Last Updated on July 12, 2023 by Victor A
Renting a car with a tow hitch is not always easy, but it is possible. Whether you need to tow a boat, a trailer, or some other kind of equipment, there are rental car companies out there that will allow you to do so.
However, it is important to know what you are getting into before you rent a car that can tow a trailer. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about renting a car with a hitch.
Can you Tow with a Rental Car?
The short answer is yes, you can rent a car to tow a trailer or other large objects. However, not all rental cars are equipped for towing.
Additionally, many car rental companies have specific rules and restrictions when it comes to towing.
It’s important to know that if you want a rental car for towing a trailer or any other objects you should read the rental agreement carefully to avoid any surprises or additional fees.
Types of Rental Cars that Allow Towing
Not all rental cars are created equal when it comes to towing. Some rental car companies have restrictions on the type of vehicle you can rent for towing.
For example, compact cars and mid-size sedans are generally not suitable for towing, while SUVs and trucks are more acceptable for towing.
Rental car types for towing a trailer or other objects:
SUVs: Rental SUVs with trailer hitches are a popular choice due to their versatility. You can rent an SUV with a hitch and use its power and weight to tow a small to a medium trailer. SUVs are a good choice for those who need to tow a small boat or a camper trailer.
Trucks: If you need to tow a heavier trailer, a truck may be the way to go. Rental trucks with towing a hitch are available in a wide range of sizes and capacities, and they are ideal for towing large trailers.
Vans: Some rental companies offer vans with a tow hitch. Vans are a good choice for those who need to tow a cargo trailer or a small boat.
Crossover SUVs: You should know that if you want to rent a crossover SUV with a tow hitch you might find very limited choices since these types of vehicles are generally smaller than SUVs, but they can still be used for towing small trailers.
Luxury vehicles: A rental luxury vehicle with a tow hitch might be hard to find. These can tow a small trailer in style, but their towing capacity won’t be as good as SUVs.
Rental Car Companies that Allow Towing
Not all rental car companies allow towing, and those that do may have restrictions on the type of vehicle you can rent for towing.
Before you rent a car for towing, it is important to do your research and find a rental car company that allows towing.
Fortunately, there are several that will allow you to do so. These companies offer a range of car rental vehicles with a towing hitch, including SUVs and trucks.
Here are some companies that offer car rentals that allow towing:
Hertz
Does Hertz allow towing? Yes, this is a popular car rental company that offers a variety of vehicles for towing. Hertz offers rental SUV vehicles with a hitch, including vans, and trucks.
The company has a dedicated towing and hauling section on its website where you can browse available vehicles and make reservations.
Also, Hertz has different rental truck models for towing, small and large pickup trucks can be chosen with different towing capacities.
Enterprise
Enterprise is another car rental company that allows towing. But they only offer this service for their rental trucks.
They don’t allow any other vehicle to use a hitch or to tow anything, so make sure you check their Enterprise Truck Rental website.
Enterprise also offers one-way rentals, making it easy to pick up and drop off your rental car at different locations.
Budget
Budget is a great option for those looking to tow with a rental truck. The company offers a variety of options like a tow dolly, a car carrier, and auto tow protection.
Be wary that Budget only allows towing with rental trucks, any other vehicle is prohibited by the company.
U-Haul
U-Haul is a popular rental company for towing equipment, but they also offer rental trucks and cargo vans with tow hitches.
While U-Haul may not have the same selection of vehicles as other rental companies, they are a great option for those looking for a dedicated towing vehicle.
We could argue that U-Haul is the best option if you want a vehicle for exclusively towing since they provide an interesting amount of options for making the process of hauling as easy as possible.
Note that if you want to tow, U-Haul only offers pickup trucks for rent.
Does Avis allow towing?
Avis does not allow towing, if you go to their rental terms and conditions you will see that they clearly state that towing or pushing anything with the rental car is considered prohibited use of the car.
Thankfully you can always rent a car with Budget since they both belong to the Avis Budget Group Inc. Or you can always rent with any of the other companies.
Important Considerations when Renting a Car with a Trailer Hitch
If you plan to rent a car with a trailer hitch, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind.
First, make sure that the rental car you choose has a towing hitch that is compatible with the trailer you plan to tow.
You should also check the towing capacity of the rental car to ensure that it can safely handle the weight of the object you want to tow.
Second, make sure that you have the right license and insurance to tow a trailer with a rental car. In some states, you may need a special license to tow a trailer, and your insurance policy may not cover rental cars for towing.
Check with your rental company and insurance provider before renting a car with a trailer hitch.
Finally, be aware that towing a trailer can affect the handling and performance of the rental car.
Take extra care when driving, especially when changing lanes, accelerating, and braking. You should also be aware of the additional blind spots created by the trailer.
Conclusion – You can rent a vehicle with a tow hitch
Renting a car with a trailer hitch can make towing a trailer or boat much easier, but it’s important to choose the right rental car and take the necessary precautions.
Look for rental companies that allow towing and offer rental options for towing, such as SUVs and pickup trucks.
Check the towing capacity and compatibility of the rental car’s hitch, and make sure that you have the right license and insurance.
With the right preparation and care, you can safely and easily tow a trailer with a rental car.
