Should I Buy or Rent a Trailer for My Side-by-Side?

If you only need a side-by-side trailer a few times per year, renting usually makes more financial sense than buying. Owning a trailer comes with ongoing costs like registration, maintenance, storage, and tire replacement, even when it’s sitting unused. Renting gives you the flexibility to haul your side-by-side only when you need it, without the long-term commitment of ownership.

When you're looking for a side-by-side trailer, the right choice depends on how often you ride, how far you travel, and whether you want the responsibilities that come with ownership.

For many occasional riders, renting a trailer is the easier and more affordable option.

Key Takeaways Renting a side-by-side trailer is much cheaper if you only tow a few times each year. Buying a trailer may make sense for frequent riders who travel often. U-Haul® offers multiple trailer options that can accommodate a side-by-side, depending on its size, weight, and your tow vehicle.

When Renting a Side-by-Side Trailer Makes More Sense

If your side-by-side only leaves the garage for occasional camping trips, hunting weekends, trail rides, or vacations, renting can help you avoid a lot of extra expenses and give you flexibility.

However, renting a trailer isn’t simply picking up one at a store and using it. Trailer rental also comes with maintenance. When you own a trailer, you’re responsible for:

Parts of Trailer Ownership	Expected Cost
Registration and licensing	$20-$200< Per Year
Insurance	$100-$200 Per Year
Tire replacement	$50-$300 Per Tire
Wheel bearings	$50-$150 Per Wheel Bearing
Brake maintenance	$150-$220 Per Brake Set/Surge Brake
Storage space	$1,200-$3,000 Per Year
General wear and tear	$50-$100 Per Year
Total Cost	$1,620-$4,170 Per Year

When Buying a SXS Trailer May Be Worth It

Buying a trailer may make more sense if you regularly haul your side-by-side throughout the year. Frequent riders, racers, ranchers, or outdoor enthusiasts who tow every month may benefit from owning their own equipment.

Owning a trailer can offer:

• Immediate availability whenever you want to ride
• Custom upgrades and accessories
• Long-term value if used frequently
• Convenience for back-to-back trips

However, it’s important to realistically calculate how often you’ll use it. A trailer that only gets used two or three times per year will end up costing much more than renting over time. Even getting a new side-by-side trailer can cost over $4,000, and that isn’t even taking into account if you need to finance it, which, with interest, can have you paying it off for the next 3-5 years.

Pros and Cons of Owning vs. Renting a SXS Trailer
Owning a SXS Trailer	Renting a SXS Trailer
Pros: Immediate availability Custom upgrades	Pros: No storage requirement Low cost Unique features No maintenance No insurance No registration
Cons: High cost Maintenance Registration required Insurance required Storage space	Cons: Availability can be limited No custom upgrades

Choosing the Right Trailer for Your Side-by-Side

Not all SXS trailers are the same size, so choosing the right fit improves towing safety and loading convenience. Some trailers are large enough that you can even put a four-wheeler on the back for an extra spice to your adventure. Before reserving or buying a trailer, make sure to:

• Check your side-by-side’s total weight
• Measure overall width and wheelbase
• Verify your vehicle’s hitch system rating
• Confirm towing vehicle compatibility
• Account for extra gear and accessories

Where Can I Get the Best Trailer Rental for a Side-by-Side?

The best part about getting a reliable SXS trailer rental? You don’t have to scour the streets or the internet for one. You can get one at your local U-Haul center or Neighborhood Dealer and set up a reservation in minutes.

How U-Haul Trailers Save You Money vs. Buying a Trailer

Want to see just how much money you could save when you rent a trailer instead of buying? By taking the daily in-town rental rate of a U-Haul trailer and comparing it to the expected total yearly cost of owning a trailer, you could rent a U-Haul Toy Hauler for 18 days before it costs as much as the minimum expected total yearly cost of owning a trailer.

U-Haul Trailer In-Town Rental Daily Rate	Expected Total Yearly Cost of Owning a Trailer	Rental Days Equal to Total Yearly Trailer Owning Cost
U-Haul Toy Hauler - $89.95	$1,620-$4,170 Per Year	18 Day Minimum Rental - 46 Day Maximum Rental
U-Haul Auto Transport - $69.95	$1,620-$4,170 Per Year	23 Day Minimum Rental - 59 Day Maximum Rental
U-Haul 6' x 12' Utility Trailer with Ramp - $39.95	$1,620-$4,170 Per Year	40 Day Minimum Rental - 104 Day Maximum Rental
U-Haul 5' x 9' Utility Trailer with Ramp - $29.95	$1,620-$4,170 Per Year	54 Day Minimum Rental - 139 Day Maximum Rental
U-Haul 5' x 8' Utility Trailer - $24.95	$1,620-$4,170 Per Year	64 Day Minimum Rental - 167 Day Maximum Rental

Which U-Haul Trailer Can Tow a Side-by-Side?

Not every side-by-side is the same size. Compact two-seat models can be significantly smaller than larger four-seat recreational vehicles. Before choosing a trailer, check your side-by-side's overall dimensions, weight, and your vehicle's towing capacity.

Depending on your setup, several U-Haul trailer options may work for hauling a side-by-side:

Trailer Option	Dimensions	Best Suited For
U-Haul Toy Hauler	16' x 6'2.5"	Larger side-by-sides with wide wheelbases
U-Haul Auto Transport	12’3” x 6’7”	Some larger side-by-side models that meet loading requirements
U-Haul 6' x 12' Utility Trailer with Ramp	11'11" x 6'	Midsize side-by-sides with inline tires
U-Haul 5' x 9' Utility Trailer with Ramp	8'11" x 4'8"	Smaller side-by-side models with a dump bed
U-Haul 5' x 8' Utility Trailer/a>	9' x 4'2"	Compact side-by-side models that meet size and weight requirements

Trailer compatibility varies based on the dimensions and weight of your side-by-side, as well as your towing vehicle's capabilities. Always verify fitment before making a reservation.

The best part is you can reserve a trailer anytime you want online, on the U-Haul app, over the phone, or in person. So you can get one only when you need it, instead of worrying about year-round trailer ownership costs.

So, Is Renting or Buying Better for You?

Here’s the quick answer: If you only haul your side-by-side a handful of times per year, renting is usually the better choice. You avoid ownership costs while still getting access to the equipment you need. If you tow often and want a trailer available at all times, buying may eventually pay off.

For everyone in between, renting a trailer gives you flexibility, convenience, and fewer long-term responsibilities. Ready to haul your side-by-side? Reserve a U-Haul trailer and get your next adventure rolling.