Want to move your car to your new place without actually driving it yourself? Good news—there are a few ways to do that. Some are cheap, some are expensive and each comes with its own pros and cons. One of the most common and cost-effective choices is to rent a car trailer and tow your car behind your moving truck. It’s a more hands-on option but it’s usually much cheaper than hiring a professional driver or using an auto transport service. Let’s break down how much a car trailer rental might cost, why it could be the right pick for your move and some helpful tips to guide you through the process.
Benefits of Renting a Car Trailer
If you need to move your car, renting a car trailer might be one of the smartest choices.
A car trailer—also known as a car carrier or hauler—is a four-wheeled trailer that lets you tow your vehicle behind a moving truck, keeping all four of your car’s wheels off the road. Most truck rental companies offer these trailers as an add-on for an extra charge, giving you a convenient way to move both your car and your belongings together so everything arrives at the same time.
Renting a car trailer is just one way to move your car. Other choices include using a tow dolly, booking an auto transport service, hiring a professional driver or even shipping your car by train. So, how does renting a trailer stack up against the rest? Here are a few reasons why you might pick a car trailer over those other options:
- Unlike tow dollies, car trailers lift all four wheels of your car off the road which helps prevent any damage or extra wear while moving.
- They work well for most car types like sedans, coupes and SUVs.
- Car trailers are usually more stable on the road compared to tow dollies, meaning there’s less swaying.
- Renting a car trailer is also way more budget-friendly than paying for a private driver or a car shipping service.
- Since you’re the one moving your car, it gets to your new place at the same time you do—no waiting around for delivery.
- Car trailers can carry more weight than tow dollies. For example, U-Haul’s car trailer can hold up to 5,290 pounds, while their tow dolly can only carry certain front-wheel drive cars up to 3,450 pounds or rear-wheel drive cars up to 3,900 pounds.
- Using a car trailer means your vehicle won’t rack up any extra miles during the move.
- Renting a car trailer usually costs less than most other ways of transporting your car.
If you’re planning to move your car yourself, renting a car trailer might be the easiest and most budget-friendly choice—especially for long-distance moves. But there are a few downsides to think about. You’ll need to be confident driving a moving truck with a trailer hitched to the back and not all truck sizes are compatible with trailers (we’ll talk more about that later). Also, depending on your car, you might not be able to rent a trailer at all, so it’s a good idea to check ahead of time in case you need to find a different solution.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car Trailer?
For a typical long-distance move, renting a car trailer will likely cost you somewhere between $200 and $400. If you’re just moving locally the price can drop to around $100 or even less.
To give you a clearer picture of what it might cost to rent a car trailer, we looked up prices from three major moving truck rental companies for a long-distance move from Chicago to New York City. Here’s what we found:
- U-Haul: $386
- Budget: $237
- Penske: $375
Remember, several things can affect the price: when you’re moving, where you’re moving from and to, and what kind of car you have. Since rental prices are based a lot on supply and demand, expect to pay more if you’re moving on a weekend or during the busy moving season. How far you’re going also plays a big role—the longer the distance and the more days you need the trailer, the higher the cost will be.
While planning your moving budget, keep in mind that most truck rental companies—like the ones mentioned earlier—only offer car trailers as an add-on. So, you won’t be able to rent a truck from one place and a trailer from another to try and save money. Also, car trailers usually only work with specific truck sizes, typically the 16, 22 or 24-foot trucks.
What is the Cheapest Way to Transport a Car?
If you’re not planning to drive the car yourself, the most affordable option is usually renting a car tow dolly. It’s a good choice for short moves but not the best for long trips. Tow dollies can sway while driving and also prevent you from reversing your truck which can be a big hassle—and in some cases, a complete dealbreaker depending on your move.
For long-distance car transport, you can either rent a car trailer, hire a professional auto transport service or driver, or use train shipping. Train transport is an option but it’s only available in certain areas. Out of all these, renting a car trailer is usually the most affordable choice.
Follow These Tips When Using a Car Carrier
The rental price is just one part of safely moving your car. No matter how you choose to transport it, you’ll want to take the right steps to make sure your vehicle shows up in the same shape it left—and is ready to hit the road when you arrive.
Be sure to follow these tips when renting a car trailer so you don’t run into unexpected problems while driving or during the move.
Avoid Filling the Gas Tank All the Way
Fuel adds extra weight, so it’s best not to fill up your tank before putting your car on the trailer. Try to keep it at about a quarter tank—that’s enough to drive to a nearby gas station once you arrive, without adding too much weight during the move.
Load the Car Slowly
When driving your car onto the trailer, take your time. Go slow and steady. If possible, have someone nearby to guide you from a safe distance and help you line it up properly.
Use the Right Gear
After your car is safely on the trailer, shift it into park and set the parking brake. Then, make sure to secure it properly using the right straps or chains.
Keep Your Speed at 55 MPH or Below
You might want to finish your move quickly but for safety, it’s best to stay at or under 55 miles per hour while towing a car trailer.
Start Braking Sooner
Make sure to leave extra space when slowing down. Driving a moving truck with a trailer is different from what most people are used to, so it’s safer to brake early and give yourself more time to stop.
Check the Trailer During Every Stop
Whenever you take a break—whether it’s for food, rest or a bathroom—take a moment to inspect your car trailer. Make sure your car is still secured properly and that all the straps or chains are tight and in place.
Thinking about renting a car trailer for your move? Or wondering if hiring a professional driver or using an auto transport service might be a better fit? Take a look at our guide on how to move your car to another state—it covers all the options and what you should know about each one.
As always, make sure to plan your moving budget ahead of time so you can cover things like truck and car trailer rentals. Money often plays a big role in deciding how you’ll move, so it’s important to know what you can afford and what each option might cost. You can use our moving cost calculator to get a quick estimate of how much you might need for your move.
