How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car Hauler?

Moving a car, truck, or SUV from one location to another requires more than just a long drive. If the vehicle cannot be driven, or you want to protect it from road wear on a cross-country move, a car hauler trailer is the practical tool for the job. The question most people ask first is simple: what is this going to cost?

Car hauler rental prices vary based on trailer size, rental source, location, and how long you need it. This guide breaks down the real numbers so you can plan your budget and find a rental that works.

Average Car Hauler Rental Costs

Most renters pay between $75 and $200 per day for a car hauler trailer. Here is how the numbers break down by trailer type:

• Single-car open hauler: $60 to $100 per day
• Two-car open-deck hauler: $80 to $140 per day
• Enclosed car hauler (single car): $100 to $175 per day
• Multi-car or gooseneck hauler: $130 to $225 per day

Weekly rentals usually offer a discount of 15 to 25 percent compared to the daily rate multiplied out. If you are moving a vehicle across multiple states, check whether the weekly rate makes more sense than two or three day rates stacked together.

Peer-to-peer rental platforms like BigLoads connect you directly with private trailer owners. Since those owners are not paying storefront overhead, rates are often 10 to 20 percent below national chain pricing, especially for longer rental windows.

What Drives Car Hauler Rental Prices

Several factors push the daily rate up or down.

• Trailer size and capacity: A single-car open deck costs less to own and maintain than a full enclosed two-car rig. Larger trailers rent for more.
• Open versus enclosed: Enclosed car haulers protect the vehicle from weather and road debris, which matters for classics, exotics, or freshly detailed vehicles. Expect to pay $40 to $60 more per day for the protection.
• Location: Metro markets and high-demand corridors (Los Angeles to Phoenix, Chicago to Texas, Florida to the Northeast) tend to have more available trailers and more competitive rates. Rural areas may have fewer options and slightly higher prices because owners have less competition.
• Rental duration: Longer rentals almost always negotiate down. If you need a hauler for five days, ask explicitly about weekly pricing.
• Mileage: National chains often charge per mile above a base allowance. Peer-to-peer rentals usually handle mileage differently, sometimes with no cap, sometimes with a negotiated flat fee. Read the terms before you book.
• Season: Demand peaks in spring and early summer as people relocate. Booking in fall or winter often yields better availability and lower rates.

What Tow Vehicle Do You Need for a Car Hauler

The trailer itself is only part of the equation. A car hauler loaded with a vehicle is heavy, and not every truck or SUV is up to the job.

A single-car open hauler carrying a midsize sedan will put 4,500 to 6,000 lbs of trailer weight on your hitch. A half-ton pickup rated at 8,500 lbs tow capacity can technically handle this, but you will be closer to the limit than most people realize once you add fuel, gear, and passengers.

For a two-car hauler loaded with two vehicles, plan on 9,000 to 14,000 lbs of total trailer weight. A three-quarter ton or one-ton pickup with a weight-distribution hitch is the appropriate tool. Trying to pull this with a half-ton or full-size SUV not rated for gooseneck or heavy-duty work is how accidents happen.

Key checks before you hook up:

1. Confirm your truck's rated tow capacity in the owner's manual, not from memory or a sticker estimate.
2. Add up the trailer's GVWR plus the vehicle you are loading, not just the empty trailer weight.
3. Verify your hitch class and ball size match the trailer coupler (1 7/8", 2", or 2 5/16").
4. Check that your trailer wiring harness is working before you leave the driveway.

National Chain Rental vs. Peer-to-Peer Marketplace

You have two main rental channels to consider.

National rental chains like U-Haul and Penske offer car transport trailers (mostly car dollies and single-car auto transports) through a network of dealer locations. Availability is predictable and the checkout process is standardized. The tradeoff is that selection is limited to their fleet models, mileage costs add up quickly, and peak season availability can be thin in some markets.

Peer-to-peer trailer rental platforms like BigLoads list trailers owned by private individuals and small fleet operators. The selection is broader, including open-deck two-car haulers, enclosed single-car rigs, and gooseneck car haulers you rarely find at a chain location. Rates are often more competitive because private owners set their own prices without corporate overhead. You can also communicate directly with the owner to negotiate duration, mileage, and pickup details.

For a standard one-day local car move, either channel works. For longer hauls, unusual trailer types, or situations where you want flexibility on terms, a peer-to-peer marketplace gives you more options.

To browse available car hauler trailers near you, search for a car hauler trailer to rent on BigLoads. You can filter by trailer type, location, and date availability.

Extra Costs to Budget For

The daily rate is not the final number. Budget for these additional items:

• Security deposit: Most rental providers require a deposit of $100 to $500, held on a credit card and refunded after return.
• Insurance: Some rentals include basic liability. If you need coverage for the vehicle being transported, that is usually a separate add-on or your personal auto insurance policy. Check your policy before you rent.
• Fuel: Towing a loaded car hauler drops your fuel economy significantly. A half-ton truck averaging 18 mpg empty may drop to 8 to 11 mpg while towing. Budget the extra fuel cost into your total trip expense.
• Tie-down straps and equipment: Confirm whether straps, ratchets, and wheel chocks are included. If not, a basic strap kit runs $30 to $60 at a hardware store.
• Tolls and overnight fees: Multi-state hauls through toll corridors add costs that vary by route. Some rental agreements also charge an overnight delivery fee if the trailer is not returned to the origin location.

Tips to Get a Better Rate on a Car Hauler Rental

• Book early, especially during spring and early summer moving season.
• Ask about weekly pricing even if you only need a few days.
• Compare peer-to-peer listings against chain rates for the same dates.
• Be flexible on pickup location. Trailers 15 to 20 miles outside a major city often list at lower rates.
• Return the trailer clean and on time. Late fees and cleaning charges are common and avoidable.
• Ask the owner directly about mileage terms before booking, especially for one-way hauls.

Looking to list your own trailer and earn rental income? Visit our owner onboarding to get your car hauler listed on BigLoads.

If you are still deciding between a car dolly and a full car hauler, see our related guide on trailer types and what each one is best suited for.

Renting a car hauler is a straightforward process once you know what to expect on price. The range is real: $75 on the low end for a basic single-car open deck, up to $200 or more for an enclosed rig in a competitive market. Understand your tow vehicle's limits, confirm insurance and mileage terms upfront, and you will have what you need to move a vehicle safely and without surprises.