How Much Is a Car Dolly from U-Haul? (2026 Price Guide)
A U-Haul car dolly (officially called a tow dolly) costs approximately $44.95 per day for local in-town rentals and starts around $98 for one-way moves — with the final price varying significantly by distance, location, and demand. On top of the base rate, expect to pay $8–$15/day for SafeMove® damage protection plus applicable taxes. The weight limit is 4,080 lbs and the dolly works best with front-wheel drive vehicles.
Quick Answer
A U-Haul car dolly costs about $44.95/day for local rentals and starts around $98 for one-way trips. SafeMove® protection adds $8–$15/day. The dolly’s weight limit is 4,080 lbs and it’s designed primarily for front-wheel drive vehicles. For AWD/4WD or rear-wheel drive cars, the U-Haul auto transport (which lifts all four wheels) is the safer option.
U-Haul Car Dolly Pricing Breakdown (2026)
| Rental Type | Base Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Local / In-Town | ~$44.95/day | Returned to same location; no mileage limit |
| One-Way (short distance) | ~$98–$130 | Price based on origin + destination zip |
| One-Way (long distance) | $150–$300+ | Cross-country moves; check uhaul.com for exact quote |
| SafeMove® protection | $8–$15/day | Covers accidental damage to the dolly |
| Taxes & fees | Varies by state | Typically 8–12% added at checkout |
The only way to get an exact price is to enter your specific pickup location and destination on uhaul.com — prices fluctuate based on equipment availability, time of year, and local demand. One-way rentals from high-supply to low-supply markets can be significantly cheaper than the reverse.
What Is a U-Haul Car Dolly (Tow Dolly)?
A car dolly is a two-wheeled trailer that lifts the front wheels of the towed vehicle off the ground while the rear wheels roll on the road. This is different from an auto transport, which is a four-wheeled trailer that carries the entire vehicle off the ground. The car dolly is smaller, cheaper to rent, and easier to maneuver — but it has important compatibility restrictions.
Tow Dolly vs Auto Transport: Which Do You Need?
| Feature | Tow Dolly | Auto Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$44.95/day local | ~$59.95/day local |
| Vehicle position | Front wheels lifted, rear on road | All 4 wheels off the ground |
| Weight limit | 4,080 lbs | 5,290 lbs |
| Best for | Front-wheel drive cars | RWD, AWD, 4WD, heavier vehicles |
| RWD/AWD compatibility | ⚠️ Driveshaft must be disconnected | ✅ No modifications needed |
| Rear-facing vehicles | ❌ Not possible | ✅ Can load either direction |
| Ease of maneuver | Easier (2 wheels) | Slightly harder (4 wheels) |
If you’re towing a rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle on a tow dolly, the driveshaft must be disconnected or the rear wheels must be immobilized — otherwise the transmission and driveline will be damaged. For those vehicles, the U-Haul auto transport is the correct choice.
Vehicle Compatibility: Can My Car Use a Tow Dolly?
U-Haul’s tow dolly has specific vehicle compatibility requirements. Before renting, verify your car meets all of these:
- Maximum towed vehicle weight: 4,080 lbs
- Tow vehicle must weigh at least 750 lbs more than the vehicle being towed
- Front-wheel drive: ✅ Compatible — load front wheels first
- Rear-wheel drive: ⚠️ Compatible only if driveshaft is disconnected
- All-wheel drive / 4WD: ⚠️ Some models compatible with driveshaft work — verify on uhaul.com by entering your VIN
- Front overhang: Vehicle must not hang over the dolly’s loading ramps
- Manual transmission: Must be in neutral; parking brake off during tow
U-Haul’s website has a vehicle compatibility checker — enter your towing vehicle and your towed vehicle’s year, make, and model to get an instant compatibility result before booking.
What’s Included in the Rental
Every U-Haul tow dolly rental includes: the dolly itself with built-in loading ramps, safety chains, two safety straps for the front tires, a wiring harness for trailer lights (requires a 4-pin flat connector on your tow vehicle), and a U-Haul representative walk-through at pickup. The SafeMove® Tow Dolly Protection is optional but recommended — it covers accidental damage to the rental dolly up to its full value.
How to Save Money on a U-Haul Tow Dolly
- Book midweek: Tuesday–Thursday rentals are typically $5–$10 cheaper than Friday–Sunday
- Book in advance: Last-minute equipment availability is limited and prices rise
- One-way market arbitrage: Routes from high-inventory to low-inventory markets (e.g., Florida to Texas) are sometimes subsidized and priced significantly lower
- Skip the optional coverage if you have coverage: Check whether your auto insurance or credit card covers rental towing equipment before purchasing SafeMove®
- Return on time: Late returns are charged a full extra day rate
How to Rent a U-Haul Tow Dolly: Step by Step
- Go to uhaul.com and click “Towing & Trailers” → “Tow Dolly”
- Enter your pickup location and return location (same for local, different for one-way)
- Select your pickup date and time
- Enter your towing vehicle and towed vehicle information for compatibility check
- Choose whether to add SafeMove® Tow Dolly Protection
- Complete payment with a valid credit or debit card (debit cards require a $100–$150 deposit hold)
- Pick up the dolly at your selected U-Haul location — a rep will show you how to attach it and load your vehicle
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a U-Haul car dolly cost per day?
A U-Haul tow dolly costs approximately $44.95 per day for local rentals. One-way rentals start around $98 and go up based on distance. SafeMove® protection adds $8–$15/day. Prices vary by location and season — always get an exact quote at uhaul.com.
What is the weight limit for a U-Haul tow dolly?
The U-Haul tow dolly has a maximum load capacity of 4,080 lbs. This is the weight of the vehicle being towed (not including the dolly itself). If your vehicle weighs more than 4,080 lbs, you’ll need the U-Haul auto transport instead, which has a 5,290 lb capacity.
Can I tow a rear-wheel drive car on a U-Haul tow dolly?
Yes, but with an important caveat: the driveshaft must be disconnected before towing a rear-wheel drive car on a dolly. If the driveshaft remains connected and the rear wheels spin during towing, it will damage your transmission. Many people choose the U-Haul auto transport for RWD vehicles to avoid this complication.
Does U-Haul tow dolly rental include insurance?
The base rental does not include insurance coverage. U-Haul offers optional SafeMove® Tow Dolly Protection for $8–$15/day, which covers accidental damage to the dolly. Your personal auto insurance or credit card travel benefits may also provide coverage — check before purchasing the add-on.
What’s the difference between a U-Haul tow dolly and auto transport?
A tow dolly lifts only the front two wheels of your car — the rear wheels roll on the road. An auto transport is a full flatbed trailer that carries the entire vehicle off the ground. The auto transport is more expensive (~$59.95/day local) but safer for rear-wheel drive, AWD, and 4WD vehicles and has a higher weight limit (5,290 lbs vs 4,080 lbs).
