Planning a move, whether across town or across the country, often involves significant logistical challenges, and figuring out transportation for both your belongings and your vehicle is a key part of that. U-Haul is a ubiquitous name in the moving industry, offering a wide array of truck sizes and various types of trailers, including car trailers. Understanding how much to rent a U-Haul truck and car trailer is crucial for budgeting your move effectively, as costs can vary significantly based on several factors. This guide aims to break down the pricing structure, explore the elements that influence rental fees, and offer tips to help you get the best deal for your specific needs.
Understanding U-Haul Rental Costs: The Basics
When you rent a U-Haul truck and a car trailer, you’re essentially dealing with two separate rental agreements that combine to form your total transportation cost. U-Haul’s pricing model is dynamic, meaning it can fluctuate based on demand, location, time of year, and the specific equipment you choose. Generally, you’ll encounter different pricing structures for local versus one-way rentals, which significantly impacts the final cost for both the truck and the trailer.
Local rentals typically involve a base daily rate for the truck, plus a per-mile charge. Car trailers, for local moves, usually have a flat daily rate. One-way rentals, on the other hand, often include a set number of days and miles, with a fixed rate determined by the specific origin and destination. This distinction is critical as it dictates how your total rental price is calculated and what variables will most affect it.
The primary goal of this article is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the costs associated with renting a U-Haul truck alongside a car trailer. We will delve into the various components of these costs, from the size of the truck and the type of trailer to additional services and fees, equipping you with the knowledge to make an informed decision for your next move.
Factors Influencing U-Haul Truck and Car Trailer Rental Prices
The cost of renting a U-Haul truck and car trailer is not a fixed price but rather a sum of several variables. To accurately estimate how much to rent a U-Haul truck and car trailer, you need to consider each of these elements.
Truck Size Selection
U-Haul offers a range of truck sizes, from small cargo vans and 10-foot trucks perfect for studio apartments, to large 26-foot trucks designed for 4+ bedroom homes. The larger the truck, the higher its base rental rate will be.
- Cargo Van/Pickup Truck: Ideal for small local moves or hauling specific items, but often not suitable for towing larger car trailers simultaneously due to towing capacity limitations.
- 10-Foot Truck: Generally suitable for apartments, studios, or small moves. Can tow certain car trailers.
- 15-Foot Truck: Suitable for 1-2 bedroom homes. A popular choice for combining with car trailers.
- 20-Foot Truck: Designed for 2-3 bedroom homes. Offers more space and adequate towing power.
- 26-Foot Truck: U-Haul’s largest option, for 3-4+ bedroom homes. Typically has the highest towing capacity.
Your choice of truck size directly impacts the rental fee. Selecting a truck that is too small might mean multiple trips or not being able to accommodate your belongings, while choosing one too large means paying for unused space.
Car Trailer Type
U-Haul primarily offers two types of car trailers:
- Auto Transport Trailer (Car Carrier): This is a full-size trailer where all four wheels of your vehicle rest on the trailer bed. It’s the most secure way to transport a car, especially for longer distances or more valuable vehicles. Auto transport trailers are heavier and generally more expensive to rent than tow dollies. They require a larger, more capable towing vehicle (i.e., a U-Haul moving truck, not a personal car).
- Tow Dolly: This trailer type lifts only the front two wheels of your vehicle off the ground, with the rear wheels remaining on the road. Tow dollies are lighter, less expensive to rent, and easier to maneuver. They are suitable for many front-wheel-drive vehicles but may not be ideal for all-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive vehicles without specific preparation (like disconnecting drive shafts) or for very long distances due to potential wear on the rear tires.
The type of car trailer you choose will affect its base rental cost, as well as the overall weight that your U-Haul truck needs to pull, which can influence fuel consumption.
Distance and Duration (Local vs. One-Way)
This is one of the most significant cost differentiators:
- Local Rentals: Typically priced with a base daily rate for the truck and a separate per-mile charge. Car trailers also have a daily rate. This option is best when you’re moving within the same city or a short distance and plan to return the equipment to the same location. The total cost will depend on how many days you rent and how many miles you drive.
- One-Way Rentals: Designed for moves between different cities or states, where you pick up equipment in one location and drop it off in another. These rentals usually have a fixed price that includes a set number of days and miles. Exceeding the allotted mileage or days will result in additional charges. One-way rentals are almost always more expensive than local rentals due to the logistics involved for U-Haul to reposition the equipment.
Always get quotes for both local and one-way options if your move falls into a grey area of distance, as sometimes a local rental might be cheaper if you can return the truck to its origin point.
Time of Year and Demand
Like many rental services, U-Haul’s prices are subject to seasonal demand. Peak moving seasons (late spring through summer, especially weekends and month-ends) typically see higher rental rates. Holiday periods can also drive up prices. Conversely, off-peak seasons (fall and winter, excluding major holidays) often offer more competitive pricing. Booking well in advance, especially during peak times, can help secure better rates and ensure equipment availability.
Additional Equipment and Services
Beyond the truck and trailer, U-Haul offers a variety of add-ons that can increase your total cost:
- Moving Supplies: Boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, mattress bags.
- Moving Equipment: Furniture dollies, utility dollies, appliance dollies, furniture pads.
- Hitches and Wiring: If you’re using a personal vehicle to tow, you might need to rent or purchase hitch equipment.
- Storage Units: If you need temporary storage, U-Haul offers options, which are separate costs.
- Moving Help: U-Haul can connect you with local moving labor services for loading and unloading, billed separately.
While these items add to the cost, some, like furniture pads and dollies, can be invaluable for protecting your belongings and making the move easier.
Insurance and Protection Plans
U-Haul offers various protection plans (e.g., Safemove, Safemove Plus, Safetow) that cover damage to the rental equipment, your belongings, and liability. While these plans are optional, they are highly recommended as personal auto insurance policies typically do not cover rental trucks, and often have limitations for trailers. The cost of these plans is an additional daily fee but can provide significant peace of mind. For example, damage to a U-Haul truck or trailer could result in substantial out-of-pocket expenses without proper coverage.
Fuel Costs
Although not a direct rental fee, fuel is a significant part of the total cost of renting a U-Haul truck and car trailer. U-Haul trucks require gasoline, and their fuel efficiency varies by size, typically ranging from 8-12 miles per gallon. When towing a car trailer, fuel efficiency will decrease, meaning you’ll spend more on gas. U-Haul’s fuel policy generally requires you to return the truck with the same amount of fuel it had when you picked it up, or face refueling charges. Factor in current gas prices and the estimated mileage of your move into your budget.
Environmental Fee and Taxes
Expect to pay an environmental fee, which is a small, non-negotiable charge U-Haul adds to all rentals. Additionally, state and local sales taxes will be applied to your total rental cost. These are typically calculated at the end of the transaction.
Typical Rental Cost Ranges: U-Haul Truck and Car Trailer
Given the multitude of factors discussed, providing exact figures for how much to rent a U-Haul truck and car trailer is challenging, as prices can change daily. However, we can provide estimated ranges based on common scenarios. These figures are illustrative and should be confirmed with a direct quote from U-Haul.
Estimated U-Haul Truck Rental Costs (Excluding Trailer)
- Local Move (Daily Rate + Mileage):
- 10-Foot Truck: $19.95 – $29.95 per day + $0.79 – $1.29 per mile
- 15-Foot Truck: $29.95 – $39.95 per day + $0.79 – $1.29 per mile
- 20-Foot Truck: $39.95 – $49.95 per day + $0.79 – $1.29 per mile
- 26-Foot Truck: $39.95 – $49.95 per day + $0.79 – $1.29 per mile
- Note: Mileage rates vary greatly by location and demand.
- One-Way Move (Fixed Rate):
- This can range anywhere from $100 to over $2,000, depending on the truck size, distance, origin/destination, and time of year. A 1,000-mile move with a 15-foot truck could easily be in the $500-$1,000 range before additional fees.
Estimated U-Haul Car Trailer Rental Costs
- Tow Dolly:
- Local: $35 – $50 per day
- One-Way: $100 – $300 (fixed rate, depending on distance and duration)
- Auto Transport Trailer (Car Carrier):
- Local: $50 – $75 per day
- One-Way: $200 – $800 (fixed rate, depending on distance and duration)
Combined Costs for a U-Haul Truck and Car Trailer
To get a total estimate, you would combine the truck rental cost with the car trailer rental cost, then add in potential insurance, fuel, and other fees.
Example Scenario (Illustrative only):
- Local Move:
- 15-foot U-Haul Truck: $29.95 (daily) + 50 miles x $0.99/mile = $79.45
- Auto Transport Trailer: $60.00 (daily)
- Basic Insurance: $25.00
- Environmental Fee/Taxes: $5.00
- Estimated Total (excluding fuel): ~$169.45 for one day
- One-Way Move (e.g., 500 miles):
- 15-foot U-Haul Truck (fixed rate, 3 days/500 miles included): $450.00
- Auto Transport Trailer (fixed rate, 3 days): $300.00
- Basic Insurance: $75.00 (3 days x $25)
- Environmental Fee/Taxes: $10.00
- Estimated Total (excluding fuel): ~$835.00
As you can see, the costs vary dramatically. It’s imperative to get a direct quote from U-Haul for your specific dates, locations, and equipment choices. U-Haul’s online reservation system is usually the best way to get an accurate, real-time estimate.
Breaking Down the Costs: Trucks vs. Trailers in Detail
Understanding the individual cost components for both the truck and the trailer helps you make more informed decisions about your rental.
U-Haul Truck Rental Specifics
The truck rental is the foundation of your moving transportation. Its cost is heavily influenced by:
- Engine Type and Fuel Efficiency: All U-Haul moving trucks run on unleaded gasoline. Larger trucks naturally consume more fuel. Knowing the approximate MPG for your chosen truck size (which can often be found on U-Haul’s website or asked at the counter) helps in estimating fuel costs. For instance, a 26-foot truck pulling a car trailer could easily get closer to 8-10 MPG, while a 10-foot truck might get 12-14 MPG without towing.
- Transmission Type: U-Haul trucks typically have automatic transmissions, making them relatively easy to drive, even for those not accustomed to larger vehicles.
- Safety Features: Modern U-Haul trucks come equipped with various safety features, including large mirrors, powerful brakes, and often ABS. While these don’t directly add to the rental cost, they are part of the value proposition.
- Cargo Capacity: Each truck size has a specific volume and weight capacity. Exceeding these limits is not only unsafe but can also lead to mechanical issues or citations. Ensure the truck you choose can safely handle all your belongings plus the weight of the car trailer and the vehicle on it.
Car Trailer Rental Specifics
Renting a car trailer has its own set of considerations:
- Car Carrier (Auto Transport Trailer):
- Benefits: Offers the most secure transport, especially for long distances. Protects your vehicle from road wear, debris, and potential damage to the drivetrain as all wheels are off the ground.
- Requirements: Requires a U-Haul truck (or a heavy-duty personal vehicle) with a Class III (or higher) hitch and appropriate wiring. Your towed vehicle must also fit within specific weight and width limits (usually under 5,290 lbs for the vehicle itself).
- Maneuverability: Longer and heavier, requiring more caution when turning, backing up, and parking.
- Tow Dolly:
- Benefits: More affordable and lighter than a car carrier. Easier to hook up and maneuver for shorter distances.
- Requirements: Requires a U-Haul truck or a capable personal vehicle with a Class II (or higher) hitch and proper wiring. Your towed vehicle must generally be front-wheel drive, and its weight (typically under 3,900 lbs) and width must be within limits. For rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, specific precautions or modifications might be needed.
- Considerations: Your vehicle’s rear wheels are on the road, accumulating mileage and subject to road hazards.
Before reserving a car trailer, you must verify that both your U-Haul truck (or personal towing vehicle) and the car you intend to tow are compatible with the specific trailer type. U-Haul has a detailed online tool where you input your towing vehicle and towed vehicle information to ensure compatibility. This is crucial for safety and compliance.
Tips for Saving Money on Your U-Haul Rental
Knowing how much to rent a U-Haul truck and car trailer is one thing, but actively working to reduce that cost is another. Here are some strategies:
- Book in Advance: Especially during peak moving seasons (late spring to early fall, and month-ends/weekends), booking your truck and trailer several weeks or even months ahead can secure better rates and ensure availability. Last-minute rentals often mean higher prices.
- Be Flexible with Dates: If possible, move during the off-season (fall, winter, excluding holidays) or on weekdays. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays typically offer lower rates than Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
- Choose the Right Truck Size: Don’t overpay for space you don’t need. Estimate your belongings carefully. U-Haul’s website offers a guide to help you choose the right truck size based on the number of rooms you’re moving.
- Consider Local vs. One-Way Carefully: For moves just outside your local area, compare the cost of a one-way rental versus a local rental where you might drive extra miles to return the truck. Sometimes the latter can be cheaper, but factor in your time and fuel.
- Evaluate Insurance Needs: While highly recommended, understand what each protection plan covers. If you have existing personal insurance that might offer some coverage for rental vehicles (though unlikely for trucks), investigate it thoroughly. However, typically, U-Haul’s plans provide specialized coverage for their equipment.
- Pack Efficiently: Properly packing your boxes and optimizing the loading process can minimize the space needed in the truck, potentially allowing you to opt for a smaller, cheaper truck.
- Return Equipment on Time (or Early): Avoid late fees by returning your truck and trailer by the agreed-upon time. If you finish early, returning it can sometimes save you money on additional daily charges, especially for local rentals.
- Refuel Before Returning: Always return the truck with the same fuel level as when you picked it up. U-Haul’s refueling charges are often higher per gallon than local gas stations.
- Load and Unload Yourself: While convenient, hiring moving help through U-Haul or other services adds significant cost. If you have friends and family available, this is an easy way to save.
- Check for Discounts: Occasionally, U-Haul might offer promotions or discounts. It’s always worth checking their website or asking a representative if any are available. Students, military personnel, or AAA members sometimes receive discounts from various rental companies, though U-Haul’s primary focus is on direct pricing.
What to Expect When Renting
Once you’ve determined how much to rent a U-Haul truck and car trailer and made your reservation, knowing the process can ease your moving day.
- Reservation Confirmation: You’ll receive a confirmation email with your pickup location, time, and equipment details.
- Pickup Process: Arrive at your designated U-Haul location. You’ll need your driver’s license (and often another form of ID), and a credit card for payment and deposit. The staff will verify your reservation and go over the rental agreement.
- Equipment Inspection: Before you leave, thoroughly inspect both the truck and the trailer for any existing damage (scratches, dents, fluid leaks, tire condition). Document everything with photos or videos and ensure the U-Haul representative notes it on your contract. This protects you from being charged for pre-existing damage.
- Hitching and Safety Check: U-Haul staff will typically assist with hitching the car trailer to the truck and perform a safety check, ensuring lights, brakes, and connections are all functioning correctly. Pay attention to their instructions, especially regarding loading your car onto the trailer.
- Fuel Policy: Confirm the fuel level at pickup. You are generally expected to return the truck with the same fuel level.
- Driving a U-Haul Truck with a Trailer: Be aware that driving a large moving truck, especially when towing a car trailer, requires extra caution. Allow for increased braking distance, wider turns, and slower speeds, particularly on highways or during inclement weather. Practice backing up in an empty parking lot if you’re unfamiliar with towing.
- Return Process: Return the equipment to the agreed-upon location by the specified time. A U-Haul representative will inspect the equipment for damage and verify the fuel level. The final charges will be tallied, and any remaining balance or refund will be processed.
Renting a U-Haul truck and car trailer is a practical solution for many movers, offering the flexibility to transport both household goods and a vehicle. By understanding the pricing mechanisms, the various factors influencing costs, and how to optimize your rental, you can effectively budget and execute your move. MaxMotorsMissouri.com aims to provide useful information for all things automotive, and efficient transportation of your vehicle is certainly a part of that. Knowing the ins and outs of U-Haul rentals ensures a smoother, more predictable experience.
Last Updated on October 10, 2025 by Cristian Steven
