U-Haul Open Air Trailers: Lower Cost, Less Protection

A U-Haul open air trailer is a flatbed or stake-sided trailer with no roof or walls — your belongings sit exposed to weather and road debris during transport. U-Haul rents these trailers at a lower daily rate than enclosed trailers because they offer no weather protection and hold less weight per cubic foot. You pay by the day, mileage, or a combination depending on the rental length and distance.

Open air trailers work well for moving items that won't be damaged by rain or sun — lumber, metal, landscaping equipment, or a single piece of furniture. They don't work for electronics, documents, clothing, books, or anything that absorbs water or fades. If you're moving a full household, an open air trailer will require you to cover items with tarps, which adds time and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul open air trailers cost roughly 30 to 50 percent less per day than enclosed trailers, but offer no weather or theft protection.
  • You rent by the day or by mileage, and the final bill includes the trailer rental, mileage charges (if applicable), and a damage waiver if you choose one.
  • Open air trailers are best for weather-resistant items like metal, wood, or outdoor equipment, not for household goods or anything that can be damaged by rain.
  • U-Haul charges extra for tarps and tie-down straps, so budget for those if you need to cover your load.
  • Reservation cancellations within 24 hours of pickup may incur a fee, so confirm your rental date as soon as you know it.

How U-Haul Prices Open Air Trailers

U-Haul charges for open air trailers using one of two models: a daily rate with unlimited mileage, or a lower daily rate plus a per-mile charge. Which one costs less depends on your distance. For a local move under 50 miles, the unlimited-mileage rate usually wins. For a long-distance move, the per-mile model often costs more, so compare both quotes before you book.

The daily rate varies by trailer size and your location. A small open utility trailer (4 by 8 feet) might rent for $15 to $25 per day in a rural area and $25 to $40 in a major city. Larger trailers (6 by 12 feet or bigger) run $30 to $60 per day depending on where you rent. U-Haul's website shows the exact price for your pickup location and dates before you reserve.

The final bill also includes a damage waiver (optional but recommended), which costs roughly $10 to $15 per day and covers accidental damage to the trailer. Without it, you're liable for any dents, scratches, or mechanical damage. Tarps, rope, and tie-down straps are sold separately — budget an extra $20 to $50 if you need to find a load.

What Fits in Each Open Air Trailer Size

U-Haul offers open air trailers in three main sizes. The 4 by 8 utility trailer holds roughly the contents of a small bedroom — a bed frame, dresser, and a few boxes. It's rated for about 1,200 pounds. The 5 by 8 holds slightly more and is rated for roughly 1,500 pounds. The 6 by 12 is the largest common size and can hold the contents of a one-bedroom apartment — multiple pieces of furniture, appliances, and dozens of boxes — with a weight capacity around 2,500 to 3,000 pounds.

Weight matters more than you might think. A single refrigerator weighs 200 to 300 pounds. A washer or dryer weighs 150 to 200 pounds. A full bedroom set (bed, dresser, nightstands, mattress) weighs 400 to 600 pounds. If you're moving heavy appliances or furniture, weigh your items before you reserve, or ask U-Haul staff to estimate the capacity you need.

Open air trailers have no walls, so tall items can shift during transport if not tied down properly. Anything taller than the trailer sides needs to be secured with rope or straps to prevent it from falling during turns or braking. U-Haul staff can show you how to tie down a load, but the responsibility is yours.

Renting an Open Air Trailer: The Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Get a quote on U-Haul's website. Enter your pickup location, return location, and rental dates. The site will show available open air trailers, their daily rates, and total estimated cost. You can filter by trailer size and see which model fits your budget.

Step 2: Reserve online or by phone. You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card. U-Haul will ask for your name, phone number, and email. You can reserve up to 24 hours before pickup without a deposit, though some locations may require a credit card hold. If you cancel within 24 hours of your reservation, you may be charged a cancellation fee — check the terms when you book.

Step 3: Arrive at the rental location 15 minutes early. Bring your driver's license and the credit card you used to reserve. U-Haul staff will walk you through the trailer's condition, point out any existing damage, and show you how to hitch it to your vehicle (if you're towing). They'll also explain the tie-down points and how to find your load.

Step 4: Load your items and find them. Use rope, straps, or tarps to keep items from shifting. U-Haul sells these at the rental desk. If you're covering the load with a tarp, make sure it's tight enough that wind won't lift it during highway driving.

Step 5: Return the trailer by your due date and time. Late returns are charged at the daily rate. When you return, U-Haul staff will inspect the trailer for damage. If there are new dents or scratches beyond normal wear, the damage waiver covers them (if you purchased one). Without the waiver, you'll be charged for repairs.

What You Need to Know About Towing an Open Air Trailer

Your vehicle must have a hitch receiver to tow a U-Haul trailer. Most pickup trucks, SUVs, and some sedans have one, but not all. If you're unsure, check your vehicle's manual or have a mechanic look at the rear bumper. A Class II hitch (the most common) can tow trailers up to 3,500 pounds. Larger trailers need a Class III hitch, which can handle 5,000 to 6,000 pounds.

U-Haul rents hitch receivers and ball couplers if your vehicle doesn't have one, but this adds to your rental cost — typically $15 to $25 per day for the hitch and $5 to $10 for the coupler. If you need a hitch, factor that into your total cost before you book.

Towing a trailer changes how your vehicle handles. Acceleration is slower, braking distance is longer, and turning requires wider angles. If you've never towed before, practice in an empty parking lot before you hit the road. Keep your speed under 55 miles per hour on highways, and check your mirrors constantly — trailers have significant blind spots.

Open Air vs. Enclosed Trailers: When Each Makes Sense

An enclosed trailer costs 50 to 100 percent more per day than an open air trailer but protects your belongings from weather, theft, and road debris. If you're moving furniture, boxes of household goods, or anything that can be damaged by rain or sun, an enclosed trailer is worth the extra cost. If you're moving metal equipment, lumber, or outdoor gear that won't be harmed by weather, an open air trailer saves money.

Another option is a U-Haul truck with a cargo bed — a pickup truck or box truck. These are cheaper than enclosed trailers for short distances and don't require a separate hitch. A 10-foot box truck might rent for $20 to $30 per day plus mileage, compared to $30 to $60 for an enclosed trailer. The trade-off is that you're driving a larger vehicle, which uses more fuel and is harder to park in tight spaces.

If you're moving only a few items and don't need a full trailer, U-Haul also rents cargo trailers (small enclosed boxes that attach to a hitch) for $10 to $20 per day. These hold roughly 400 to 600 pounds and work well for a few pieces of furniture or a dozen boxes.

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

The most common problem is underestimating weight. If your load exceeds the trailer's weight rating, the trailer will sit too low, the hitch will strain, and your vehicle's brakes may not work properly. Weigh your items before you load, or ask U-Haul staff to estimate. If you're close to the limit, rent a larger trailer — the extra $10 to $15 per day is cheaper than a breakdown or accident.

The second common issue is inadequate tie-downs. Items shift during turns, braking, and highway driving. If a piece of furniture or equipment falls off the trailer, you're liable for damage to other vehicles and property. Use at least two tie-down points per item, and check them every 50 miles if you're on a long drive. Tarps can also come loose — make sure yours is pulled tight and secured at all corners.

A third issue is damage charges after return. U-Haul inspects trailers carefully, and even small dents or scratches can result in repair bills of $100 to $500 if you didn't purchase the damage waiver. The waiver costs roughly $10 to $15 per day and is almost always worth it for an open air trailer, which is exposed to road debris and weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a U-Haul open air trailer for a one-way move?

Yes. U-Haul allows one-way rentals, but the cost is higher than a round-trip rental because the company has to move the trailer back to its original location. The price depends on the distance and direction. Check the one-way rate on U-Haul's website before you book — sometimes it's cheaper to rent locally and return the same day.

What happens if it rains while I'm towing the trailer?

Your items will get wet if they're not covered. U-Haul sells tarps at the rental desk, but you have to install them yourself. If you're moving weather-sensitive items, buy a tarp before you pick up the trailer, or rent an enclosed trailer instead. Some items (metal, wood, outdoor equipment) are fine in the rain; others (electronics, clothing, documents) will be damaged.

Do I need insurance to rent a U-Haul trailer?

U-Haul does not require you to carry insurance, but your personal auto insurance may not cover damage to a rented trailer or items inside it. Call your insurance company before you rent and ask whether your policy covers rented trailers and cargo. If it doesn't, the U-Haul damage waiver ($10 to $15 per day) is a low-cost way to protect yourself.

Can I cancel my reservation if my plans change?

Yes, but there may be a fee. Cancellations made more than 24 hours before your reservation are usually free. Cancellations within 24 hours of pickup may incur a charge — U-Haul's policy varies by location. Check the cancellation terms when you book, and call the rental location directly if you need to cancel close to your pickup date.

What if my vehicle doesn't have a hitch?

U-Haul rents hitch receivers and couplers for roughly $15 to $25 per day. The hitch must be installed on your vehicle before you pick up the trailer — U-Haul can install it at some locations, or you can have a mechanic do it beforehand. Installation typically takes 30 minutes to an hour. Budget for this cost if your vehicle doesn't have a hitch already.