Car Dolly Rental Cost: U-Haul vs Budget Prices 2026

Trying to figure out how much to rent a car dolly can feel like searching for a hidden number on a complicated bill. You know it’s the most budget-friendly way to move your car, but you need clear, straightforward pricing to plan your move effectively. This guide eliminates the guesswork, breaking down the exact costs and hidden fees you need to know.

Based on an analysis of major rental providers, the average car dolly rental cost is between $40 and $100 per day. Your final price will depend on the rental company, how long you need it, your location, and any additional insurance or fees you select.

Leveraging extensive analysis of available data from top rental companies and consumer reports, this guide unpacks the critical pricing factors and provides a clear comparison of your options. We will explore the price differences between major players like U-Haul and Budget, detail every factor that influences your total bill, and help you decide if a car dolly is the right choice over an auto transport for your specific vehicle.

Key Facts

• Typical Daily Cost: The standard car dolly rental cost generally falls within a range of $40 to $100 per day, providing a baseline for budgeting.
• Company Pricing Varies: Major providers have different pricing structures; for example, U-Haul car dolly rentals are reported to start from $98, demonstrating the importance of comparing quotes.
• Vehicle Compatibility is Crucial: A car dolly rental is specifically recommended for front-wheel-drive vehicles, as it safely lifts the drive wheels off the pavement during transport.
• Rent vs. Buy Decision: For a one-time move, it is significantly more cost-effective to rent a dolly, as this eliminates high upfront costs and the need for long-term storage.
• Standalone Rentals Are Possible: You can rent just a dolly from U-Haul, but other companies like Budget Truck Rental may require you to also rent one of their trucks (at least 16 feet long) to secure the equipment.

What Is the Average Car Dolly Rental Cost in 2026?

Generally, renting a car dolly costs between $40 and $100 per day, with the final price depending on the rental company, duration, and location. This price point makes it one of the most economical ways to transport a vehicle yourself, especially when compared to full-service towing or more robust equipment like a car carrier.

Before we dive deeper, what exactly is a car dolly? A car dolly, or tow dolly, is a two-wheeled trailer designed to tow a vehicle by lifting its front two wheels off the ground. The back two wheels of the towed vehicle remain on the road. This method is simple, effective, and, most importantly, budget-friendly. Based on analysis of major rental providers, the final cost you pay is influenced by a few key variables.

• The Company: Prices differ between national chains like U-Haul and local rental shops.
• The Duration: A weekly rental often has a lower per-day cost than a single-day rental.
• Your Location: Major metropolitan areas can have higher rates than rural locations due to demand and operating costs.
• The Dolly Type: Heavy-duty dollies for larger vehicles might cost slightly more.

But what factors can push your cost to the lower or higher end of that range? Let’s break it down.

Car Dolly Rental Prices: U-Haul vs. Budget vs. Penske

Comparing the major rental companies is the single most effective step to secure the best car dolly rental cost. While prices fluctuate based on location and availability, understanding each provider’s general price point and policies gives you a powerful advantage. U-Haul, Budget, and Penske are the dominant players in this space, each with unique considerations.

Here is a side-by-side comparison based on available data to help you make an informed decision:

Pro Tip: It is always recommended to obtain quotes from multiple rental providers to compare prices and ensure all potential fees are understood before committing to a rental. A few minutes spent getting online quotes can save you a significant amount of money.

This data highlights a critical point: the advertised “daily rate” is just the beginning. Companies like U-Haul are known for their vast network, making it easy to find a tow dolly rental almost anywhere. However, their pricing can vary. In contrast, Budget integrates the dolly into a larger moving package, which might be ideal if you’re already renting one of their trucks but isn’t an option for a standalone rental. Penske offers competitive options and is often praised for the quality of its fleet. Your best strategy is to check the websites for all three to find the true cost for your specific dates and locations.

Key Factors That Influence Your Total Rental Cost

Your final bill for a car dolly rental is more than just the daily rate. Several other factors contribute to the total amount you’ll pay. Being aware of these variables allows you to budget accurately and avoid any unwelcome surprises at the rental counter.

Here are the four main factors that shape your total cost:

1. Rental Duration
   • Daily vs. Weekly: Renting for a single day is convenient but often carries the highest per-day rate. If your move spans several days, look into weekly rates. A weekly rental can significantly drop the average daily cost, offering much better value.
   • Monthly Rates: For long-term projects or extended moves, some locations may offer monthly rates that provide even greater savings.
2. Location and Demand
   • Metropolitan vs. Rural: As noted in data from the Council for Community and Economic Research on living costs, operating expenses are higher in major cities. This often translates to a higher car dolly rental cost in urban centers compared to more rural areas.
   • One-Way vs. Round-Trip: One-way rentals can sometimes be more expensive due to the logistics of returning the equipment to a different location.
3. Dolly Type and Capacity
   • Standard vs. Heavy-Duty: Most standard dollies can handle typical sedans and small SUVs. However, if you are towing a larger vehicle, you may need a heavy-duty dolly, which could come with a slightly higher rental fee to account for its more robust construction.
4. Additional Fees, Taxes, and Insurance
   • Insurance/Damage Waiver: Rental companies offer coverage options, often called a Damage Waiver. While optional, sources like Consumer Reports emphasize understanding what your personal auto insurance covers first. This fee can add a noticeable amount per day but provides peace of mind.
   • Taxes and Fees: Standard sales tax will be applied. As outlined by sources like IRS.gov, tax rates vary by state and locality. You might also see small environmental or administrative fees on your final bill.
   • Mileage Fees: While less common for equipment-only rentals like a car dolly, it’s always wise to confirm if there are any mileage caps or per-mile charges, especially for long-distance, one-way moves.

Quick Fact: Did you know a weekly rental can drop the per-day cost significantly? A hypothetical weekly rate of $250 breaks down to just over $35 per day!

Hypothetical Cost Breakdown: A Real-World Example

To make these factors more concrete, let’s look at a hypothetical example of a one-day car dolly rental. This simple, itemized breakdown illustrates how the base rate is just one piece of the puzzle.

Here’s what a typical one-day bill might look like, based on common pricing data:

• Base Daily Rate: $50
• Optional Damage Waiver: $10
• Taxes and Fees: $5
• —
• Total Estimated Cost: $65

This example clearly shows that additional charges can increase your base rate by 30%. By anticipating these costs for insurance and taxes, you can create a more realistic budget for your move and know exactly how much to rent a car dolly.

Tow Dolly vs. Auto Transport: Which Do You Need?

Choosing the right equipment is just as important as finding the best price. The most common alternative to a tow dolly is an auto transport, also known as a car carrier. While they both achieve the same goal—towing your car—they work differently and are suited for different types of vehicles. Making the wrong choice can be costly and potentially damage your car.

A tow dolly is a low-cost option best for front-wheel-drive vehicles. An auto transport (or car carrier) costs more but keeps all four wheels off the ground, making it suitable for any vehicle type.

Think of a tow dolly like a piggyback ride for your car’s front wheels, while an auto transport is like putting the whole car on a separate bus.

Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide:

The most critical factor here is your vehicle’s drivetrain. As stated in rental guides, “Tow dolly rental is recommended for front-wheel drive vehicles since it lifts the front wheels… off the pavement.” Towing a rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicle with its drive wheels on the ground can cause severe transmission damage. If you are unsure what kind of drivetrain your car has, check your owner’s manual or look it up online before renting. For any vehicle that is not exclusively front-wheel drive, you must use an auto transport.

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FAQs About Renting a Car Dolly

Even with all the information, you might still have a few specific questions. Here are direct answers to the most common queries people have when looking into how much to rent a car dolly.

What’s the cheapest way to tow a car?

For a compatible vehicle (front-wheel drive), renting a car tow dolly is typically the cheapest way to tow a car yourself. Its daily rental rate is almost always lower than that of a full auto transport or the cost of hiring a professional flatbed towing service. For example, data shows a tow dolly from U-Haul can start from $98, while an auto transport from the same company costs around $118 or more.

Is it cheaper to rent or buy a dolly?

For a one-time move, renting a dolly is significantly cheaper and more practical than buying one. As one featured answer on the topic states, “If you need it for a one-time use, it is best to rent it.” Buying a dolly involves a high upfront cost and requires you to handle storage and maintenance after your move is complete. Renting offers several key advantages:

• Low Upfront Cost: Pay only for the time you need it.
• No Storage: Return it when you’re done, with no need to find space for a bulky piece of equipment.
• No Maintenance: The rental company is responsible for all upkeep and repairs.

Can you rent just a car dolly from U-Haul or Budget?

Yes, but the policies differ by company. U-Haul allows you to rent a tow dolly as a standalone item at any of their locations, making it a flexible option. However, Budget has a stricter policy: you can rent a car tow dolly only if you are also renting one of their trucks that is at least 16 feet long. Always confirm the policy with your chosen rental location before making plans.

Final Summary: Finding the Best Car Dolly Rental Price

Determining how much to rent a car dolly comes down to smart planning and thorough comparison. By understanding the average price range of $40 to $100 per day and knowing the key factors that influence your final bill—company, duration, location, and fees—you are fully equipped to find a deal that fits your budget. Remember that the tow dolly is a fantastic, low-cost solution, but only for front-wheel-drive vehicles.

To ensure you get the absolute best price and the right equipment for your move, follow this final checklist:

• ✅ Compare Quotes: Get online quotes from U-Haul, Penske, and Budget to see who offers the best rate for your specific dates and route.
• ✅ Verify Vehicle Compatibility: Confirm your car is front-wheel drive before committing to a dolly. If it’s not, you must use an auto transport.
• ✅ Ask About All Fees: Inquire about the cost of a damage waiver, taxes, and any other potential fees to understand the total cost upfront.
• ✅ Choose the Right Duration: If your move is longer than a day or two, ask about weekly rates to lower your average daily cost.

Now you have the essential information to find a car dolly rental that fits your budget and your needs. Start by getting a quick quote from the top providers

Last update on 2026-02-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API