How to Find the Most Reliable Trailer Rental
Last Updated:
One trait we all look for in rental equipment is reliability, and at U-Haul, we’re dedicated to keeping our trailers well maintained and built to last. But good construction isn’t the only indicator of a smooth ride. Here’s a full guide to finding the most reliable trailer for your next towing adventure.
Finding a Trailer That Fits Your Towing Style
Whether you’re a towing expert, or just starting out, selecting the right trailer is vital to a safe ride. Trailers come in many different shapes, sizes, and materials, and depending on your situation, one may be a better fit for you than others.
Cargo Trailers vs Utility Trailers
At U-Haul, we divide our trailers into two different fleets: cargo trailers and utility trailers. Utility Trailers are open trailers. The low walls and no roof make it an ideal solution for bulky and oversized items. U-Haul offers six different utility trailers, some with an included ramp for even easier loading.
Cargo trailers are completely enclosed, protecting whatever’s inside from weather conditions or other hazards on the road. We offer cargo trailers in small, medium, and large sizes, and each comes with their own built-in lockable hatch for added security.
Determine the Trailer’s Intended Use
Moving Furniture: Cargo trailers are a great option for hauling furniture because they’ll keep your belongings completely enclosed. But, if you’re loading something bulky or awkwardly shaped, you may need to switch to a utility trailer.
Outdoorsy Fun: U-Haul offers the motorcycle trailer for transporting a single motorized bike. If you’re planning to haul more, our new flatbed Toy Hauler has a max capacity of over 6,000lbs, making it strong enough to haul 4 ATVs or even a large truck!
DIY or Home Improvement Projects: Utility trailers are an optimal choice for DIY renovations due to their low walls, multiple tie-downs, and EZ load ramps.
Landscaping: Utility trailers are widely trusted among landscapers to carry their equipment and tools.
How Much Do You Need the Trailer to Carry?
How much you plan to load onto the trailer will directly affect which one you should rent. Each trailer comes with max capacity, meaning that it’ll only carry up to a certain weight safely.
Generally, the bigger a trailer is, the more it can carry. For example, while a 4x8 cargo trailer’s max load sits at 1,650 lbs., the heavy-duty Toy Hauler can tow up to 6,845 lbs.
Keep in mind that bigger trailers will also require more towing power to haul them. If you plan to tow a trailer with your personal vehicle, double check your car’s towing capacity first.
Pro Tip: Save your vehicle from the trouble of towing by adding a moving truck rental to your order! U-Haul trucks are built strong enough to haul any trailer in our fleet and make for a cost-effective alternative to using your car.
Trailer Qualities to Look For
Not all trailers are created equal. Some are built for heavy duty loads, while others are meant to be an easy solution for smaller moves.
The Axle and Suspension
Axle Capacity
The axle is the central portion of the trailer that connects the wheels to your trailer. It’s vital for weight distribution and for keeping your trailer in motion. Due to its importance, we recommend searching for a trailer with a top-rated axle.
Axle Type
Axles come in two different forms: single and tandem.
- Single axles are self-explanatory; it’s one axle that’s positioned in the center.
- Tandem axles are when you have two axles, one placed in front of the other.
What’s the difference? Single axles will be easier to maneuver and steer, but at U-Haul, we prefer tandem axles for added stability, better load distribution, and improved braking.
Suspension
Basically, the suspension is what keeps your trailer from dragging on the road. It impacts how the trailer absorbs shock and vibrations while towing.
Some suspension systems offer smoother rides or independent wheel movement; at U-Haul we use what’s called a spring suspension. These springs are used to absorb shock for a smoother ride. Spring systems are also great for when you’re taking turns, keeping the weight evenly distributed and stable.
Trailer Materials
What a trailer is made of can directly affect its durability, weight, and overall performance. For example, a lightweight trailer may come with lower load capacity, while heavy-duty steel trailers may consume more fuel in order to tow.
Steel Trailers: Steel trailers can accommodate heavier loads and are more resistant to damage. Steel requires more maintenance to prevent rust and corrosion, and its weight means that you’ll probably be using more fuel to tow it.
Aluminum: Aluminum trailers are lightweight and resistant to rust and corrosion, but they won’t have as high of a max load capacity as a steel trailer.
Composite: Composite trailers are the middle ground between aluminum and steel - being light weight, having weather-resistant foundations, and the ability to carry heavy cargo. It is important to note that they may not have the same load capacity as a steel trailer.
U-Haul trailers are made with galvanized steel; This process produces a surface finish that’s more resistant to chipping and oxidation without compromising strength and durability.
Trailer Construction
Materials aren’t the only thing that makes a trailer reliable; you also need to consider how the trailer is built! You should be looking for a trailer that’s not only strong but built to withstand the test of time.
Trailer Interior
Your trailer interior will usually be plywood, aluminum, or steel.
- Plywood is cheap and easy to fix.
- Aluminum is easy to clean and resistant to damage.
- Steel is strong, but prone to corrosion and damage.
Trailer Exterior
No matter which trailer you plan to rent, make sure the exterior is built well. The roof of cargo trailers should be built strong enough to protect against leaks or rust. Plus, keep an eye out for trailers with sturdy wheels, strong connections, and reinforced corners.
Ramps and Loading Equipment
Ramps: Many (but not all) trailers come with a ramp for easy loading. Ramps can be steel or aluminum, with steel being a sturdier choice, and aluminum being the lightweight option.
Tie Down Spots: Remember: secured cargo is safe cargo! Look for trailers with strong, well-placed tie-downs like D-rings, E-tracks, or anchor points to prevent shifting. This will give you the ability to secure your belongings in place, making for a smoother and safer ride.
Trailer Safety Features You’ll Need
It takes a little more focus and attention to safely drive a trailer, but many of them come with some added features to make it easier (and safer) to drive.
Visibility: Large trailers (especially cargo trailers) can limit your view. Make sure your trailer isn’t blocking any key sightlines before driving.
Lighting: Trailers need bright, durable lights for braking, turning, and visibility in poor weather. Side marker lights also improve visibility from all angles.
Braking: For heavier loads, a reliable braking system is essential. Choose trailers with electric brakes or brake controllers that are compatible with your tow vehicles.
Consider the Hitch
The hitch is the apparatus you attach to your vehicle in order to tow a trailer. The size of your hitch will depend on your vehicle's make and model.
Pro Tip: You can find the best hitch for your car’s make and model here. Or, better yet, you can have your own local Hitch Pro find the best fit for you—and do the installation, too!
What Makes U-Haul Trailers Different
At U-Haul, it all started with a trailer, which means we’ve had over 80 years to perfect the recipe! We build our trailers hardy and with longevity in mind: making them able to carry anything you need with efficiency and safety in mind.
U-Haul Takes Maintenance Seriously
Each U-Haul trailer goes through multiple inspections throughout its life.
- Level 1 Inspection: Performed before and after every rental to check for basic safety and functionality.
- Level 2 Inspection: A more in-depth inspection triggered when additional checks are needed.
- Preventative Maintenance Inspection: Conducted periodically to keep trailers in optimal condition.
Our Field Maintenance Calculator is a smart algorithm that determines when a trailer requires more than just a Level 1 inspection. It considers usage patterns, time since the last inspection, and other key factors to decide when higher-level maintenance is needed.
What truly sets U-Haul trailers apart is the rigorous design and testing process. Each trailer and its components undergo extensive durability testing to ensure they can withstand the demands of the self-move industry.
We also pay close attention to every detail—from decals, user instructions, and to how-to videos—creating a full-circle trailering experience that ensures a smooth ride every time.
Choose U-Haul for Your Next Towing Adventure!
Whether you’re trying to knock out a move, renovate the house, or take some ATVs out to the trail, U-Haul trailers are built for the long haul! With strong materials, a dedication to safety and maintenance, and a history of excellent trailers, it’s easy to see why U-Haul trailers are the easy choice across North America.