What trailer do I need?
Answer 4 quick questions. Our AI tells you the exact trailer type and size, whether your vehicle can safely tow it, and shows real trailers for rent near you.
What are you hauling?
Be specific. e.g. "a riding mower and yard debris", "a 2005 Mustang", "3 tons of gravel", "a motorcycle".
Renting a trailer is easy once you know which type you need. Picking the wrong one is where most people get stuck. Too small and your load will not fit or ride safely. Too big and you are paying for capacity you do not need, or worse, hauling something your vehicle cannot handle.
This finder does the thinking for you. Tell us what you are hauling, what you are towing it with, and where you are, and our AI matches you to the right trailer type and size, gives you an honest read on whether your vehicle can tow it, and shows you real trailers available for rent from local owners near you.
The main trailer types, and what each is for
Here is a plain-English rundown of the most common trailers people rent. If you are still not sure after reading, run the finder above and it will pick for you.
Utility trailer
Best for: Moving, landscaping, mowers, furniture, general hauling
The all-rounder. An open deck with low sides, usually 4x6 up to 6x12 feet. Great for a couple of appliances, a riding mower, mulch bags, or a small apartment move. Light enough that most SUVs and half-ton trucks tow it comfortably.
See utility trailers for rent near youDump trailer
Best for: Dirt, gravel, mulch, demolition debris, junk removal
A heavy-duty box that hydraulically tilts to dump its load. If you are hauling loose material by the ton, this saves your back and your day. Look at the cubic-yard rating and remember that gravel and wet soil get heavy fast, so tow capacity matters here.
See dump trailers for rent near youCar hauler
Best for: Cars, trucks, and other vehicles
An open flatbed with ramps built to load a vehicle. Usually 18 to 20 feet with a 7,000 lb or higher capacity. Make sure the deck length and weight rating clear your specific vehicle, and that your truck is rated to tow the loaded weight.
See car haulers for rent near youEnclosed / cargo trailer
Best for: Moving, valuables, dry cargo, weather-sensitive loads
A box on wheels with a door, locking and weatherproof. The right call for a real move, tools, band gear, or anything you do not want exposed to rain or eyes. Heavier empty than an open trailer, so factor that into your tow math.
See enclosed / cargo trailers for rent near youFlatbed trailer
Best for: Equipment, building materials, lumber, oversized loads
An open deck with no sides, so you can load from any angle and carry things wider than the trailer. Ideal for lumber, steel, pallets, or an odd-shaped load. Strap-down points and deck length are what you care about.
See flatbed trailers for rent near youEquipment trailer
Best for: Tractors, skid steers, mini excavators, heavy machines
Built like a flatbed but heavier duty, with fold-down ramps rated for rolling on machinery. If you are moving a skid steer or a compact tractor, this is the one. Check the ramp and axle ratings against your machine weight.
See equipment trailers for rent near youMotorcycle trailer
Best for: Motorcycles and small powersports
Small, light, and set up with a wheel chock and tie-down points to carry a bike safely. Many crossovers and cars can tow one. Great for a track day, a bike you just bought, or a breakdown recovery.
See motorcycle trailers for rent near youTow dolly
Best for: Flat-towing a front-wheel-drive vehicle
Lifts the front wheels of a car so you can tow it behind an RV or truck without a full car hauler. Lighter and cheaper than a trailer, but only works for front-wheel-drive vehicles. Confirm your car qualifies before you book.
See tow dollys for rent near youCan your truck or SUV tow it?
The right trailer type is only half the answer. The other half is whether your vehicle can safely tow it loaded. The finder above gives you an honest read on your specific vehicle, but here is how to check it yourself.
- 1Find your vehicle tow rating
Check your owner manual or the door-jamb sticker for the maximum tow rating. Do not trust a generic number online, since trim, engine, and tow package all change it.
- 2Add up the loaded weight
Add the empty trailer weight to the weight of what you are hauling. An empty utility trailer might be 800 lb, a dump trailer 2,500 lb or more, before you add a single pound of cargo.
- 3Stay under 80 percent
For a comfortable, safe tow, keep the loaded weight at or below about 80 percent of your rating. Running right at the max makes braking and handling worse, especially on hills.
- 4Check tongue weight and brakes
Tongue weight should be roughly 10 to 15 percent of the trailer weight. Heavier trailers need working trailer brakes and a properly rated hitch and ball.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know what size trailer I need?
Match the trailer to your heaviest and largest single item, then add a little margin. Our free trailer finder above does this for you, factoring in what you are hauling and how far you are taking it.
Can my truck or SUV tow the trailer?
It depends on your vehicle tow rating and the loaded weight of the trailer. Enter your tow vehicle in the finder and we give you an honest read on whether it can handle the recommended trailer safely.
Is the trailer finder free?
Yes. The finder is completely free, and renting a trailer on BigLoads never costs a membership fee for renters. You just pay the owner for the rental.
What if there are no trailers near me yet?
Leave your email and we will notify you the moment a matching trailer is listed in your area. BigLoads is a local marketplace that grows as owners in each area list their trailers.
Do I need a special license to rent a trailer?
For most standard trailers behind a regular vehicle, no special license is required, but towing laws vary by state. Check your state towing rules for weight, braking, and speed limits before you haul.
Ready to find your trailer?
Run the free finder, or browse trailers for rent from local owners near you.