# Utility Trailer Rentals: Open Trailers for Yard and Project Loads

> Compare open U-Haul utility trailers from 4x7 to 6x12, with and without ramps, for yard waste, lumber and equipment. Call (909) 608-7699 to reserve.

Source: https://goodyearelitetireupland.com/u-haul/utility-trailers/  
Last updated: 2026-09-17  
Business: Goodyear Elite Tire Upland, 1775 W Foothill Blvd, Upland, CA 91786, (909) 608-7699

**TL;DR:** **Utility trailers** are open decks for **yard waste, lumber and equipment**. Sizes run from 4x7 to 6x12, some with ramps, and every load must be **tied down and covered** when needed.

A U-Haul utility trailer is an open trailer with low side rails, towed behind your own vehicle. It suits yard waste, lumber, landscaping supplies and wheeled equipment. Sizes typically run from 4x7 to 6x12, and some have a loading ramp. Call (909) 608-7699 to reserve, and we confirm the size and that your vehicle can tow it.

## When is an open utility trailer the better choice?

An open trailer is better when the load is dirty, tall, oddly shaped or easy to load from the sides. You can toss branches over the rail, slide lumber from the back, or roll a mower up a ramp. Cleanup is easier too, because there is no closed box to sweep out.

Choose open for:

- Yard and green waste, brush and old fencing
- Lumber, pipe and building materials
- Landscaping supplies in bags
- Mowers and lawn equipment
- Old furniture and junk headed for disposal

Choose an enclosed [cargo trailer](https://goodyearelitetireupland.com/u-haul/cargo-trailers/) for household furniture, mattresses and anything that must stay dry or out of sight.

## Which utility trailer size do you need?

Match the trailer to both the load and the way you will load it. Ramp models make wheeled equipment easy. Larger decks carry more but need a stronger tow vehicle. We confirm current specs when you call.

| Trailer | Typically a good fit for |
|---|---|
| [4x7 utility](https://goodyearelitetireupland.com/u-haul/4x7-utility-trailer/) | Light errands, a few bags, small furniture |
| [5x8 utility](https://goodyearelitetireupland.com/u-haul/5x8-utility-trailer/) | Yard cleanups, dump runs, lumber |
| [5x9 with ramp](https://goodyearelitetireupland.com/u-haul/5x9-utility-trailer-ramp/) | Mowers and walk-behind equipment |
| [6x12 utility](https://goodyearelitetireupland.com/u-haul/6x12-utility-trailer/) | Big project loads and long materials |
| [6x12 with ramp](https://goodyearelitetireupland.com/u-haul/6x12-utility-trailer-ramp/) | Heavier wheeled equipment |

Not sure open is right? The [open utility trailer](https://goodyearelitetireupland.com/u-haul/open-utility-trailer/) page walks through the decision.

## How do you secure a load on an open trailer?

Everything on an open trailer needs to be tied down, and loose material needs to be covered. California requires loads to be secured so nothing spills or blows off, and debris from an open trailer is a real danger to drivers behind you.

- **Straps:** use ratchet straps from tie-down point to tie-down point, across the load.
- **Nets and tarps:** cover loose branches, leaves and small debris.
- **Low and tight:** keep the pile below the rails where possible.
- **Nothing loose:** remove anything that can catch wind, like empty buckets or plastic sheets.
- **Recheck:** stop after a few miles and tighten everything again.

Bring your own straps, tarp and net unless we confirm supplies when you call. The [California DMV](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/) has driver information on towing and trailers.

## Why do heavy materials need extra care?

Dirt, gravel, rock, concrete and wet green waste are far heavier than they look. A trailer that looks half full can already be at its load limit. Overloading stresses the trailer tires, your hitch and your brakes.

Before you load heavy material:

- Ask us the current load capacity when you call.
- Check your vehicle's towing rating.
- Spread the weight across the deck, slightly ahead of the axle.
- Make fewer, lighter trips instead of one heavy one.

Bagged materials are easier to count and control than loose piles.

## What tow vehicle does a utility trailer need?

Smaller utility trailers typically suit many cars, crossovers and SUVs with a proper hitch. Larger ones, especially loaded with heavy material, typically need a pickup or larger SUV. U-Haul sets the requirements, and we check your vehicle when you call.

At pickup, we check the receiver, pin and clip, ball size, coupler latch, safety chains and lights. If you want, we also look at your tires and brakes in the same visit. See the [free towing inspection](https://goodyearelitetireupland.com/u-haul/towing-inspection/) page.

## How should a utility trailer come back?

Empty and swept. Dirt, leaves and wood scraps should be cleared off the deck before return. If you hauled something messy, a quick hose-off at home helps. We walk around the trailer with you at return during business hours and look at the tires, lights and deck.

Take a few photos of the empty deck and the tires before you return it. For after-hours returns, confirm the steps for your rental at pickup.

## How does an open load behave on local freeways?

Freeway speed turns every loose leaf into a projectile and every tarp into a sail. On the I-10 and I-15, big rigs passing you push gusts across an open deck, and the fall Santa Ana winds can hit a tall pile from the side without warning. Plan the load for the fastest road on your route, not the slowest.

- **Speed:** California limits vehicles towing a trailer to 55 mph, and posted signs often keep towing rigs in the right lanes.
- **Height:** a pile above the rails catches crosswind. Split it into two trips instead.
- **Tarp edges:** tie them every couple of feet so the wind cannot get under a corner.
- **Mirrors:** check the load every few minutes. A lifting tarp shows up in the mirror before it lets go.
- **Surface streets first:** if you can reach the disposal site or store without the freeway, the slower route is easier on an open load.

Something falling off is a hazard for the driver behind you, and the driver towing is responsible for it.

## What should you bring on pickup day?

Bring the tow vehicle you told us about on the phone, plus the gear to secure the load. Most delays at pickup come from a different vehicle showing up, a missing ball mount, or no straps for the drive home.

### Pickup day checklist

1. The same tow vehicle you described when you reserved.
2. Your ball mount and ball, if you own them, so we can check the size.
3. Ratchet straps rated for the load, plus spares.
4. A tarp or cargo net and cord for loose material.
5. Work gloves, a broom and a rake or shovel for unloading.
6. A plan for where the trailer will sit while you load it.

At the counter we connect the trailer, test the lights and walk around it with you. If your plans changed since the call, tell us before we hook up, because a bigger load may call for a bigger trailer or a different tow vehicle.

## Our process

1. **Describe the project:** Tell us what you are hauling and how you will load it.
2. **Match size and ramp:** We suggest a trailer and confirm your tow vehicle qualifies.
3. **Reserve by phone:** Call (909) 608-7699 to set your date.
4. **Hook up and check:** We check the hitch, chains and lights with the trailer connected.
5. **Load and secure:** Strap everything, cover loose material and recheck after a few miles.
6. **Return clean:** Bring the trailer back empty and swept for the return walkaround.

## What's included

- Utility trailer size and ramp advice
- Tow vehicle match check
- Hitch, ball and coupler check
- Trailer light test while connected
- Load securing and covering tips
- Return walkaround during business hours

## Frequently asked questions

### Do I need a cargo trailer or a utility trailer?

Use a utility trailer for yard waste, lumber, equipment and junk runs. Use an enclosed cargo trailer for furniture, mattresses and anything that must stay dry, clean or locked.

### Do I have to cover my load on an open trailer?

Loose material like branches, leaves and small debris should be covered with a tarp or net and everything should be strapped down. California requires loads to be secured so nothing falls or blows off.

### How much weight can a utility trailer carry?

It depends on the trailer. Dirt, gravel and rock hit the limit fast. Call (909) 608-7699 and we confirm the current load capacity for the trailer you want.

### Can I rent a utility trailer for a dump run?

Yes. Many people use a utility trailer for green waste and junk removal. Check the disposal site rules before you go, cover the load, and bring the trailer back swept clean.

### How fast can I drive with a utility trailer?

California sets a 55 mph limit for vehicles towing a trailer, and you should often go slower with an open load in wind. Keep to the right lanes as posted, leave extra room ahead and check the load in your mirrors often.

### What should I bring when I pick up a utility trailer?

Bring the tow vehicle you reserved with, your ball mount if you own one, rated ratchet straps, a tarp or cargo net, and gloves. We connect the trailer, test the lights and walk around it with you before you leave.

### Can I change trailer sizes after I reserve?

Call (909) 608-7699 as soon as your plans change. We check what is available and whether your tow vehicle suits the new size. It is much easier to sort out on the phone than at the counter on pickup day.

## Related pages

- https://goodyearelitetireupland.com/u-haul/open-utility-trailer/
- https://goodyearelitetireupland.com/u-haul/5x8-utility-trailer/
- https://goodyearelitetireupland.com/u-haul/cargo-trailers/
- https://goodyearelitetireupland.com/contact/phone-email/

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Call (909) 608-7699 or book at https://goodyearelitetireupland.com/contact/book-appointment/