Need to haul something but don't own a truck? You've got two options: rent a trailer or rent a pickup truck.
Here's an honest comparison of costs, pros, cons, and when each option makes more sense.
Quick Comparison Table
| Factor | Trailer Rental | Truck Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (4 hours) | $45-55 | $70-120 |
| Requires | SUV/truck you already own | Driver's license only |
| Availability | 24/7 (Moovalot) | Business hours only |
| Mileage fees | None (unlimited) | $0.79-0.99/mile |
| Ease of driving | Moderate (towing) | Easy (just a truck) |
| Fuel cost | Your vehicle (lower MPG) | Rental truck (12-18 MPG) |
Cost Breakdown: Real Houston Examples
Example 1: Furniture Pickup (2-Hour Trip, 20 Miles)
Moovalot 5x8 Trailer:
- Rental: $27 (2 hours)
- Mileage: Included
- Fuel: ~$6 extra (towing reduces MPG by 20%)
- Total: $33
Home Depot Truck Rental:
- Rental: $29 (75 minutes minimum)
- Mileage: 20 miles included
- Fuel: Refill to same level (~$8)
- Total: $37
Winner: Trailer (slightly cheaper, more flexible)
Example 2: Dump Run (4 Hours, 40 Miles)
Moovalot 5x8 Open Trailer:
- Rental: $44 (4 hours)
- Mileage: Included
- Fuel: ~$12 extra
- Total: $56
U-Haul Pickup Truck:
- Rental: $29.95 (day rate)
- Mileage: 40 miles @ $0.79/mi = $31.60
- Fuel: ~$15
- Total: $76.55
Winner: Trailer (saves $20)
Example 3: Full-Day Move (8 Hours, 100 Miles)
Moovalot 5x8 Enclosed Trailer:
- Rental: $100 (full day)
- Mileage: Included
- Fuel: ~$30 extra
- Total: $130
U-Haul 15' Truck:
- Rental: $39.95 (day rate)
- Mileage: 100 miles @ $0.99/mi = $99
- Fuel: ~$40 (10 MPG, 100 miles)
- Total: $178.95
Winner: Trailer (saves $48)
When to Rent a Trailer
Choose a Trailer If:
- ✅ You own an SUV or truck with a 2-inch hitch
- ✅ You want the cheapest option
- ✅ You need to rent outside business hours (nights/weekends)
- ✅ You're making multiple trips
- ✅ You want unlimited miles included
- ✅ You're comfortable towing
Best Use Cases:
- Dump runs (yard waste, junk removal)
- Furniture pickup from Facebook Marketplace
- Small moves (1-2 bedroom apartments)
- Hauling ATVs or motorcycles
- Construction material hauls
When to Rent a Pickup Truck
Choose a Truck If:
- ✅ You don't own a vehicle with a hitch
- ✅ You've never towed before and don't want to learn
- ✅ You need enclosed cab space (for tools/valuables)
- ✅ You're moving very short distances (under 10 miles)
- ✅ You need a vehicle for the day anyway
Best Use Cases:
- Hauling materials from Home Depot/Lowe's (short trip)
- Quick furniture pickups (if you don't own a truck)
- Jobs requiring both cargo space AND tools in the cab
The Hidden Costs
Trailer Rental Hidden Costs
- Fuel efficiency loss: Towing reduces MPG by 15-25% (~$5-15 extra in gas)
- Hitch installation: If you don't have one: $200-400 (one-time cost)
Truck Rental Hidden Costs
- Mileage fees: $0.79-0.99/mile adds up fast
- Fuel refill: Must return with same fuel level
- Insurance: Optional damage waiver ($15-25/day)
- Time wasted: Pickup/return during business hours only
Towing a Trailer: Easier Than You Think
Never towed before? It's not as hard as it looks. Here's what to know:
Hooking Up (2 Minutes)
- Back your vehicle up to the trailer hitch
- Drop the trailer coupler onto the ball
- Lock the coupler lever
- Attach safety chains
- Plug in trailer lights
Moovalot trailers scan-to-unlock — no keys, no hassle.
Driving With a Trailer
- Acceleration: Slower than normal (be patient)
- Braking: Start earlier (extra weight = longer stops)
- Turning: Swing wider to avoid curbs
- Backing up: Turn steering wheel opposite direction (practice in empty lot first)
After 10 minutes, it feels natural.
Availability Comparison
Trailer Rental (Moovalot)
- Hours: 24/7 — rent at 2 AM if you want
- Reservation: None needed (just show up)
- Return: Any Moovalot location
Truck Rental (U-Haul/Home Depot)
- Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM weekdays, shorter weekends
- Reservation: Required (often booked up on weekends)
- Return: Same location, during business hours
Real scenario: You finish loading at 7 PM. With a trailer, you return anytime. With a rental truck, you wait until morning and pay for an extra day.
Capacity Comparison
5x8 Trailer
- Bed size: 5' wide x 8' long
- Weight limit: 3,500 lbs
- Height: No limit (open) / 5' tall (enclosed)
Pickup Truck (F-150, Silverado, Ram)
- Bed size: 5.5-8' long (varies by model)
- Weight limit: 1,500-2,000 lbs
- Height: No limit (open bed)
Winner: Trailer holds nearly 2x the weight
Real Customer Scenarios
Scenario 1: "I Don't Own a Truck or SUV"
Your vehicle: Honda Civic (can't tow)
Best option: Rent a pickup truck
Why: You have no towing capability
Scenario 2: "I Own an SUV With a Hitch"
Your vehicle: Honda Pilot (can tow 5,000 lbs)
Best option: Rent a trailer
Why: Cheaper, more flexible, unlimited miles
Scenario 3: "I Need to Haul Lumber 5 Miles"
Best option: Home Depot truck (75-minute rental for $19)
Why: Short trip, cheap flat rate, no towing needed
Scenario 4: "I'm Cleaning Out a Garage"
Best option: Trailer (multiple trips to the dump)
Why: Unlimited miles, 24/7 access, lower cost for all-day use
The Verdict: Which Should You Rent?
Rent a Trailer If You:
- Own a vehicle with a hitch
- Want the cheapest option
- Need flexibility (24/7 access, any return location)
- Are hauling over 20 miles
Rent a Truck If You:
- Don't own a vehicle with a hitch
- Are making a very short trip (under 10 miles)
- Have never towed and don't want to learn
Bottom Line: Trailers Win on Cost
For most hauls over 1 hour, trailers are $20-50 cheaper than rental trucks — especially when mileage fees kick in.
Ready to rent? Find a Moovalot trailer near you — available 24/7, no reservation needed, unlimited miles included.