Free Guide to Enclosed Trailer Rental Information

Understanding Enclosed Trailer Rentals: The Basics

An enclosed trailer is a cargo transport vehicle completely covered on all sides, protecting whatever you place inside from weather, debris, and theft. Unlike open trailers where your items sit exposed to the elements, enclosed trailers offer a weatherproof container that keeps contents safe during transport. These trailers come in various sizes, typically ranging from 5 feet by 8 feet (the smallest common size) up to 20 feet or larger, depending on what you need to move.

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The primary reason people rent enclosed trailers is protection. Whether you're moving fragile furniture, expensive equipment, vehicles, or construction materials, an enclosed trailer shields your belongings from rain, snow, wind, and road debris that flying trucks kick up. This protection makes enclosed trailers popular for relocating households, transporting motorcycles or ATVs, moving musical instruments, and hauling sensitive business inventory.

Rental companies maintain enclosed trailers specifically for short-term and long-term use. You don't purchase the trailer; you pay a rental fee for temporary use and return it within an agreed timeframe. This arrangement allows people to move items without buying expensive equipment they may never use again. Rental trailers are inspected regularly, maintained by professionals, and insured through the rental company.

Understanding the difference between types of trailers matters for your rental choice. Bumper-pull trailers connect to a receiver hitch on your vehicle's bumper, while gooseneck trailers require a special hitch installed in a pickup truck bed. Enclosed trailers may have one or two axles, with dual-axle models offering better weight distribution for heavier loads. Your vehicle's towing capacity determines which trailer size and type you can safely rent.

Practical Takeaway: Before contacting rental companies, measure your items and research your vehicle's towing capacity (found in your owner's manual or on the driver's side door jamb). This information helps you select the correct trailer size and ensures safe towing.

Costs Associated with Enclosed Trailer Rentals

Rental prices for enclosed trailers vary based on several factors including trailer size, rental duration, your location, and current market demand. A 5x8 enclosed trailer typically costs between $40 to $75 per day for daily rentals, while larger 6x12 trailers run approximately $60 to $100 per day. Weekly and monthly rates offer better value—renting for a full week might cost $150 to $250 for a small trailer, and monthly rates often provide 25 to 40 percent savings compared to daily rates.

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Beyond the base rental fee, you should understand additional costs you may encounter. Mileage charges apply with some rental companies, though many offer unlimited mileage within your rental region. Damage deposits typically range from $100 to $300 and are returned when you return the trailer in acceptable condition. Late fees accumulate when you don't return the trailer by the agreed-upon time—these often cost $25 to $50 per hour or $100 to $150 per additional day.

Insurance and liability coverage represent significant cost considerations. Most rental companies require you to carry rental insurance or purchase coverage from them, which might add $10 to $25 per day to your rental cost. This coverage protects against damage to the trailer and provides liability protection if your rental causes damage to someone else's property. You should review your personal auto insurance policy to determine what coverage already exists—some policies extend to rental equipment, while others don't.

Some rental companies charge equipment fees for optional items like ramps, tie-downs, moving blankets, or dollies. These items help you load and secure cargo safely and may cost $5 to $20 each. Fuel charges apply only if you return the trailer without filling the propane tank (if applicable) or with a depleted battery. Additional costs can include trailer cleaning fees ($50 to $100 if you return a dirty trailer) and toll fees if you travel through toll roads during your rental period.

Practical Takeaway: Request a complete cost estimate from rental companies before committing. Ask specifically about daily/weekly/monthly rates, mileage policies, insurance costs, damage deposit requirements, and any equipment or service fees. Comparing three or more companies often reveals significant savings.

Where to Rent Enclosed Trailers and What to Expect

Enclosed trailers are available from numerous rental sources across the United States. National equipment rental chains like Home Depot, Lowe's, and Sunbelt Rentals operate locations in most communities and offer consistent pricing and policies. U-Haul stands out as the largest trailer rental company with thousands of locations, serving both urban and rural areas. These major companies maintain standardized pricing models, published online, allowing you to compare costs before visiting.

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Local and independent rental companies often provide personalized service and competitive rates, particularly in smaller cities and rural areas. These businesses typically understand regional needs and may offer specialty trailers suited to local industries like agriculture, construction, or event planning. Searching online for "trailer rental near me" reveals these local options. Equipment rental stores that specialize in construction and landscaping equipment frequently maintain enclosed trailers alongside other machinery.

When you arrive at a rental location, expect to complete a rental agreement—a legal contract detailing rental terms, costs, vehicle specifications, and damage responsibilities. The staff will ask for personal identification, a valid driver's license with a good driving record, and payment information (credit card or deposit). Most companies require renters to be at least 18 years old, though some prefer renters over 21. They'll inspect your vehicle's hitch receiver and may measure your towing capacity to ensure safe rental.

The rental company will conduct a pre-rental inspection of the trailer with you present, documenting any existing damage on the rental agreement. This walkthrough protects both parties—you acknowledge what damage existed before your rental, and the company has proof of the trailer's condition. Photos may be taken as documentation. The company explains trailer operation (brake system, lighting, weight distribution), provides safety information, and reviews the return procedure. Some locations offer moving supplies like boxes, tape, and packing materials for additional fees.

Practical Takeaway: Schedule your rental appointment in advance, especially during peak moving seasons (May through September). Confirm the trailer size and type is available, verify pricing, and clarify the rental company's return location and hours. Arrive early for pickup to allow time for the inspection process without rushing.

Safety Requirements and Vehicle Towing Capacity

Understanding your vehicle's towing capacity is fundamental to safe enclosed trailer rental. Every vehicle has a maximum weight it can safely pull, determined by engine power, transmission, frame strength, and brake system design. Exceeding this capacity strains your engine, reduces braking effectiveness, and risks trailer jackknife—a dangerous situation where the trailer swings sideways. Your vehicle's owner's manual lists towing capacity in pounds. The information also appears on a label inside the driver's side door jamb or under the hood.

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Trailer weight consists of two components: dry weight (the trailer itself with no cargo) and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which includes maximum cargo capacity. A 6x12 enclosed trailer typically weighs 1,200 to 1,500 pounds empty and might have a GVWR of 3,500 pounds, meaning it can carry 2,000 to 2,300 pounds of cargo safely. Exceeding GVWR damages the trailer and creates safety hazards. Rental companies can provide specific weight ratings for each trailer model.

Several safety components require your attention. Proper hitch installation matters—your vehicle's hitch class must match or exceed the trailer's hitch class (Class I for light duty, Class II for medium duty, Class III for heavier loads). The hitch receiver size (1.25 inches or 2 inches) must match your hitch ball. Safety chains provide backup connection if the main hitch coupling fails and should cross under the hitch in an X pattern. Breakaway brakes activate automatically if the trailer separates from your vehicle, slowing it safely.

Lighting systems must function properly. Enclosed trailers have taillights, brake lights, and turn signals that connect to your vehicle's electrical system. Before departing, test all lights to ensure they work. Tire pressure and condition affect safety—underinflated or damaged trailer tires can blow out at highway speeds. Weight distribution requires attention: cargo should be loaded toward the trailer's center, with heavier items over the axles, not piled toward the front or rear