Blog ·
Trailer or Cargo Van? How to Choose the Right Rental in Rockville
If you're moving, clearing out a garage, or picking up a big purchase, you've probably narrowed it down to two options: tow a trailer behind your own vehicle, or drive a cargo van. Both can do the job. Which one is right comes down to three questions.
1. Can your vehicle tow?
A trailer only works if the vehicle you already drive is set up for it. You need:
- A towing capacity (listed in your owner's manual) higher than the weight of the loaded trailer
- A hitch with the right size ball for the trailer's coupler
- A working wiring connector for the trailer's lights
If you don't have a hitch, or you're not sure what your car can pull, a cargo van is the simpler choice. You drive it like a large SUV, and it doesn't need any equipment on your vehicle.
2. How comfortable are you towing?
Towing changes how you drive. You need more distance to stop, wider turns, and patience backing up. On busy roads like Rockville Pike or I-270, some people would rather not deal with that. A cargo van keeps everything in one vehicle, which makes parking at an apartment building or a store loading area easier.
3. What are you carrying?
A cargo van is fully enclosed, so furniture, mattresses, and boxes stay dry and locked up if you have to make a stop. A utility trailer is useful for bulky, dirty, or awkward loads: yard waste, building materials, equipment, or things you don't want inside a vehicle.
What each costs
Here's what you'd pay with us, including the required fleet coverage fee and Maryland rental tax:
Utility Trailer
| Rental | Rental price | Fleet coverage fee | Tax | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 day | $150 | $25 | $14 | $189 |
| 3 days | $450 | $75 | $42 | $567 |
| 7 days | $500 | $175 | $54 | $729 |
Cargo Van
| Rental | Rental price | Fleet coverage fee | Tax | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 day | $130 | $25 | $12.40 | $167.40 |
| 3 days | $390 | $75 | $37.20 | $502.20 |
| 7 days | $780 | $175 | $76.40 | $1,031.40 |
The trailer rents for $150/day and the van for $130/day. Remember that with a trailer, you're also covering fuel and wear on your own tow vehicle.
Quick answer
- Choose the cargo van if you don't have a hitch, want your load enclosed and locked, or would rather not tow.
- Choose the trailer if your vehicle is already set up to tow and you're hauling bulky or messy loads.
Still not sure? Contact us and tell us what you're moving.
Need a trailer or cargo van in Rockville? Check availability and prices, and book online.
See availability