What Size Utility Trailer Do I Need?

Choosing the right utility trailer comes down to what you're hauling. The best trailer size depends on the dimensions, weight, and quantity of your cargo, as well as the towing capacity of your vehicle. Renting a trailer that's too small may require making multiple trips, while one that's too large can make loading and towing more difficult.

This guide compares utility trailer sizes to help you understand what each one is best suited for and how to choose the right trailer for your next project, move, or equipment haul.

Key Takeaways Measure your largest items before choosing a trailer to ensure they'll fit safely. Open utility trailers are great for landscaping supplies, ATVs, motorcycles, appliances, furniture, and other oversized items that don't require weather protection. If your cargo needs protection from rain and road debris, consider a tarp or cargo trailer instead.

What is a Utility Trailer?

A utility trailer is a trailer designed to haul cargo that can’t fit inside your vehicle. Unlike cargo trailers, utility trailers feature an open bed, making it easy to load and unload bulky items from the sides or rear. They're commonly used to haul furniture, landscaping materials, appliances, building supplies, landscaping equipment, and recreational vehicles, such as ATVs and golf carts.

Certain trailer models also include built-in loading ramps, while flatbed designs, like the U-Haul Toy Hauler, provide extra space for oversized or longer loads.

Whether you're tackling a weekend home improvement project, moving large items, or transporting work equipment, a utility trailer offers a flexible and convenient hauling solution.

How Much Does a Utility Trailer Weigh?

The weight of a utility trailer depends on its size and features. In general, larger trailers weigh more because they have a bigger frame and can carry heavier loads. Utility trailers with built-in loading ramps also weigh more than standard utility trailers due to the added steel ramp assembly.

Knowing your trailer's empty weight is important before you tow. It helps you determine whether your vehicle has enough towing capacity for both the trailer and your cargo. For example, empty U-Haul trailers weigh anywhere from 630 to 3,155 lbs.

U-Haul Utility Trailer Weights

U-Haul Trailer	Empty Weight	Max Load	Gross Vehicle Weight (Max)
4’ x 7’	630 lbs.	1,770 lbs.	2,400 lbs.
Motorcycle Trailer	870 lbs.	1,530 lbs.	2,400 lbs.
5’ x 8’	1,000 lbs.	1,890 lbs.	2,890 lbs.
5’ x 9’ w/ Ramp	1,240 lbs.	1,650 lbs.	2,890 lbs.
6’ x 12’	1,730 lbs.	2,670 lbs.	4,400 lbs.
6’ x 12’ w/ Ramp	2,290 lbs.	3,710 lbs.	6,000 lbs.
16’ Flatbed Trailer	3,155 lbs.	6,845 lbs.	10,000 lbs.

Always check the owner's manual for your vehicle to find its maximum towing capacity before choosing a trailer.

How Many Utility Trailers Does U-Haul Have?

U-Haul has offers seven total utility trailers, and here is a quick snapshot of their best applications:

U-Haul Trailer	Trailer Size	Best For
	4’ x 7’	Small loads and landscaping
	4’ x 9’	Motorcycles and very small loads
	5’ x 8’	Medium loads and smaller pallets
	5’ x 9’	Lawn mowers, golf carts, and building materials
	6’ x 12’	Large loads, pipe fittings, and large pallets
	6’ x 12’	Side-by-sides, ATVs, UTVs, and large riding lawnmowers
	16' x 6'2.5"	Vehicles like trucks, SUVs, and cars, large loads of lumber and metal

Need more trailer dimensions? Check out Will it fit: Dimensions of U-Haul Trailers.

U-Haul Utility Trailers: A More In-Depth Look

U-Haul Motorcycle Trailer: Best for Motorcycles and Small Loads

If you're hauling a motorcycle or just a few compact items, a U-Haul motorcycle trailer is a great fit for the job. It’s one of the smallest trailers in our fleet, with a low loading deck, a built-in ramp, and a wheel chock to make loading and unloading easier. It also has multiple tie-down points to help keep your load secure during transport.

Learn more about How to Load a U-Haul Motorcycle Trailer.

4’ x 7’ Utility Trailer: Best for Small Loads

The 4’ x 7’ utility trailer is a great choice for smaller hauling jobs around town. Whether you're transporting a few pieces of furniture, moving landscaping supplies, or picking up appliances, this compact trailer is easy to tow and simple to load. Its smaller footprint also makes it a practical option for drivers who want extra cargo space without towing a larger trailer.

5’ x 8’ Utility Trailer: Best for Medium Loads

Need a little more room? The 5’ x 8’ utility trailer offers additional cargo space for medium-sized projects. It's well suited for moving furniture, hauling home improvement materials, or transporting equipment for weekend projects.

5’ x 9’ Utility Ramp Trailer: Best for Medium Loads, Lawnmowers, and Golf Carts

The 5’ x 9’ utility ramp trailer includes a built-in loading ramp, making it easier to roll heavy equipment on and off the trailer. It's a popular option for transporting lawnmowers, golf carts, ATVs, and other wheeled equipment without the need for separate loading ramps. The open design also provides flexibility for hauling larger items that are easier to load from the rear.

The best part about the ramp design? It works great with rentable moving equipment like furniture, appliance, and utility dollies. But be sure to cover whatever you're loading with a furniture pad to prevent any damage.

5’ x 8’ vs. 5’ x 9’ with Ramp: Trailer Comparison

At first glance, these two utility trailers may seem similar, but they're designed for different types of jobs. The 5' x 8' utility trailer is a lightweight option that's great for hauling furniture, landscaping materials, or other bulky items that can be loaded by hand.

The 5' x 9' utility trailer with a built-in ramp adds convenience when loading equipment with wheels, such as lawn mowers, ATVs, motorcycles, or golf carts. The integrated ramp increases the trailer's overall weight but makes loading and unloading faster and easier.

If you're interested in towing a trailer a long distance, only the 5’ x 9’ utility trailer with a ramp is available for one-way moving.

If you're hauling rolling equipment, the ramp model is usually the better choice. For general hauling, the standard 5' x 8' utility trailer offers a lighter towing option.

6’ x 12’ Utility Trailer: Best for Large Loads

When you have bulky or oversized cargo, the 6’ x 12’ utility trailer gives you the extra space you need. It's ideal for moving large furniture, multiple appliances, landscaping materials, or equipment for bigger projects. The larger deck makes loading easier and reduces the need to make multiple trips.

6’ x 12’ Utility Ramp Trailer: Best for Large Pallets, Long Building Materials

Designed for heavier-duty hauling, the 6’ x 12’ utility ramp trailer combines a spacious deck with a full-width loading ramp. It's an excellent option for transporting palletized materials, lumber, construction supplies, or large equipment that can be rolled into place. Whether you're tackling a remodeling project or hauling commercial equipment, this trailer provides the versatility to handle larger jobs.

6’ x 12’ vs. 6’ x 12’ with Ramp: Trailer Comparison

Both 6' x 12' utility trailers provide the same spacious cargo area, making them ideal for larger loads like appliances, furniture, building materials, and landscaping supplies. The biggest difference is the loading method.

The standard 6' x 12' utility trailer is well-suited for cargo that can be lifted or loaded with a hand truck. The 6' x 12' utility trailer with a ramp is designed for loading wheeled equipment, including riding lawn mowers, side-by-sides, small tractors, and other powered equipment.

Because of the added ramp, the ramp-equipped model weighs more than the standard version. However, for customers transporting heavy equipment on wheels, the added convenience often outweighs the extra trailer weight.

16’ Flatbed Utility Trailer: Best for Large Vehicles, Longer Loads

The 16’ flatbed utility trailer, known as the Toy Hauler, is built for loads that need maximum deck space. Its flatbed design makes it easy to transport oversized cargo such as vehicles, long building materials, heavy equipment, or other items that extend beyond the capabilities of a standard utility trailer. If your project requires the largest hauling capacity in the U-Haul utility trailer lineup, the Toy Hauler is up to the task.

The Toy Hauler is also available for one-way moving, so if you have a long road to your pickup location or destination, this trailer has you covered.

Learn more about the New U-Haul Toy Hauler.

Ready to Find the Right Utility Trailer?

Whether you're hauling a motorcycle, furniture, landscaping supplies, or home improvement materials, U-Haul has a utility trailer to match your needs for a safer, easier trip. Reserve your trailer online, in the U-Haul app, in person, or over the phone today.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Utility Trailer Sizes

What size utility trailer do I need?

The right utility trailer depends on what you're hauling. Consider the size and weight of your cargo, then choose a trailer that provides enough space without being larger than necessary. Don't forget to verify that your vehicle can safely tow the trailer.

How do I know if my vehicle can tow a utility trailer?

Check your vehicle owner's manual for maximum towing capacity and hitch requirements. The combined weight of the trailer and your cargo should never exceed your vehicle's towing limit. When you go to reserve your utility trailer and input your tow vehicle, our system will also let you know if your trailer and tow vehicle combination are valid.

Is it better to rent a larger utility trailer?

It all depends. When it comes to choosing a rental trailer, making sure the trailer you rent has enough room to fit your belongings is crucial to avoid making multiple unnecessary trips.

What's the difference between a utility trailer and a cargo trailer?

Utility trailers have an open design, making them ideal for transporting equipment, landscaping materials, motorcycles, and oversized items. Cargo trailers are best for protecting your belongings from weather and road debris, making them a better choice for household moves or valuable items.