5x8 Cargo Trailer for Studio and Small Apartment Moves

You keep one vehicle and one set of keys. For a studio or small one-bedroom, the 5x8 often holds enough, and you arrive with your own car ready to use. That is useful for one-way moves where a second driver is not available.

The 5x8 makes the most sense when:

• Your furniture is modest and most items are boxed.
• Your SUV, minivan or pickup is set up to tow.
• You want the load enclosed and locked.
• You would rather not drive an unfamiliar truck.

If the list includes a full bedroom set and a sectional, a 15-foot truck is usually the better fit.

A typical 5x8 load for a small apartment is a mix of boxes and a few pieces of furniture. The inside is a bit smaller than the name, and height is limited compared to a truck. We confirm current interior dimensions when you call.

• A full or queen mattress and box spring on edge
• A small sofa or loveseat
• A small dresser and a nightstand
• A small table and chairs
• A stack of boxes filling the remaining space

Furniture that comes apart helps a lot. Take legs off tables and frames apart before loading.

The gap between these two trailers is bigger than the names suggest. The 6x12 carries far more, but it asks a lot more of your vehicle. This comparison shows the typical differences, and we confirm current specs and tow requirements when you call.

If your vehicle is borderline for a 6x12, a 5x8 and a trimmed-down load is often the calmer trip. The 6x12 cargo trailer page covers the larger option.

A 5x8 cargo trailer typically needs a vehicle that is set up for towing, often an SUV, minivan or pickup. U-Haul sets tow requirements for each trailer and vehicle, and we check yours when you call.

Before you reserve, confirm:

• Your vehicle has a hitch receiver or fixed ball mount
• You have, or can get, the correct ball size
• Your trailer wiring works
• Your tires and brakes are in good shape for extra weight

If your SUV has not towed in a while, the wiring plug is often the weak point. We test it with the trailer connected. Our hitch and tow package page explains what to have in place.

The 5x8 is sized for small apartments, so a single large piece can change the plan. Measure these and have the numbers ready when you call.

1. Sofa or loveseat: length, depth and height.
2. Mattress and box spring: length and width, since they typically ride on edge.
3. Dresser: height, because the trailer is lower than a truck box.
4. Your hitch: the ball size stamped on the ball, and the receiver size.
5. Your vehicle's plug: a photo helps if you are unsure of the type.

We compare the furniture numbers with current interior dimensions and the hitch details with the tow requirements.

Aim for a little more weight in the front half, balanced side to side, with nothing able to slide. Keep the trailer hitched to your vehicle the whole time you load.

1. Mattress and box spring on edge along one side wall.
2. Dresser and heavy boxes on the floor, just ahead of the axle.
3. Sofa or loveseat on the other side, on its end if it fits safely.
4. Lighter boxes stacked on top of heavy ones.
5. Soft items in every gap.
6. Straps across each section.

Check the stance of your vehicle from the side. A slight drop at the rear is normal. A big drop means too much tongue weight.

Three habits cover most of it: load for tongue weight, keep speeds moderate and recheck the connection.

• Tongue weight: heavy items just ahead of the axle, balanced left and right.
• Speed: slower than traffic on curves, grades and windy stretches.
• Following distance: noticeably longer than with your car alone.
• Rechecks: coupler, chains, lights and straps at your first stop and every fuel stop.
• Tires: set your vehicle's pressure for a loaded condition, as the door placard lists.

The free towing inspection page explains each of these in more depth.

Yes, many people do. A one-way trailer rental lets you drop the trailer at a U-Haul location near your destination. Tell us the city and date when you call, and we confirm the drop-off location.

Before a long tow, plan shorter driving days, stop to check the coupler and straps at every fuel stop, and keep speeds moderate. See our one-way rentals page for the photos to take before you leave.

Yes, especially for a long trip. A loaded trailer adds weight to your rear tires and makes your brakes work harder, particularly on long downhill grades. As a tire and repair shop, we can check your tires and brakes in the same visit as your pickup.

We look at tread depth, tire age, pressure and signs of uneven wear, plus brake pad thickness. You get a written estimate split into need and want, and no work starts without your approval. See our brake service page for how brake inspections work here.