Ever wonder what people actually use trailer rentals for? We analyzed over 1,000 queries from our AI-powered "Will it fit?" tool to find out what Houston-area renters are really hauling.
The results surprised us — and might give you ideas for your next project.
The Data Source
Every time someone uses our "Will it fit?" tool on the homepage, we log the query. Over the past 6 months, we collected 1,000+ searches asking about specific items.
Here's what we learned.
Top 10 Items People Haul
1. Furniture (38% of queries)
The #1 reason people rent trailers: moving furniture. Most common items:
- Couches (12% of all queries)
- Mattresses (8%)
- Dressers (6%)
- Dining tables (5%)
- Bookshelves (4%)
Insight: Most furniture fits easily in a 5x8 trailer. People just want confirmation before renting.
2. Appliances (18%)
Second most common category:
- Refrigerators (7%)
- Washers/dryers (6%)
- Stoves (3%)
- Dishwashers (2%)
Insight: People often move appliances when buying used items from Facebook Marketplace or upgrading their kitchen.
3. ATVs & UTVs (14%)
Surprisingly high! Breakdown:
- Polaris (5%)
- Honda (4%)
- Yamaha (3%)
- Can-Am (2%)
Insight: Houston's proximity to trails and recreation areas drives ATV rentals, especially on weekends.
4. Yard Waste (11%)
Seasonal spike in spring/summer:
- Tree branches (5%)
- Mulch (3%)
- Dirt/soil (2%)
- Leaves (1%)
Insight: People use trailers for dump runs after yard work rather than paying for bulk trash pickup.
5. Motorcycles (8%)
Sport bikes, cruisers, and touring bikes:
- Harley-Davidson (3%)
- Sport bikes (Honda CBR, Yamaha R6, etc.) (2%)
- Cruisers (2%)
Insight: Many motorcycle owners don't have a truck, so they rent trailers for service appointments or sales.
6. Golf Carts (6%)
Mostly electric golf carts:
- Club Car (2%)
- EZ-GO (2%)
- Yamaha (1%)
Insight: Popular in retirement communities and lake properties around Houston.
7. Construction Materials (5%)
- Drywall (2%)
- Lumber (1.5%)
- Flooring (1%)
Insight: DIY home renovators rent trailers to haul materials from Lowe's/Home Depot.
8. Boxes & Moving Supplies (4%)
General moving-related queries:
- "How many boxes fit?" (2%)
- "Will my whole apartment fit?" (1%)
- "Small move" (1%)
Insight: People downsizing or moving out of dorms/apartments often don't need a full moving truck.
9. Riding Mowers (3%)
- Zero-turn mowers (2%)
- Lawn tractors (1%)
Insight: Lawn service companies and homeowners transporting mowers for service or sale.
10. Grills & Outdoor Equipment (2%)
- Large BBQ grills (1%)
- Patio furniture (0.5%)
- Fire pits (0.5%)
The Surprises: Unusual Haul Requests
Some queries made us laugh (and search Google for specs):
- Hot tubs: 6 queries (unfortunately, most don't fit — too heavy)
- Pianos: 4 queries (weight is the issue, not dimensions)
- Kayaks: 3 queries (yes, multiple kayaks fit easily)
- Chicken coops: 2 queries (depends on size, but often yes)
- Small boats: 2 queries (depends on beam width)
- Arcade machines: 1 query (yes, but heavy — use caution)
Seasonal Trends
Spring (March-May)
Peak queries: Yard waste, mulch, lawn mowers
Insight: Spring cleaning and landscaping season.
Summer (June-August)
Peak queries: ATVs, motorcycles, moving boxes
Insight: Peak moving season (leases end, college students move).
Fall (September-November)
Peak queries: Furniture, appliances, construction materials
Insight: Home renovation season before holidays.
Winter (December-February)
Peak queries: Furniture, appliances
Insight: Post-holiday purchases and year-end moves.
What This Means for You
If You're Moving Furniture
You're in the majority. A 5x8 trailer handles most household furniture — couches, beds, tables, dressers — no problem.
If You're Hauling an ATV or Motorcycle
Measure the length. Most ATVs under 7 feet and motorcycles under 8 feet fit. Use our AI tool to check your specific model.
If You're Doing Yard Work
A 5x8 open trailer is perfect for dump runs. Just watch the weight limit (3,500 lbs) — don't overload with wet dirt or gravel.
The Bottom Line
People rent trailers for way more than just moving. Whether it's hauling a couch, an ATV, or a pile of branches, 5x8 trailers are the Swiss Army knife of weekend projects.
Not sure if your item fits? Use our AI "Will it fit?" tool — it's analyzed thousands of items and knows the specs better than we do.
Ready to haul? Find a Moovalot trailer near you — available 24/7, no reservation needed.