 | Cargo Trailer Rental: $15-$75 Per Day |
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 | Single-Axle Cargo Trailer: $1,000-$4,000 |
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 | Tandem-Axle Cargo Trailer: $3,000-$20,000+ |
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| A cargo trailer is basically a rectangular box with a roof and four sides, mounted on one or two axles The enclosed area may only be 4'-5' high, but most are 5.5' or taller. Single-axle trailers are less expensive, have a tight turning radius and are easy to maneuver by hand, but are less stable when towed and hard to control if a tire goes flat. Dual (tandem) axle trailers typically cost more but can pull heavier weights. Enclosed cargo trailers may have a side door, rear door and/or access ramps. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Renting a cargo trailer typically costs $15 -$75 or more a day, depending on size, location and length of rental. For example, U-Haul estimates $15 a day for a 4'x8'x4' cargo trailer and $30 a day for a 6'x12'x5'5" model, while A-1 Van Rentals in Phoenix charges about $42 a day (including tax) for a walk-in 6'x10' enclosed trailer with side and rear doors plus a rear ramp; and TP Trailers in Pennsylvania charges $75 a day for a tandem-axle 8.5'x24' walk-in car trailer with a side door and rear ramp.
- Expect to pay $1,000 -$4,000 for a single-axle enclosed cargo trailer from 4'x6' to 7'x14', depending on size and construction materials, options like dome lights, electrical outlets or additional doors or ramps. Trailers in this price range will be bumper-pull (using a rear-mounted ball hitch on the tow vehicle). For example, the Trailer Showroom's 5'x8' Enclosed Trailer is a single-axle, bumper-pull trailer with 5' of interior height, retailing for $1,485 but costing $4,000 or more with a side door, heavy-duty ramp and/or a lighting/electrical package.
- Tandem-axle enclosed cargo trailers sell new for $3,000 -$15,000 or more, depending on size (height as well as length and width), materials and other options. For example, the all-aluminum 6'x12'x6' tandem-axle Featherlite 1610 Utility Trailer lists for $7,913.
- Many large enclosed cargo trailers are designed to haul vehicles. Enclosed car trailers cost $6,000 -$20,000 or more.
- Prices for used cargo trailers vary significantly depending on age, type, size, condition and location. New trailers typically depreciate 15%-20% when they leave the dealership and roughly 10% each additional year, according to traileroutlet.com.
What should be included: | - Most new trailer packages include brakes, legally required lighting, an electric breakaway kit, safety chains and D-rings for tying things down. Many also include slide-in ramps for loading equipment.
- HitchInfo.com explains how to calculate total towing capacity.
- In most states, trailers with a gross vehicle weight rating of 1,500 or more must have brakes on all wheels. These can be surge brakes (illegal in some states), which are activated after the tow vehicle's brakes have slowed the trailer, or electric brakes that are connected to the tow vehicle's brakes. The American Boating Association charts towing laws by state.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lists safety tips for driving with a trailer.
Additional costs: | - Extended side view mirrors may be required, costing $4 -$50 for models that clamp onto the existing side mirrors, or $150 -$450 for permanently installed mirrors.
- Installing a standard ball trailer hitch on a tow vehicle can cost $200 -$500 or more; a gooseneck hitch can cost $400 -$800 or more. A spare tire typically costs $20 -$200 or more, and a bolt-on spare tire carrier adds $15 -$100 or more. Other extras might include detachable ramps ($100 -$700) or a locking toolbox ($100 -$400) that attaches to the trailer.
- An electronic trailer brake controller typically costs $40 -$200 from auto parts stores, trailer dealers or online retailers like Amazon. Installation and wiring on an older (non-prewired) vehicle) can add $100 -$200 or more.
- A breakaway system to stop a towed trailer or vehicle if it gets loose typically costs $10 -$40 and includes a battery, switch and wiring. They're available from trailer or boat dealers or online retailers like Amazon.
- Towing a loaded trailer will reduce the tow vehicle's fuel efficiency by at least a couple miles per gallon, and could cut it by half or more.
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Shopping for a cargo trailer: | - TrailerShopper.com provides tips for choosing the right trailer.
- For used cargo trailers, research prices on eBay and craigslist, and online sites that specialize in trailers.
- Many trailer rental companies are small local firms. U-Haul is the only national moving truck company that also rents trailers, but trailers are available from construction rental companies like Hertz Equipment Rental and United Rentals.
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Article updated January 2011 |
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