Rentals can be a lifesaver! And there are so many reasons why you should use rentals. Whether you, need to save wear on your car, drive someone more comfortable or just want to “show off”, you can always get a decent rental of your choice.
If you’re on a different quest, such as moving to a huge city or simply getting rid of some unwanted stuff, having a large car available that can assist with towing is beneficial. Of course, you don’t have to own a car when there are a number of rental car companies that allow towing.
While many car rental companies prohibit towing using any of their rental vehicles, several others allow it. So, if you ever need to tow something like a boat, car, motorcycle trailer, or cargo trailer, these rental companies are sure your best bet.
These companies rent pickup trucks, moving trucks, and cargo trailers, as well as car carriers and tow dollies that can be attached to your own car, SUV, or truck. Others will expect you to bring your own towing gear.
Rental Car Companies that allow towing
Below, we list the rental car companies that allow towing, along with details on available vehicles and trailers, as well as any additional restrictions. We’ve arranged the list in chronological order, starting with the best overall options in terms of vehicle availability, towing equipment for rent, and so on.
1. U-Haul
Founded in 1945, this brand has become so popular that sometimes people use the term “U-Haul” to refer to any moving truck. U-Haul is a moving and storage company with more than 20,000 locations in the United States and Canada.
U-Haul offers its customers some uncommon deal – you can tow one of its trailers behind your own car, or you can choose to connect your own trailer to one of its vehicles. Most cars can tow U-Haul trailers, but you should check some basic information first, such as your vehicle’s hitch system rating and whether or not your insurance coverage permits you to tow trailers.
| Type of vehicles that can tow | Eight-foot pickup trucks; 10′, 15′, 17′, 20′, 24′, and 26′ moving trucks |
| Types of trailers you can rent | Although availability varies by location, U-Haul offers a wide range of trailers. There are cargo (closed-top) and utility (open-top) trailers in various sizes to choose from. Tow dollies, car carriers, and motorcycle trailers are also available for rent. These items can be attached to your car, SUV, truck, or other vehicles. |
| Restrictions | None specified |
| Provides receiver hitch? | Yes |
| Allows one-way rentals? | Yes |
| Unlimited mileage? | No |
2. Budget Truck Rental
Budget Truck Rental which was founded in 1998 is a part of Avis Budget Car Rental. Although it doesn’t match U-Haul in terms of corporate size, it’s still a popular and dependable service. In fact, Budget Truck is arguably the second largest truck rental company in the United States, with over 2,800 locations and 32,000 trucks across the nation.
You can rent a car carrier or a tow dolly in addition to your rental truck, but not separately. The brand has contracts with Isuzu, Navistar International, GMC, and Ford to make their rental trucks.
| Type of vehicles that can tow | 16′ and 26′ moving trucks |
| Types of trailers you can rent | Car carrier, tow dolly |
| Restrictions | Car carriers and tow dollies must be rented with a Budget Truck reservation and cannot be rented separately. |
| Provides receiver hitch? | Yes |
| Allows one-way rentals? | Yes |
| Unlimited mileage? | Varies by rental; during the booking process, you’ll find out if your rental includes unlimited miles. |
3. Penske Truck Rental
Founded by Roger Penske, Penske Truck Leasing is a rental car company based in Pennsylvania. Since its inception in 1969, the brand has indeed marked its feet in the nation. When you rent a truck from Penske, you can also choose to add on a tow dolly or car carrier.
However, you may only utilize those towing accessories with a truck rented from this company, just like with Budget Truck Rental.
| Type of vehicles that can tow | 16′, 22′, and 26′ moving trucks |
| Types of trailers you can rent | Car carrier, tow dolly |
| Restrictions | Car carriers and tow dollies must be rented with a Penske truck reservation and cannot be rented separately. You cannot tow your own trailer. |
| Provides receiver hitch? | Yes |
| Allows one-way rentals? | Yes |
| Unlimited mileage? | Yes |
4. Enterprise Truck Rental
Enterprise Truck Rental is an American car rental company based in Clayton, Missouri, in Greater St. Louis. Enterprise is owned by Enterprise Holdings, a parent company that also owns Alamo Rent a Car and National Car Rental. The company has traditionally focused on “home city” rentals, where individuals hire a car while their own is being fixed, but it has recently expanded to airport-based rentals, especially since its parent company acquired Alamo and National in 2007.
Although Enterprise doesn’t offer trailers as some other companies do, they’ll allow you to hitch a towing accessory on some of their rental pickup trucks, including the Ford F250 and F350, Ram 2500 and 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500.
| Type of vehicles that can tow | 3/4 and one-ton pickup trucks |
| Types of trailers you can rent | None |
| Restrictions | You must provide your own towing equipment |
| Provides receiver hitch? | No; you must provide your own towing equipment. |
| Allows one-way rentals? | Yes |
| Unlimited mileage? | Yes |
5. Hertz
Hertz Corporation, a subsidiary of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc., is an American vehicle rental firm based in Estero, Florida, with around 12,000 corporate and franchised locations in the United States and abroad.
Formerly known as Rent-a-Car Inc., the Hertz Corporation was founded by Chicago, Illinois native Walter L. Jacobs in 1918.
Today, Hertz operates in 160 countries in North America, Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and New Zealand, and is one of the world’s largest car rental companies in terms of sales, locations, and fleet size.
| Type of vehicles that can tow | Varies |
| Types of trailers you can rent | None |
| Restrictions only available with ceratin vehicles | The vehicle must be equipped with a towbar, and Hertz must give you permission ahead of time. The item’s weight and size must not exceed the vehicle’s carrying capacity. |
| Provides receiver hitch? | No |
| Allows one-way rentals? | Yes |
| Unlimited mileage? | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Avis allow towing
- Can you tow with budget rental
- Can you rent a truck to pull a boat
Car Rental Companies That Don’t Allow Towing
While putting together this list of Rental Car Companies that allow towing, we discovered that the following car rental companies do not allow towing of any kind. They do not rent vehicles that have a bumper/receiver hitch.
You may be charged for damages if you tow something with an SUV or truck from one of these companies. The amount of the fine is determined by the level of the vehicle damage. Keep in mind that towing with one of these firms’ vehicles may void any insurance coverage you may have, whether it’s through your own insurer or through the rental company.
- Alamo
- Silvercar
- Dollar Rent A Car
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- Fox Rent A Car
- Sixt Rent a Car
- Thrifty Car Rental
- Turo
- U-Save Car & Truck Rental
- Avis
- Budget Rent A Car
- National Car Rental
- Payless Car Rental
- Rent-A-Wreck
Final Words
Choosing a rental car company that allows towing ultimately comes down to your priorities; the distance you need to travel, and the size of the vehicle and/or trailer you require
U-Haul would most likely be your best option if you want the widest selection of truck and towing options with the fewest restrictions. It is the only rental company that allows you to pull your own trailer with its cars or tow its trailers with your own vehicle.
Penske is another company that offers a range of moving cars and trailers, as well as unlimited mileage, but you cannot tow your own trailer with them.
