Can You Tow a Trailer with a Rental Car?
In the past, I planned a road trip with my family to visit national parks in the western United States. We rented an SUV for the journey and planned to tow a small camper trailer. When I arrived at the rental counter, I was surprised to learn that the rental agreement prohibited towing a trailer. I was disappointed, but I understood the company’s policy. After all, they need to protect their vehicles from damage.
That experience made me wonder if it’s possible to tow a trailer with a rental car. The answer is yes, but it depends on the rental company’s policy and the type of vehicle you rent. Some companies allow towing, while others do not. If you’re planning to tow a trailer, it’s essential to check with the rental company before making a reservation.
Rental Companies That Allow Towing
Not all rental companies allow towing, but some do. Here are a few companies that allow towing with certain vehicles:
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- Hertz
- Budget Rent-A-Car
It’s important to note that not all vehicles in a rental company’s fleet are allowed to tow. For example, Enterprise Rent-A-Car allows towing with SUVs and pickup trucks but not with sedans or compact cars.
Tips for Towing with a Rental Car
If you’re planning to tow a trailer with a rental car, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Check with the rental company to make sure towing is allowed.
- Make sure the vehicle you rent is capable of towing the trailer.
- Get a towing hitch installed on the vehicle.
- Load the trailer evenly and secure it properly.
- Drive carefully and be aware of your surroundings.
By following these tips, you can safely tow a trailer with a rental car. However, it’s important to remember that towing a trailer can affect the vehicle’s handling and braking, so it’s important to be extra cautious when driving.
Expert Advice for Towing with a Rental Car
In addition to the tips above, here are some additional pieces of advice from experts:
- Choose a trailer that is the right size for the vehicle you are renting.
- Make sure you have a valid driver’s license and are authorized to tow a trailer.
- Inspect the trailer and towing equipment before you start driving.
- Allow yourself extra time to stop and turn when towing a trailer.
- Be aware of the trailer’s height and width when driving through tunnels or under bridges.
By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe and successful towing experience.
FAQs About Towing with a Rental Car
Here are some frequently asked questions about towing with a rental car:
- Can I tow a trailer with any rental car?
- What type of trailer can I tow with a rental car?
- How do I get a towing hitch installed on a rental car?
No, not all rental cars are allowed to tow a trailer. Check with the rental company to make sure towing is allowed with the vehicle you plan to rent.
The type of trailer you can tow depends on the vehicle you rent. Some vehicles are only capable of towing small trailers, while others can tow larger trailers.
You can have a towing hitch installed on a rental car at a local auto repair shop. The cost of installation will vary depending on the type of hitch and the vehicle.
Conclusion
Towing a trailer with a rental car is possible, but it’s important to do your research before you start planning your trip. Make sure you check with the rental company to confirm that towing is allowed, and choose a vehicle that is capable of towing the trailer you need. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can help ensure a safe and successful towing experience.
Are you interested in learning more about towing a trailer with a rental car? Let us know in the comments below!
