Truck Plus Trailer Rental for Bigger Moves and Towed Cars

It makes sense when one vehicle cannot carry everything and a second driver is not available. The two most common reasons are a car that needs to come along and a load that is just a little too big for the truck.

• Bringing a car: one adult, one truck, one towed car. No second driver needed.
• Overflow: a garage full of tools, a patio set or a workshop that will not fit with the household.
• Separating loads: keeping dirty yard gear or a motorcycle out of the furniture truck.

If you have two drivers and a vehicle that can tow, a truck and a separate trailer behind your own car might be simpler. We can talk through both on the phone.

The common pairings each solve a different problem. We confirm what is allowed for your specific truck and trailer when you reserve, because not every size can tow every trailer.

Larger moving trucks are typically the ones set up to tow. Tell us the car's year, make, model and drive type, or describe the extra load, and we match the pieces.

Everything gets longer: your rig, your stopping distance and your turns. A truck with a car behind it can be longer than most people have ever driven. Plan your route and your stops with that length in mind.

• Turns: swing wider than usual so the trailer wheels clear curbs.
• Lanes: stay in the right lanes and change lanes slowly.
• Braking: leave extra space. Start slowing earlier than you would in a car.
• Fuel stops: pick stations with room to pull through without backing.
• Parking: choose spots you can drive out of forward.

Avoid backing up with a tow dolly. Dollies pivot in a way that makes reversing hard and can damage the dolly or the car. If you must reverse, unhook the car first.

Load the truck first, with the heaviest items toward the front of the cargo box. A well-loaded truck tows better. Then load the trailer so its weight sits slightly ahead of the trailer axle, which gives good tongue weight.

For a towed car, empty the trunk and back seat of heavy items. A loaded car on a dolly or transport adds weight in the wrong places. Secure loose items so nothing shifts under braking.

After loading, stand back and look at the rig from the side. The truck should sit fairly level, and the trailer should not push the back of the truck way down. Our free towing inspection page explains tongue weight in more detail.

The idea is the same as behind a car: the loaded trailer should press down on the ball, but not too hard. General towing guidance puts it at roughly 10 to 15 percent of the loaded trailer weight. With a car on a dolly or transport, the car itself is the load, so where it sits matters most.

These are typical patterns. The exact loading steps for your equipment are shown at pickup, and capacity is confirmed when you call.

Signs the weight is wrong once you are rolling: the trailer wanders at speed, the steering feels light, or the trailer seems to push the truck when you brake. If you notice any of those, slow down, find a safe place to stop and take a look.

A combination pickup has more steps than a truck alone. Arriving prepared keeps things moving and leaves more time for your questions.

• Towed car details: year, make, model, drive type, and any low trim or front spoiler.
• Keys for both vehicles: the towed car has to be driven onto the equipment.
• An empty towed car: heavy boxes out of the trunk and back seat.
• A driving plan: fuel stops with pull-through lanes and parking you can drive out of.
• Time: plan a longer pickup than a truck-only rental.
• A second person, if you have one: to watch the lights and act as a spotter.

If the second unit is for belongings rather than a car, the cargo trailers page explains the enclosed sizes.

We do the walkaround on both pieces, then connect them. The truck walkaround covers fuel, cleanliness, lights and damage. The trailer or dolly gets its own look at tires, ramps, straps and lights.

Once connected, we check the coupler latch, safety chains and light plug, and test running, turn and brake lights with you. Dolly renters get the 60-second demo. If you are loading your car on the lot, we can watch the first strap-down and point out anything that looks off.

Plan a few extra minutes at pickup for a combination. It is time well spent before a long drive. The one-way rentals page covers what to photograph before leaving town.