mirrors Frequently: Be aware of your trailer’s position at all times.
- Insurance: Your personal auto insurance policy might cover liability when towing a rental trailer, but it might not cover damage to the trailer itself. U-Haul offers optional Safemove® (for trailers, this is often called Safetow® or Damage Waiver) coverage that can protect you from financial responsibility for accidental damage to the U-Haul trailer. It’s often a small added cost but can save you significant money if an accident occurs.
Practical Applications for Small Utility Trailers
The utility trailer’s open-top design and robust build make it incredibly versatile:
- Home Improvement: Hauling lumber, drywall, large bags of concrete mix, tiles, or new appliances from the store.
- Yard Work & Landscaping: Transporting bags of mulch, topsoil, gravel, large plants, or taking away tree branches, brush, and yard waste to the dump.
- Small Moves: Ideal for moving a dorm room, a small apartment, or transporting just a few large pieces of furniture.
- Junk Removal: Perfect for clearing out garages, basements, or attics and making a trip to the local landfill or recycling center.
- Recreational Use: Depending on the size, they can be used to transport ATVs, dirt bikes, kayaks, canoes, or camping gear.
- Event Setup: Hauling equipment for parties, markets, or outdoor events.
U-Haul Small Utility Trailer Estimated Rental Prices
Prices for U-Haul utility trailers can vary significantly based on location, demand, duration of rental, and whether it’s an in-town or one-way rental. The following table provides estimated daily rates for in-town rentals. Weekly and monthly rates are typically calculated based on a discounted daily rate.
| Trailer Type | Approx. Daily Rate (In-Town) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4′ x 7′ Utility | $14.95 – $24.95 | Smallest and most affordable. Great for light loads, yard waste, small furniture. Requires a 1-7/8" or 2" ball. |
| 5′ x 8′ Utility | $19.95 – $29.95 | Popular choice for medium loads, appliances, ATVs. Requires a 1-7/8" or 2" ball. Often comes with a loading ramp. |
| 5′ x 10′ Utility | $24.95 – $34.95 | Good for longer items like lumber, multiple large appliances, or more extensive cleanouts. Requires a 2" ball. Often comes with a loading ramp. |
| Additional Costs | Varies | Safetow®/Damage Waiver: Optional, typically a few dollars per day. Covers accidental damage to the trailer. Taxes & Environmental Fees: Applied based on local regulations. One-Way Fee: Significantly higher than in-town rates for dropping off at a different location. Late Return Fees: Apply if returned after the agreed time. |
Disclaimer: These prices are estimates and can change without notice. Always check U-Haul’s official website or contact a local dealer for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing for your specific rental period and location.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need a special license to tow a U-Haul utility trailer?
No, in most U.S. states and Canadian provinces, a standard driver’s license is sufficient to tow U-Haul utility trailers, as they fall within the weight limits for non-commercial vehicles. Always check your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regulations to be sure.
2. Can I tow a U-Haul utility trailer with my SUV or sedan?
It depends entirely on your vehicle’s towing capacity. Many SUVs and minivans, and even some larger sedans, are capable of towing smaller U-Haul utility trailers. You MUST check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for its maximum towing capacity and ensure it can handle the combined weight of the trailer and your anticipated load.
3. Does U-Haul provide the hitch and ball?
No, you are responsible for providing your own hitch receiver, hitch mount, and properly sized hitch ball (typically 1-7/8" or 2" depending on the trailer). U-Haul does sell hitch accessories and can perform hitch installations if your vehicle isn’t equipped.
4. Do I need a wiring harness for the trailer lights?
Yes, your vehicle must have a working 4-pin flat electrical connector to power the trailer’s brake lights, turn signals, and running lights. If your vehicle doesn’t have one, U-Haul can install one or provide adapters for certain vehicle types.
5. What is the difference between a utility trailer and a cargo trailer?
A utility trailer is open-top, meaning it has no roof or sides, allowing for easy loading of tall or bulky items and exposure to the elements. A cargo trailer is enclosed, providing protection from weather and security for your belongings, but often has a limited height clearance.
6. Can I drop off a U-Haul utility trailer at a different location?
Yes, U-Haul offers one-way rentals for trailers, allowing you to pick up at one location and drop off at another. However, one-way trailer rentals are generally more expensive than in-town rentals where you return the trailer to the same location.
7. What if my car doesn’t have a hitch or the correct wiring?
U-Haul is a leading installer of hitches and wiring harnesses. You can schedule an appointment with a U-Haul service center to have the necessary equipment installed on your vehicle before your rental.
Conclusion
In conclusion, for anyone pondering the question, "Does U-Haul rent small utility trailers?", the resounding answer is a confident yes! U-Haul’s small utility trailers are an indispensable resource for a multitude of hauling tasks, offering an ideal blend of affordability, versatility, and ease of use. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a homeowner tackling a landscaping project, or simply need to transport an oversized item, these open-top trailers provide a practical alternative to larger, more expensive moving trucks.
By understanding the available sizes, the benefits they offer, the simple rental process, and crucial safety considerations, you can confidently and safely utilize U-Haul’s small utility trailer fleet to conquer your next hauling challenge. They truly empower individuals to handle their own small-scale transportation needs efficiently and economically, making U-Haul an ongoing leader in self-service moving and hauling solutions.
