Yes, U Haul rents hand trucks and dollies for local and one-way moves. Equipment options typically include standard utility dollies, appliance dollies, and four-wheel furniture dollies. Availability, pricing, and rental policies can vary by location. This guide covers the equipment types available, typical rental costs, how to rent one, and how to choose the right tool for your move.
Does U Haul Rent Hand Trucks?
U Haul offers hand trucks and dollies at most of its rental centers to help customers handle heavy loads. However, equipment inventory depends on the specific location.
Customers should check their local center before relying on a specific model on moving day. Making an online reservation in advance can help secure the equipment you need.
What Types of Hand Trucks and Dollies Does U Haul Rent?
U Haul offers three primary types of dollies designed for different moving tasks. Understanding the difference between a hand truck vs dolly helps you pick the right tool for your cargo.
Utility Dolly
A utility dolly is a traditional two-wheel hand truck. It is designed for upright transport and features a rigid back frame with an L-shaped base plate and works well for:
- Stacked moving boxes
- Small appliances
- Storage totes and containers
- General household crates
It allows you to tilt the load back on two wheels, reducing the physical effort needed to roll items up ramps or across driveways.
Appliance Dolly
An appliance dolly is a heavy-duty, two-wheel upright hand truck designed specifically for large and heavy appliances. It works well for:
- Refrigerators
- Washing machines
- Clothes dryers
- Water heaters and heavy ranges
These dollies usually include integrated straps to secure tall, bulky items tightly against the frame. Many models also feature side rub rails to protect finishes and stair climbers on the back frame to assist with steps and curbs.
Furniture Dolly
A furniture dolly is a flat, four-wheel platform without an upright handle. It operates differently from an upright hand truck because the load rests directly on the padded, wheeled base. It is used for moving items across flat surfaces, including:
- Sofas, dressers, and tables
- Large cabinets and desks
- Bulky, wide crates
- Heavy equipment bases
How Much Does a U Haul Hand Truck Rental Cost?
U Haul hand truck rental rates depend on several factors, including whether the move is local or one-way, the rental duration, equipment type, and local store pricing.
For standard local moves, daily rental fees generally range from $7 to $20 per day depending on the specific dolly model.For one-way moves, equipment rates are typically factored into the overall reservation package.
| Equipment Type | Typical Use | General Price Range |
| Utility Dolly | Boxes and general household moving | $7 – $12 per rental/day |
| Appliance Dolly | Heavy appliances and tall equipment | $10 – $20 per rental/day |
| Furniture Dolly | Bulky furniture moved across flat floors | $7 – $10 per rental/day |
Note: Prices vary by location and availability. Check your local U Haul location for current rates and daily terms.
Can You Rent a Hand Truck Without Renting a U Haul Truck?
In many cases, customers can rent a hand truck or dolly independently without reserving a moving truck. However, individual equipment rental policies depend on the specific U Haul dealer or corporate center. Some smaller neighborhood dealers may reserve their equipment exclusively for truck rental packages during peak moving weekends. Always call your local branch to confirm standalone availability before heading over.
How to Rent a Hand Truck From U Haul?
Renting moving equipment from U Haul follows a straightforward process:
- Find a nearby U Haul location using their website or mobile app.
- Check equipment availabilityfor utility, appliance, or furniture dollies.
- Review the rental price and terms, noting deposit requirements and return windows.
- Reserve the equipment online or by phone to lock in your date.
- Pick up the equipment at the scheduled time and inspect its condition.
- Return the unit clean and on time according to your rental contract.
U Haul Hand Truck Rental Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Readily accessible at thousands of rental centers nationwide.
- Inexpensive for one-day or weekend moving tasks.
- Eliminates the need to buy and store equipment you rarely use.
- Convenient to add directly to an existing truck or trailer reservation.
Cons:
- Specific dolly models can sell out during peak moving seasons.
- Standalone equipment rentals may not be permitted at all independent dealer locations.
- Late returns can lead to extra daily charges.
U Haul vs Home Depot vs Lowe’s Hand Truck Rental
| Rental Option | Best For | Availability | Primary Strength |
| U Haul | Moving household goods and residential relocations | Widespread across moving centers and dealers | Convenient one-way and round-trip moving add-ons |
| Home Depot | DIY home improvement, construction materials, and heavy tools | Tool rental centers inside select store locations | Commercial-grade utility and convertible carts |
| Lowe’s | Regional project moves and material handling | Participating tool rental locations | Good daily rates for local home-project hauling |
Rental availability, tool selections, and policies vary across each company and store.
Practical Safety Reminders
Handling heavy loads requires proper safety habits to prevent injury and property damage:
- Check load ratings: Consult a hand truck weight capacity guide and never exceed the equipment rating (standard utility dollies usually handle 500 to 600 lbs, while appliance dollies support up to 700 to 800 lbs).
- Strap tall items: Always secure large appliances with built-in safety straps before tilting the frame back.
- Center the weight: Keep heavy items low and centered over the axle.
- Tackle stairs carefully: If moving across steps, review how to use a hand truck on stairs and always use two people for heavy appliances.
What Should You Choose?
- Pick a utility dolly if your move mostly consists of stacked boxes, small file cabinets, and standard totes.
- Pick an appliance dolly if you need to transport a refrigerator, washer, dryer, or water heater. For specific equipment advice, see our guide on how to move a refrigerator with hand trucks.
- Pick a furniture dolly when rolling heavy dressers, wide tables, or bulky sectionals across flat interior floors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, U Haul rents heavy-duty appliance dollies equipped with safety straps and stair-climbing rub rails. They are built specifically for moving heavy appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and ranges.
Yes, U Haul offers daily rentals for local moves. Daily duration terms and rates depend on your local center and rental contract.
No, you can often rent a hand truck separately without reserving a truck. However, standalone equipment policies vary, so verify availability with your local branch beforehand.
Weight capacities vary by model. Standard U Haul utility dollies are typically rated around 500 to 600 lbs, appliance dollies hold around 700 to 800 lbs, and four-wheel furniture dollies support up to 1,000 lbs. Always verify the load rating marked on the specific unit.
Yes, you can reserve equipment on the U Haul website or mobile app, either on its own or alongside a truck reservation.
Yes, U Haul rents four-wheel padded furniture dollies designed to transport heavy, flat-bottomed items across flat surfaces and into elevators.
U Haul provides a convenient way to rent hand trucks and dollies for moves of any size. Whether you need a simple utility cart or a heavy-duty appliance dolly, renting avoids the cost of buying equipment you only need for a day. Contact your local U Haul location or check online to confirm pricing and reserve your equipment before moving day.
