What size trailer do I need to haul dirt or gravel?

For most residential dirt and gravel hauls, the 5x10 dump trailer handles up to 6,000 lbs — roughly two yards of material. For larger loads, the 7x14 dump trailer handles up to 12,000 lbs with a 3/4 ton or larger vehicle. Both use a hydraulic lift so you never have to manually unload.

What trailer do I need to move furniture?

For a full household move, the 22ft enclosed trailer holds up to 7,500 lbs and protects your furniture from weather and road debris. For smaller moves, the 5x10 enclosed works for a few rooms. Utility trailers also work for furniture, but everything is exposed to the elements.

Do I need a brake controller to rent a trailer?

A brake controller is required for all dump trailers, the 22ft enclosed trailer, and all car hauler and equipment trailers. It is not required for the 14ft utility trailer or the 5x10 enclosed trailer.

What hitch size do I need to rent a trailer?

The 14ft utility trailer and the 5x10 enclosed trailer require a standard 2 inch ball hitch. All other trailers — including dump trailers, the 20ft utility, the 22ft enclosed, and all car haulers and equipment trailers — require a 2 5/16 inch ball hitch.

What size trailer do I need to haul a skid steer?

The 22ft equipment trailer handles up to 13,000 lbs for 3/4 ton and up vehicles and comes with chains and binders for securing the load. A 3/4 ton truck or larger is required to reach full capacity. A half-ton can tow it but is limited to 7,000 lbs.

What Size Trailer Do I Need? A Troy, IL Rental Guide

Kyle Debourge

Towing & Hauling Expert

June 3, 2026

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The most common mistake renters make is either renting a trailer that's too small and having to make two trips, or renting one their vehicle can't actually tow. This guide gives you a straight answer based on what you're actually hauling so you can stop guessing and just book the right trailer.

Start Here — What Are You Hauling?

The right trailer depends on two things: what you're hauling and what your tow vehicle can handle. Before you pick a trailer, think through the physical size of your load (will it fit on the deck?), the weight of your load (will it exceed the trailer's capacity?), and whether your vehicle is rated to pull it. This guide is organized by job type so you can skip straight to your situation. If you need to know whether your vehicle can handle it, tow vehicle requirements are covered in a separate guide.

Jump to your project:

Hauling Dirt, Gravel, Mulch, or Debris

When hauling heavy materials, the hydraulic lift on dump trailer rentals does the unloading for you so there is no shoveling it back out at the dump. For most residential projects up to 6,000 lbs, the 5x10 is the right size — it handles roughly two yards of gravel or a similar volume of dirt and mulch. For larger loads, the 7x14 dump trailer handles up to 12,000 lbs for 3/4 ton and up vehicles. A yard of gravel weighs approximately 2,700 to 3,000 lbs, so factor that in when choosing your size. If you are hauling dirt or concrete specifically, you can dump it at no charge at the KD Trailer Rentals lot in Troy, IL. All other debris is your responsibility to dispose of.

Cleaning Out a Garage, Basement, or Property

If you are clearing out heavy mixed debris like furniture, appliances, or junk from a property in St. Clair County or Madison County and want to dump it easily, a dump trailer wins because the hydraulic lift empties the load for you. If the load is lighter or more varied and you just need to haul it somewhere, a utility trailer works fine and is cheaper. For a typical garage or basement cleanout, the 5x10 dump trailer or 14ft utility trailer usually has enough room. For a full property cleanout, step up to the 7x14 dump or the 20ft utility.

Moving Furniture Across Town or to a New Home

Enclosed trailer rentals protect your furniture from weather and road debris and can be locked securely. The 5x10 works perfectly for smaller moves or a few rooms, while the 22ft handles a full household. To figure out which size you need, think about how many rooms of furniture you are moving — the 5x10 holds up to 2,500 lbs which is enough for a small apartment or a few rooms, while the 22ft holds up to 7,500 lbs and has the square footage for a full house. Utility trailers work for furniture too, but everything is exposed to the elements. For a full household move, the 22ft enclosed is the closest thing to a moving truck without the mileage fees of a moving truck.

Hauling an ATV, Motorcycle, or Side-by-Side

Utility trailer options handle most recreational vehicles easily. The 14ft works great for single ATVs and motorcycles. The 20ft gives you more room for side-by-sides or multiple machines. For heavier recreational vehicles approaching or over 2,500 lbs, you should step up to the 20ft utility trailer.

Transporting a Car, Truck, or SUV

This is where our car hauler tilt trailers come in. The tilt deck bed tilts to ground level, you drive the vehicle on, the weight shifts forward, and the deck levels out automatically with no ramps and no risk of bottoming out. The 22ft tilt handles most standard cars and SUVs up to 7,500 lbs. The 24ft tilt is the right call for larger trucks, lifted vehicles, or anything heavier up to 11,000 lbs. When choosing, weigh your vehicle and check its length — if it is a full-size truck or SUV, the 24ft gives you the deck space and capacity you need. Keep in mind that all car haulers require a brake controller and a 2 5/16 inch ball hitch.

Hauling a Skid Steer, Mini Excavator, or Heavy Equipment

The 22ft equipment trailer is built specifically for this job. It has a 13,000 lb capacity for 3/4 ton and up vehicles, and comes with 8 straps plus 4 chains and binders. Note that a 3/4 ton truck or larger is required to reach full capacity, though a half ton can tow it limited to 7,000 lbs. For the heaviest equipment up to 17,000 lbs, our 24ft equipment trailer is the largest and most capable trailer on the lot.

Not Sure If Your Vehicle Can Tow It?

Tow vehicle requirements like hitch sizes, brake controllers, and tow ratings are covered in detail in our towing requirements guide. Check that out to make sure your truck or SUV is ready for the job.

If you still aren't sure which trailer fits your job, Kyle is available to help in the Metro East area — call 618-414-9857 or submit a request online.