Trailer Rental in Troy, IL: Trailer vs. Moving Truck

If you're planning a move in or around the Metro East, you've probably considered a moving truck. But depending on your situation, a trailer can make just as much sense — and sometimes more. This guide breaks down when renting a trailer from our lot in Troy works better than a truck, and when it doesn't.

What You're Actually Choosing Between

A moving truck is a self-contained vehicle — you drive it, load it, and unload it without needing a separate tow vehicle. A trailer is pulled behind your own truck or SUV, which means you need a vehicle capable of towing it. That's the fundamental difference, and it's the first question to answer: do you have a tow vehicle, or do you need one?

At KD Trailer Rentals in Troy, IL, we rent trailers — not moving trucks. So if you don't have a vehicle that can tow, a truck rental is your answer. But if you do have a truck or SUV with a hitch, a trailer might be the better move.

When a Trailer Makes Sense for Your Move

If you already own a truck or SUV with a tow package, a trailer is almost always the more affordable option. You're not paying for a truck rental, you're not paying for gas on a box truck, and you're not paying mileage fees. You hook up the trailer, load it, and drive your own vehicle — which you already know how to operate.

For local moves in the Troy, Edwardsville, or Belleville area, an enclosed trailer protects your belongings from weather and road debris. The 22ft enclosed has 7,500 lb capacity — enough for a full household. The 5x10 enclosed handles smaller moves, a few rooms, or an apartment.

If you don't need weather protection and your furniture can handle the open air, a utility trailer is even less expensive. The 20ft utility has 7,500 lb capacity and an open deck that's easy to load from any side.

When a Moving Truck Makes More Sense

A moving truck is the right call when you don't have a vehicle that can tow. It's also the better choice if you're moving a long distance and don't want to put the wear on your own truck, or if you're moving everything in one trip and want the simplicity of a single vehicle.

A truck also makes sense if you're not comfortable backing up with a trailer attached. Towing takes practice, and if you've never pulled a trailer before, a moving truck is more straightforward.

The Cost Difference

For a local move, a 22ft enclosed trailer from KD is $180/day during the week or $200/day on the weekend. A 20ft utility is $80/day during the week. Compare that to a moving truck rental, which typically runs $19.95/day plus $0.79 to $0.99 per mile — and for a 50-mile move, that's $60 or more just in mileage.

The catch is that you need a vehicle capable of towing. The 22ft enclosed and 20ft utility both require a 2 5/16 inch ball hitch and a 7 pin plug. The 5x10 enclosed and 14ft utility need a 2 inch ball. If your vehicle has a factory tow package, you're likely already set. If not, you may need to add a hitch — which is an investment, but one that pays off if you'll use it more than once.

If you're weighing a trailer against a U-Haul or similar rental, our U-Haul alternative page breaks down the real differences.

What You Can Move on a Trailer

An enclosed trailer handles everything a moving truck does: furniture, appliances, mattresses, boxes, and electronics. The 22ft enclosed has room for a three-bedroom house. The 5x10 enclosed fits a one-bedroom apartment.

A utility trailer works for anything that doesn't need weather protection — outdoor furniture, lawn equipment, building materials, and items you don't mind exposing to the elements for a short drive.

An Enclosed Trailer as a Moving Truck Rental Alternative

If you're searching for a moving truck rental in the Troy or Edwardsville area, an enclosed trailer is worth comparing before you commit. The 22ft enclosed trailer holds roughly the same volume as a small box truck, and the 5x10 enclosed handles apartment-sized moves. The difference is that you tow it with your own vehicle — so there's no separate truck to return, no per-mile charge, and no fuel surcharge on a box truck.

The trade-off is the tow requirement. You need a vehicle with the right hitch, plug, and brake controller. If you already have a truck or SUV set up for towing, an enclosed trailer rental will almost always cost less than a comparable moving truck rental for a local move. If you don't have a tow vehicle, a moving truck is the simpler path.

How to Decide

Ask yourself three things: Do I have a vehicle that can tow? How far am I moving? And do I need weather protection?

If you have a tow vehicle, you're moving locally, and your belongings need to stay dry, an enclosed trailer is your best bet. If you have a tow vehicle and don't need weather protection, a utility trailer is even cheaper. If you don't have a way to tow, a moving truck is your answer.

If you're not sure whether your vehicle can handle a trailer, our towing requirements guide covers everything you need to check before you book.

If you're moving in the Metro East and want to talk through your options, call me at 618-414-9857 or reach out online. I'll help you figure out whether a trailer fits your move.