Renting a trailer for the first time? Don't worry — it's easier than you think. Follow this checklist to make sure you're ready before you pick up your rental.
Before You Rent: Vehicle Requirements
1. Check Your Hitch Type
Moovalot trailers use a standard 2-inch ball hitch. Check your vehicle's hitch receiver:
- Most SUVs, trucks, and crossovers have a 2-inch receiver
- Sedans and smaller cars usually don't have factory hitches
- If unsure, measure the opening — 2 inches wide = correct size
Don't have a hitch? U-Haul, etrailer.com, and local auto shops can install one (usually $200-400 installed).
2. Verify Towing Capacity
Your vehicle needs a minimum 3,500 lb towing capacity to safely pull a loaded 5x8 trailer.
Check your owner's manual or the sticker inside the driver's door frame. Most vehicles that can tow include:
- Full-size trucks (F-150, Silverado, Ram 1500)
- Mid-size trucks (Tacoma, Colorado, Ranger)
- SUVs (Explorer, 4Runner, Grand Cherokee, Tahoe)
- Crossovers (Highlander, Pilot, Pathfinder, Traverse)
Can't tow 3,500 lbs? Don't load the trailer to maximum capacity. Keep cargo under your vehicle's tow rating.
3. Inspect Your Vehicle
Before hitching up:
- Check tire pressure (front and rear)
- Test your brakes
- Ensure trailer lights work (brake lights, turn signals)
Measuring & Planning Your Load
4. Measure Your Items
A 5x8 trailer bed is:
- 5 feet wide
- 8 feet long
- ~18 inches tall (sidewalls)
Measure large items (couches, appliances) to confirm they'll fit. Use our AI "Will it fit?" tool if you're unsure.
5. Estimate Total Weight
Don't exceed 3,500 lbs total. Rough estimates:
- Couch: 200-300 lbs
- Refrigerator: 250-350 lbs
- Washer/dryer: 150-200 lbs each
- Mattress: 50-100 lbs
- ATV: 400-700 lbs
When in doubt, underload rather than overload.
6. Plan Your Route
- Avoid tight turns and narrow streets if possible
- Check bridge/overpass clearances (not usually an issue with 5x8 trailers)
- Know where you'll park at your destination
Loading Your Trailer Safely
7. Load Heavy Items First
Place the heaviest items toward the front of the trailer (closer to your vehicle). This keeps weight over the axle and prevents fishtailing.
8. Distribute Weight Evenly
Balance left-to-right. Uneven weight causes the trailer to lean and increases sway.
9. Secure Everything
Use ratchet straps or tie-downs:
- Strap large items to the trailer's tie-down points
- Prevent items from shifting during transport
- Double-check straps before driving
Pro tip: Moving blankets prevent scratches on furniture and appliances.
Driving With a Trailer
10. Take It Slow
Your first time towing? Drive 5-10 mph slower than usual. Trailers need more space to stop and turn.
11. Allow Extra Braking Distance
A loaded trailer adds 1,000-3,500 lbs to your vehicle. Start braking earlier than normal.
12. Make Wide Turns
Trailers cut corners. Swing wider on turns to avoid hitting curbs or obstacles.
13. Check Your Mirrors
Glance at your mirrors every 30 seconds to monitor the trailer. Watch for sway or shifting cargo.
14. Avoid Sudden Movements
No sudden lane changes, hard braking, or sharp turns. Smooth, gradual movements only.
Returning Your Trailer
15. Clean Out Debris
Remove all cargo, trash, and tie-downs. Sweep out the trailer bed if necessary.
16. Return to Any Location
With Moovalot, you can return to any location — not just where you picked up. Park in a designated spot and lock via the app.
17. Verify Return in the App
End your rental in the Moovalot app. You'll receive a receipt showing total time and cost.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading: More weight = unsafe handling and potential vehicle damage
- Forgetting to secure cargo: Items shift during transport
- Driving too fast: Speed amplifies sway and braking distance
- Not checking tire pressure: Low tires cause handling issues
- Skipping the pre-trip inspection: Always check lights, straps, and hitch
Download the Checklist
Print or save this checklist before your first rental:
- ✅ 2-inch ball hitch installed
- ✅ Vehicle can tow 3,500 lbs
- ✅ Items measured and fit confirmed
- ✅ Route planned
- ✅ Ratchet straps ready
- ✅ Tire pressure checked
- ✅ Lights tested
Ready to rent? Find a Moovalot trailer near you and get moving — available 24/7, no reservation needed.