Shopping for trailer rental prices in Houston? You're probably seeing rates from $19.95 to $50+ per day and wondering what you'll actually pay. Here's a transparent breakdown of trailer rental costs across Houston — including the fees nobody mentions upfront.
Moovalot Pricing (Houston Area)
Moovalot uses tiered hourly pricing — the longer you rent, the lower your hourly rate. Billed in 15-minute increments.
Open 5x8 Trailer Rates
- 1-2 hours: $15/hour
- 2-3 hours: $12/hour
- 3-4 hours: $11/hour
- 4-8 hours: $10/hour
- Full day (unlimited hours): $85 flat
Example costs:
- 30-minute trip to the dump: $7.50
- 2-hour apartment move: $27
- 4-hour furniture haul: $44
- All-day project: $85
Enclosed 5x8 Trailer Rates
- 1-2 hours: $18/hour
- 2-4 hours: $15/hour
- 4-8 hours: $12/hour
- Full day: $100 flat
What's included:
- ✅ Unlimited miles (no mileage fees)
- ✅ No reservation fees
- ✅ No deposit required
- ✅ Tie-down points included
U-Haul Pricing (Houston)
U-Haul's Houston pricing (as of 2026):
5x8 Cargo Trailer
- Daily rate: $29.95
- Mileage: $0.59 per mile (varies by location)
Example total costs:
- 20-mile round trip: $29.95 + $11.80 = $41.75
- 50-mile round trip: $29.95 + $29.50 = $59.45
5x9 Ramp Trailer
- Daily rate: $34.95
- Mileage: $0.69 per mile
Hidden fees to watch for:
- Environmental fee: ~$5
- Damage waiver (optional): $14-18
- Late return fee: $20+ per hour
- Fuel surcharge (sometimes)
Home Depot Pricing (Houston)
Home Depot rents trucks (not trailers you can tow). Pricing:
- 75 minutes: $19
- Full day (up to 8 hours): $129
Limitations:
- Must return to same Home Depot
- Limited availability (often booked on weekends)
- Requires advance reservation
Side-by-Side: 2-Hour Rental
| Company | Base Rate | Mileage (20 mi) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moovalot | $27 | Included | $27 |
| U-Haul | $29.95 | +$11.80 | $41.75 |
Side-by-Side: Full-Day Rental
| Company | Base Rate | Mileage (50 mi) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moovalot | $85 | Included | $85 |
| U-Haul | $29.95 | +$29.50 | $59.45 |
Note: U-Haul becomes cheaper for high-mileage full-day rentals. Moovalot is better for short trips or unlimited-mile needs.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Time Wasted
U-Haul: 15-30 minutes at the counter (pickup + return) = 30-60 minutes total.
Moovalot: 2 minutes (scan QR code) = instant pickup and return.
Your time has value. Factor that in.
Fuel Costs
Trailers don't use fuel, but towing reduces your vehicle's MPG by 15-25%. Budget an extra $5-15 in gas depending on distance.
Deposits
U-Haul: May hold $50-100 on your card.
Moovalot: No deposit required.
When Each Option Makes Sense
Choose Moovalot if:
- You need a trailer right now (no reservation)
- You're renting for under 4 hours
- You want unlimited miles
- You're renting after hours or on weekends
Choose U-Haul if:
- You need a larger trailer (6x12, 7x14)
- You're doing a multi-day move
- You're going 100+ miles (mileage fees add up)
Real Houston Rental Scenarios
Scenario 1: Apartment Move in Katy
- Distance: 8 miles
- Time needed: 2 hours
- Moovalot cost: $27
- U-Haul cost: ~$35 (daily rate + mileage)
Scenario 2: Dump Run in Cypress
- Distance: 12 miles round trip
- Time needed: 45 minutes
- Moovalot cost: $11.25 (45 min at $15/hr)
- U-Haul cost: $37 (minimum daily rate + mileage)
Scenario 3: Furniture Pickup in Houston
- Distance: 30 miles round trip
- Time needed: 3 hours
- Moovalot cost: $39
- U-Haul cost: $48 (daily + mileage)
Bottom Line: What You'll Actually Pay
For most Houston-area rentals (under 4 hours, under 50 miles), Moovalot saves you money and time. For longer, high-mileage trips, U-Haul's flat daily rate can be cheaper.
Ready to rent? Find a Moovalot trailer near you — available 24/7 in Houston, Katy, Cypress, Conroe, and College Station.