Utility trailers are super handy for all sorts of hauling needs. Whether you're moving furniture, appliances, landscaping tools, or bulk materials, a utility trailer has got you covered. The open-air, flat bed design makes it easy to transport a wide variety of items, even tall or oddly shaped ones.
But if you’re new to the world of trailers and towing, you might be wondering what size trailer is best for you. Picking the right size utility trailer is indeed crucial for safely and efficiently transporting your stuff. To help you out, we've created this guide that goes over utility trailer sizes, their common uses, capacities, and other important details to help you find the perfect utility trailer rental.
Step 1: Determine Your Needs
Before diving into the specifics of trailer sizes, start by assessing what you need out of a trailer. Consider the purpose of the trailer — are you using it for occasional tasks or daily transportation? That may influence whether you need to buy vs rent a trailer.
You should also evaluate the size and approximate weight of the items you'll be hauling, as this directly correlates with the payload capacity, or the trailer’s maximum weight, as well as the dimensions. It’s best to err on the side of heavier than lighter when making your approximations. These estimates will lay the foundation for selecting the right size.
Step 2: Research Common Utility Trailer Sizes
Utility trailers come in various sizes, ranging from small to large. Each size has its own dimensions and weight capacities, catering to different needs. Small trailers are suitable for light-duty tasks, while larger ones accommodate heavier loads. Understanding the use cases and capacities of each size will help you narrow down your options.
Here are the utility trailer sizes offered at U-Haul:
4’ x 7’ — Need a compact trailer for local moves, home improvement projects, or small deliveries? Look no further than the 4’ x 7’ utility trailer from U-Haul! These trailers are lightweight and easy to tow with any vehicle, making them a great choice for anyone who doesn't have a large truck or SUV, but still needs to haul large items.
- Max load: 1,770 lbs.
- Gross vehicle weight: 2,400 lbs.
- Empty weight: 630 lbs.
5’ x 8’ — Looking for a more versatile trailer? The 5' x 8' is a great choice for small deliveries, hauling furniture, or tackling moving, landscaping, and home improvement projects. These U-Haul utility trailers have the same payload capacity as the 4' x 7', only with larger dimensions, making them suitable for a wider variety of uses.
- Max load: 1,890 lbs.
- Gross vehicle weight: 2,890 lbs. Empty weight: 1,000 lbs.
5’ x 9’ — Need a bit more space and hauling power? The 5' x 9' utility trailer is a fantastic choice. Plus, when you rent one from U-Haul, you'll get to use our EZ-loading ramp for easier loading of items that are on wheels. This trailer is perfect for hauling everything from landscaping materials and appliances, to motorcycles and golf carts.
- Max load: 1,650 lbs.
- Maximum Gross Weight (trailer plus load): 2,890 lbs.
- Empty weight: 1,240 lbs.
- Ramp Capacity: 1,810 lbs.
6’ x 12’ With Ramp — If you're looking to transport a big load or tow something oversized, the 6' x 12' utility trailer with a ramp is your best bet. This U-Haul trailer offers plenty of room for hauling large appliances, bulk materials for home improvement projects, or bulky furniture when you're headed to the dump or moving to a new place.
- Max load: 3,710 lbs.
- Gross vehicle weight: 6,000 lbs.
- Empty weight: 2,290 lbs.
- 74 sq. Ft.
6’ x 12’ Without Ramp — If you're looking to haul a big delivery or tow an oversized load, this 6’ x 12’ utility trailer is another good option. Like the previously listed 6’ x 12’ utility trailer, this trailer offers plenty of space for transporting large appliances, bulk materials for home improvement projects, or bulky furniture when you're headed to the dump or moving to a new place, only it does not have a ramp and has a slightly smaller payload capacity.
- Max load: 2,670 lbs.
- Gross vehicle weight: 4,400 lbs. max.
- Empty weight: 1,730 lbs.
- 74 sq. ft.
Step 3: Confirm Your Vehicle’s Compatibility
Your tow vehicle and hitch system also play a major role in determining the right trailer size. These figures are necessary to ensure your vehicle and towing set up are compatible with your chosen utility trailer size, as well as the weight of your load. Ignoring this crucial aspect could lead to safety hazards and vehicle damage!
The rating of your hitch system is determined by examining the weight rating of your hitch, hitch ball, and ball mount. The lowest rating among those parts is your hitch system rating. Learn more about determining your hitch system rating here. You can find your vehicle's maximum towing capacity in the owner's manual or by doing an online search.
Once you know how much your vehicle can tow, subtract the empty weight of the trailer to figure out how much weight the trailer can safely hold.
Reserve a Utility Trailer Today
Now that you know how to choose the perfect utility trailer for the job ahead, it’s time to make a reservation! If you still need a trailer hitch, find the perfect hitch for your tow vehicle and schedule an installation.
More Articles About Trailers and Towing:
- How to Choose the Right Size U-Haul Trailer Rental
- Learn How to Load and Haul a Trailer Safely
- Towing My Vehicle: Tow Dolly or Auto Transport?
