U-Haul Tow Dolly: Rates, Rules, and Setup Guide

Renting a U-Haul tow dolly is one of the cheapest ways to move a second vehicle long distances. But before you book one, you need to know the real costs, rental rules, and how to set it up safely.

This guide walks you through everything. We'll cover pricing, weight limits, step-by-step setup, and the rules you must follow. By the end, you'll know exactly what to expect.

What Is a U-Haul Tow Dolly and How Does It Work?

A tow dolly is a two-wheeled trailer that lifts the front wheels of a car off the ground. Your tow vehicle (the car doing the pulling) stays on all four wheels. Only the towed vehicle's front wheels sit on the dolly.

This setup costs way less than a full enclosed trailer. It's perfect for short to medium distances. U-Haul offers tow dollies at thousands of locations across the United States.

Think of it as a middle ground between hiring a professional towing company and renting a full truck. You save money, but you still need a proper tow vehicle and a valid hitch.

How Much Does a U-Haul Tow Dolly Cost?

U-Haul tow dolly pricing has two parts: the daily rental fee and mileage charges.

Daily Rental Rates

Daily rental fees range from $15 to $25 depending on your location and season. Peak moving season (May through September) tends to be more expensive. Off-season rentals (October through April) are cheaper.

One-way rentals cost slightly more than same-location returns. If you rent in New York and drop off in California, expect to pay extra.

Mileage Fees

U-Haul charges $0.99 to $1.50 per mile for tow dolly rentals. This adds up fast on long trips. A 500-mile move costs $495 to $750 in mileage alone.

Some promotions offer unlimited mileage for a flat fee. Check U-Haul's website or call your local branch to see current deals.

Total Cost Example

Let's say you rent for 3 days and drive 600 miles:

• Daily rental: $20 × 3 days = $60
• Mileage: $1.25 × 600 miles = $750
• Total: About $810

Compare this to hiring a professional towing service. Check How Much Does Towing Cost in 2025? Complete Pricing Guide to see what professional long-distance towing runs. You'll see why DIY tow dolly rentals appeal to budget-conscious movers.

What Are U-Haul Tow Dolly Weight Limits?

Weight limits matter. Exceed them and you risk accidents, damage, and legal trouble.

U-Haul tow dollies have a maximum towed vehicle weight of 5,000 pounds. Most compact cars, sedans, and small crossovers fall under this limit.

Your tow vehicle also needs adequate towing capacity. Check your vehicle's manual for its towing rating. Your tow vehicle must weigh at least 1.5 times the weight of the towed car.

What Vehicles Can You Tow?

Good candidates for U-Haul tow dollies include:

• Honda Civic, Accord, CR-V
• Toyota Corolla, Camry, RAV4
• Ford Focus, Fusion
• Hyundai Elantra, Santa Fe
• Mazda3, CX-5

Avoid towing heavy SUVs, trucks, or vehicles over 5,000 pounds. U-Haul won't rent to you if your vehicle exceeds weight limits.

What Equipment Do You Need to Rent?

Before you can rent a U-Haul tow dolly, you need the right gear on your tow vehicle.

Hitch Requirements

Your tow vehicle must have a Class II or Class III hitch receiver. This is the square metal tube mounted under your car's rear bumper.

Class II hitches handle up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity. Class III handles up to 8,000 pounds. Most cars have Class II hitches.

If your vehicle doesn't have a hitch, you'll need to install one before renting. Professional installation costs $200 to $400.

Safety Chains and Straps

U-Haul provides safety chains with each dolly rental. These backup cables prevent the dolly from separating if the hitch fails.

You'll also need wheel straps to secure the towed vehicle's front wheels to the dolly. U-Haul includes these, but check they're in good condition before leaving.

Lighting and Mirrors

The tow dolly comes with built-in lights that plug into your tow vehicle's electrical connector. Make sure your vehicle has a working 4-pin or 7-pin trailer connector.

Install a wide-angle side mirror on your tow vehicle if you don't have one. You'll need to see around the dolly and towed car.

Step-by-Step Setup Instructions for a U-Haul Tow Dolly

Setting up a tow dolly correctly takes about 15-20 minutes. Follow these steps exactly.

Step 1: Position Both Vehicles

Park your tow vehicle and the towed car in a straight line on level ground. Leave about 10 feet between them. You'll need room to maneuver the dolly.

Step 2: Lower the Dolly Ramp

Locate the dolly's ramp handle (usually near the front). Crank the handle counterclockwise to lower the ramp until it touches the ground. The ramp should be level with the towed vehicle's front bumper.

Step 3: Back the Towed Car Onto the Dolly

Slowly back the towed car's front wheels onto the dolly ramp. Align the wheels with the center. Stop when the front bumper is about 12 inches from the dolly's front edge.

Warning: Never drive too fast or too far. You could damage the dolly or your car.

Step 4: Raise the Ramp

Once the car is positioned, crank the ramp handle clockwise to raise it. The towed vehicle's front wheels should lift completely off the ground. The ramp should support the car's full front weight.

Step 5: Secure the Wheels

Connect the wheel straps across each front wheel. These straps prevent the car from rolling or shifting during transport. Tighten them firmly, but don't over-tighten or you'll damage the wheels.

Step 6: Connect the Hitch Pin

Align the dolly's hitch ball with your tow vehicle's receiver. Insert the hitch pin through the holes and secure with the clip. The dolly should be firmly attached with no wiggle room.

Step 7: Attach Safety Chains

Cross the safety chains under the hitch receiver (never above). Attach them to your tow vehicle's frame. Leave about 12 inches of slack so the dolly can turn.

Step 8: Connect Lights and Check Brakes

Plug the dolly's light connector into your tow vehicle's trailer socket. Test the brake lights and turn signals from inside your car. All lights must work before you drive.

Step 9: Disable the Towed Car's Parking Brake

Turn on the towed vehicle and release the parking brake. You may need to leave the key in the ignition or put it in neutral (check your manual). Never engage the parking brake while towing or you'll damage the brakes.

Step 10: Do a Final Safety Check

Walk around both vehicles. Check that:

• Wheels are secure and tightly strapped
• Safety chains are attached and have proper slack
• Lights work correctly
• The hitch pin is locked in place
• Nothing is dragging or touching the ground

Only drive once you've confirmed everything is safe.

Important Rules and Restrictions for U-Haul Tow Dollies

U-Haul has strict rules about how and where you can use their tow dollies. Breaking these rules can cost you money and cause accidents.

Speed and Driving Limits

Never exceed 55 miles per hour while towing a U-Haul dolly. Many states have lower limits for trailers. Check your state's towing laws to be sure.

Slow down on curves, in rain, or on hills. Tow dollies are less stable than regular vehicles. Sudden movements or high speeds can cause the dolly to sway or jackknife.

Prohibited Routes

You cannot tow a U-Haul dolly on:

• Interstate highways in some states (check locally)
• Roads with width or height restrictions
• Gravel or unpaved roads
• Steep mountain passes (grade over 12%)

U-Haul's rental agreement lists specific restricted routes. Ask at your rental location or check online.

Tire and Brake Requirements

Both your tow vehicle and the towed car must have good tires with proper tread. Worn tires increase accident risk. Brakes on both vehicles must work correctly.

The towed car's brakes don't do anything while you're towing (they're not connected). But you need them for safety when you reach your destination.

Insurance and Liability

Your personal auto insurance may not cover towing a rented dolly. Call your insurance company before renting and ask about coverage. Many policies exclude trailer towing.

U-Haul offers damage waiver insurance for about $15-$20 per rental. This covers damage to the dolly (but not your car). Read the fine print carefully.

For more details on what insurance covers, see Towing Insurance Coverage Guide: What's Covered and What's Not.

Fuel and Maintenance

Your tow vehicle will use more fuel while towing. Budget for extra gas costs. Towing increases fuel consumption by 20-40% depending on the vehicle and terrain.

Check your tow vehicle's oil, coolant, and transmission fluid before a long trip. Towing puts stress on your engine and drivetrain.

How to Rent a U-Haul Tow Dolly

Renting is straightforward, but you need to know where to go and what to bring.

Where to Rent

U-Haul operates rental locations at:

• Dedicated U-Haul stores (orange and blue buildings)
• Independent dealers (look for the U-Haul sign)
• Home Depot stores in many areas
• Lowe's locations (select stores)

Use the U-Haul website or app to find your nearest location. Check availability before you go. Tow dollies rent out fast during peak season.

What to Bring

You'll need:

• Valid driver's license (photo ID)
• Credit card for the deposit and charges
• Proof of vehicle registration
• Proof of insurance (if required)

Some locations ask for a damage deposit ($50-$200). This covers potential damage to the dolly.

Age Requirements

You must be at least 18 years old to rent a U-Haul tow dolly. Drivers under 25 may pay an extra fee. Bring a valid government-issued ID.

Reservation Tips

Book online in advance for better rates. Same-day rentals cost more. Reserve early in the morning to guarantee availability.

Ask about one-way rental discounts. If you're moving across the country, returning the dolly at your destination might be cheaper than a round trip.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Towing

Even experienced movers make towing mistakes. Here's what to watch out for.

Overloading the Dolly

Never exceed the 5,000-pound weight limit. This includes any cargo in the towed vehicle. Remove extra weight before towing.

Overloading stresses the dolly frame, your hitch, and your tow vehicle's transmission. It also voids U-Haul's liability coverage.

Forgetting to Check Lights

Non-working lights are a safety hazard and illegal. Other drivers won't see your turn signals or brake lights. Test everything before you leave the rental lot.

Driving Too Fast

Speed is your biggest enemy when towing. Even 10 miles per hour over the limit increases your risk of losing control. Slow down on curves, hills, and wet roads.

Not Securing the Towed Vehicle

Loose wheel straps can cause the car to shift or fall off the dolly. Check straps before every driving session. Tighten them if they've loosened.

Ignoring Warning Signs

If you feel the dolly swaying, hear unusual noises, or notice vibrations, pull over immediately. Check all connections. Never ignore warning signs while towing.

U-Haul Tow Dolly vs. Other Towing Options

Should you rent a U-Haul tow dolly, hire a professional towing company, or choose something else? Let's compare.

U-Haul Tow Dolly

Pros: Affordable, flexible schedule, you control the pace.

Cons: Requires a tow vehicle with hitch, manual setup, higher risk for inexperienced drivers.

Best for: Budget-conscious movers with proper tow vehicles.

Professional Towing Companies

Pros: Safe, fully insured, professional drivers handle everything.

Cons: Expensive (often $1,500-$3,000+ for long distances).

Best for: Luxury cars, long distances, peace of mind.

For a complete comparison, see Long-Distance Towing Guide: Cross-State Considerations.

Enclosed Trailer Rental

Pros: Maximum protection from weather and damage.

Cons: More expensive than tow dollies, heavier to maneuver.

Best for: Valuable or vintage vehicles.

Auto Transport Services

Pros: Door-to-door delivery, fully insured.

Cons: Most expensive option, less control over timing.

Best for: Multi-vehicle moves, premium vehicles.

State Laws and Regulations for Towing

Towing rules vary by state. What's legal in one state might be prohibited in another.

Speed Limits for Towing

Most states allow towing at regular highway speeds (65-70 mph), but some impose lower limits for trailers. A few states cap trailer speeds at 55 mph.

Check your state's DMV website before you tow. Towing Laws by State: Your Rights & Protection Guide 2026 has detailed rules for each state.

Hitch and Safety Equipment

All states require safety chains, working lights, and proper hitch connections. Some states mandate brake systems on trailers over a certain weight.

Your tow vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) affects what you can legally tow. Exceeding GVWR is illegal in most states.

Registration and Permits

U-Haul handles most registration requirements. The dolly is registered to U-Haul, not you. But some states require special permits for towing. Ask U-Haul staff if permits are needed for your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions About U-Haul Tow Dollies

Here are answers to questions renters ask most often.

Can I tow an automatic transmission car on a tow dolly?

Yes, you can tow automatic transmission cars. The front wheels are lifted off the ground, so the transmission isn't engaged. Just make sure to put the car in neutral and release the parking brake.

What if my vehicle doesn't have a tow hitch?

You'll need to install one before renting. Most auto shops can install a Class II hitch in 1-2 hours for $200-$400. Some U-Haul locations can recommend installers.

Is U-Haul damage insurance worth buying?

It depends on your existing coverage. If your auto insurance covers trailer damage, skip U-Haul's waiver. If not, the $15-$20 per rental is cheap protection.

Can I tow a car with all-wheel drive?

Yes, but check your vehicle's manual. Some AWD cars have restrictions on towing with the front wheels lifted. When in doubt, ask the dealer or U-Haul staff.

How far can I drive with a tow dolly in one day?

Safely? About 400-500 miles. That's 8-10 hours of driving with rest breaks. Towing is tiring. Don't push yourself to dangerous limits just to save on daily rental fees.

What happens if the dolly breaks down?

U-Haul provides roadside assistance. Call the number on your rental agreement. They'll send a technician or arrange a replacement dolly.

Can I rent a tow dolly for out-of-state travel?

Yes. U-Haul operates nationwide. One-way rentals to another state cost more but are available. Book in advance for better rates.

Do I need a commercial driver's license to tow?

No. A standard driver's license is fine for tow dollies. Commercial licenses are only required for very heavy trailers or commercial use.

What if I hit something with the dolly?

Report it to U-Haul immediately. You may be charged for damage if you didn't purchase the damage waiver. The waiver typically covers accidental damage but not negligence.

Can I return the dolly early for a refund?

U-Haul usually doesn't refund unused days. Your daily rental fee is due regardless. Some promotions offer discounts for early returns, so ask when you rent.

Final Tips for Safe Towing

You've got the setup down. Now let's talk about driving safely with a tow dolly.

Practice in an empty parking lot before hitting the highway. Get a feel for how the dolly handles, how long it takes to stop, and how wide you need to turn.

Leave extra following distance between you and the car ahead. Towing increases stopping distance by 50%. At highway speeds, you need at least 5-6 seconds of space.

Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or sharp turns. Smooth, gradual movements keep the dolly stable. Jerky inputs can cause swaying or jackknifing.

Drive during daylight if possible. Towing at night is harder. You lose depth perception and it's easier to misjudge distances.

Take breaks every 2 hours. Towing is mentally taxing. Fatigue reduces your reaction time and judgment.

If you're uncomfortable towing, hire a professional. Find towing services near you on USA Tow Finder. It's worth the extra cost for safety and peace of mind.

For additional guidance on vehicle preparation, check out How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Towing: Complete Safety Guide.

Disclaimer: Prices from providers like U-Haul are current as of 2026. We're not affiliated with these companies. Rates and policies change frequently. Always confirm current pricing and rules directly with U-Haul before renting.