Cargo Trailer Rentals: Enclosed Trailers in Every Size

A cargo trailer lets you keep driving the vehicle you already know. There is no second vehicle to manage, no unfamiliar cab, and your car stays with you at the destination. For box-heavy loads, a trailer can hold more than people expect.

A cargo trailer is often the better choice when:

• Your load is mostly boxes and a few pieces of furniture.
• You already have a vehicle with a hitch that can tow.
• You want your belongings in a closed, lockable space.
• A truck would be more than you need.

A truck is usually better for a full household, heavy appliances without a ramp, or if your vehicle cannot tow. Our which truck size page compares both.

The trailer name roughly describes the floor size in feet. Inside space is a bit smaller once you account for the walls and wheel wells. We confirm current dimensions and tow requirements when you call.

If you need protection from rain or dust for furniture, read the weather-protected cargo trailer page. For security and business use, see the enclosed cargo trailer page.

Picking a trailer is a trade between how much you carry and how much your vehicle can handle. This table shows the typical pattern. Tow requirements are set per trailer and vehicle, and we confirm them, along with current dimensions, when you call.

Read the table from right to left too. If your vehicle only fits the smaller rows, that caps the size, and a truck may be the better tool.

It depends on your vehicle, its hitch and the trailer size. U-Haul sets tow vehicle requirements for each trailer, and we check your vehicle against them when you call. Smaller cargo trailers typically suit a wider range of vehicles. The 6x12 typically needs a larger SUV or pickup.

Have this ready when you call:

• Year, make and model of your vehicle
• Whether you have a hitch receiver, and its size if you know it
• The ball size, if you already own a ball mount
• The type of wiring plug on your vehicle

No hitch yet? Read our hitch and tow package page to see what you need before you reserve.

Put the heaviest items low and slightly ahead of the trailer axle. That creates enough tongue weight to keep the trailer stable without overloading the back of your vehicle. Always load while the trailer is connected to your vehicle, so the tongue cannot lift.

• About the front portion of the trailer should carry a bit more weight than the back.
• Keep weight balanced left and right.
• Stack boxes tight and strap them to the tie-downs.
• Do not overload. If your vehicle squats heavily, move or remove weight.

We explain tongue weight at pickup. The free towing inspection page has the full explanation.

An enclosed trailer blocks your rear view and catches wind. You rely on your side mirrors, and you need more room for everything: turning, stopping and changing lanes.

• Mirrors: if you cannot see past the trailer, you may need towing mirror extensions.
• Speed: go slower than normal, especially on freeways and grades.
• Wind: a tall box gets pushed by crosswinds. Slow down if it starts to wander.
• Turns: swing wider so the trailer tires clear curbs.
• Backing: go slowly with a spotter, steering in small movements.

Stop within the first few miles to check the coupler, chains, lights and load before the freeway.

Most trailer trouble traces back to a handful of habits. Knowing them ahead of time makes the first tow a lot calmer.

• Loading an unhitched trailer. The tongue can lift. Always couple first.
• Heavy boxes at the back. That cuts tongue weight and invites sway.
• Skipping the light test. A dead brake light behind a closed box is invisible from the driver's seat.
• Forgetting mirrors. If you cannot see past the trailer, you need extensions.
• Tight fuel stops. Pick stations you can pull through without backing.
• Tired tires on the tow vehicle. Extra weight exposes worn tread quickly.

Our tire wear patterns page shows what uneven wear looks like on a tow vehicle.

We connect the trailer to your vehicle and check the setup. That includes the receiver, pin and clip, ball size against the coupler, the coupler latch, safety chains and lights. We walk around the trailer with you to note its tires, door, lights and any existing damage.

If you want, we can also check your vehicle's tires and brakes in the same visit, since we are a tire and repair shop. Anything we find goes on a written estimate split into need and want, and nothing is done without your approval.