Sheridan Trailer Rentals Guide
Moving in Houston: Trailer vs Truck Rental Cost Guide
Updated April 2026 · 8 min read
Moving in the Houston metro? Truck rental from U-Haul or Penske usually feels like the default option — but for small to mid-size moves, a trailer rental can save you $100-$300 once you factor in mileage charges, fuel surcharges, and one-way fees. Here's the math.
What you're actually comparing
Truck rental: 10-26 ft box truck. Drive it yourself. You don't need a tow vehicle. Comes with a ramp.
Trailer rental: 5-7 ft x 10-12 ft utility trailer. You tow it with your own pickup, SUV, or crossover (most have hitches or can install one for $200). Cheaper per day. Includes a dolly.
Real cost comparison: small Houston-area move
Scenario: 1-bedroom apartment from Memorial to The Woodlands (25 miles). Move takes 1 full day.
| Cost | U-Haul 10ft truck | Penske 12ft truck | Sheridan trailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily rate | $19.95 | $29.99 | $50 |
| Mileage (50 mi roundtrip) | $0.99 x 50 = $49.50 | $0.79 x 50 = $39.50 | $0 (your gas only) |
| Damage waiver / insurance | ~$15 | ~$20 | $0 (refundable deposit only) |
| Fuel surcharge / refill | ~$20 | ~$25 | None |
| Dolly rental | +$10 | +$10 | Included |
| TOTAL | ~$114 | ~$124 | ~$50 |
Prices are approximate; chains run promotions and base rates fluctuate. Sheridan rate is flat $50/day plus $50 refundable deposit and your own gas to tow.
When a trailer DOES make sense
- You own a pickup, SUV, or crossover with a hitch (or are willing to install one for $200 — pays back instantly on a single move).
- Your move is local (within the Houston metro). One-way trailers across cities get expensive.
- You're moving a 1-2 bedroom load. Bigger than that, the trailer makes you do more trips.
- You don't want to drive a 10-26 ft box truck through Houston traffic. Towing a small trailer is much less stressful than threading a box truck through River Oaks.
When a TRUCK is better
- You don't have a tow vehicle and don't want to install a hitch.
- You're moving a 3+ bedroom house in one trip — the trailer requires multiple trips.
- You're doing a one-way move out of Houston (we don't do one-way; you'd pay return-to-Tomball labor).
Hidden costs to watch for with truck rentals
- Mileage caps and overage — most truck rentals charge $0.79-$0.99/mile after a certain limit. Doesn't apply to trailers.
- Fuel charges — return at the same fuel level or pay $9-12/gallon for the company to refill. Easy way to lose $30-50.
- One-way fees — wildly variable. A 30-mile one-way move can be $50, or it can be $300. Quote first.
- Environmental fees, taxes, after-hours drop-off fees — read the fine print.
How to use our trailer for a Houston move
- Book online — pick the landscape/utility trailer ($50/day, includes dolly).
- Pick up in Tomball with your tow vehicle (we'll confirm hitch compatibility over the phone if needed).
- Load and move. The trailer is open-deck, so cover sensitive items with a tarp (we don't provide one).
- Return when done. No fuel surcharge, no mileage cap.
For a typical apartment move, you'll save $50-80 vs the cheapest U-Haul option, $70-100 vs Penske. For a small house, savings increase since multiple trips don't cost extra (just gas).
Ready to book?
Reserve our utility/landscape trailer online — same-day pickup, 24/7 booking, no hidden fees.
Need a trailer in Tomball, Houston, or surrounding areas?
Same-day pickup, 24/7 online booking, no hidden fees. Family-owned in Tomball, TX.