Tow dolly vs auto transport: What’s the difference?

If you’re moving house and want to save on moving, the most obvious way to get your car from one location to another is to move it yourself. So, what are your options? You could rent a tow dolly, attach it to a suitable vehicle or moving truck, load the car, and take it with you. For a straightforward journey, that will work very well. But what about over a long distance?

There are lots of things to consider, such as fuel costs, towing restrictions, overnight stops, and vehicle wear and tear, which can all affect your decision. You also need to think about how confident you’ll be towing your car behind another vehicle.

Another option is to book an auto transport service. This type of managed service involves an auto transport truck and trailer and a professional driver. They collect your vehicle, load it onto the trailer, and transport it to your chosen destination.

Both of these options have a place, but are suitable in different situations. When you’re trying to decide between tow dolly vs auto transport, never base your choice on the rental charge alone.

We’ve written this guide to explain how both options work, what they cost, and their practical advantages and limitations. We also look at five companies people commonly choose when searching for a car tow dolly for rent.

What is a towing dolly?

A tow dolly is a small, two-wheel trailer that raises the front wheels of a vehicle while its rear wheels roll along the road. It’s a platform for one axle rather than an entire car. It attaches to a tow-capable vehicle and uses ramps, wheel straps, safety chains, and lights.

You use a tow dolly to tow a car, and you’ll also find it’s called an auto dolly trailer or auto transport dolly. The difference between this and a full car trailer is that only one axle sits on the dolly, whereas a full trailer carries a car with all four wheels off the road.

Dollies are generally used to tow front-wheel drive cars. This is because rear-wheel, four-wheel, and all-wheel drive vehicles may need to have the driveshaft disconnected in order to be towed safely. A different loading procedure is also necessary. In many cases, towing such types of vehicles may not be approved at all. You should always check with the rental company and your owner’s manual for compatibility.

If you plan on towing a truck with a tow dolly, other things that matter include the ground clearance, tire width, wheelbase, curb weight, vehicle width, modifications, and the towing capacity of the tow vehicle. Pickups may exceed a rental dolly’s limit even if the front tires appear to fit. It’s best not to assume a truck or SUV is compatible based only on what you see.

When you rent an auto dolly trailer, you must be certain you understand and can handle the coupling, loading, securing, and checking of the equipment. During the journey, you must check the strapping because it can settle. One final thing to keep in mind is that reversing a loaded dolly is almost impossible and generally prohibited, so you need to be sure of your exit routes when stopping.

What is auto transport?

Auto transport is a professional vehicle-shipping service. A carrier collects the car, loads it onto a purpose-built trailer, and transports it to the agreed destination. If you book this type of service, you don’t need a tow vehicle, towing equipment, or drive the route towing the car behind you.

There are two types of auto transport services: open car transport and enclosed auto transport. Open car transport is cheaper, more available, and easier to schedule. Your vehicle travels on a trailer along with several others, but it’s exposed to the weather, road dust, and debris. With enclosed auto transport, your car travels in an enclosed trailer, which provides complete protection. Owners of classic, exotic, luxury, or high-value vehicles prefer this service, but it costs more.

Most auto transport services are door-to-door. This means the trucker gets as close as safely and legally possible to each address. If a street can’t accommodate a large truck, a more suitable nearby meeting point is generally arranged.

WeShipCars is an auto transport management company. We coordinate every shipment from quote through delivery. You can choose open or enclosed transport, request expedited or guaranteed pick-up if timing is critical, and receive updates throughout the move. All vehicles are covered by full auto transport insurance during transportation.

How much does it cost to rent a tow dolly?

For local use, the range is between $40 to $100 per day before taxes and optional protection. Multi-day or one-way car dolly rental cost can be several hundred dollars. The actual price you pay depends on the company, pick-up and return locations, dates, one-way or local use, journey length, availability, and whether a moving truck is rented at the same time.

When you compare how much does it cost to rent a tow dolly, take the following expenses into account when making your calculations:

• Rental fee for the dolly and moving truck, if applicable
• Taxes, environmental fees, and optional rental protection
• Mileage charges or charges for additional days
• Fuel for the tow vehicle, which will be higher than usual because it’s towing
• Hitch equipment, hotels, meals, tolls, and parking
• Mechanical work for driveshaft removal and potential wear of the towed car

Now you can see that an advertised daily amount is not the whole story when it comes to the cost to rent a tow dolly. It’s a very attractive DIY moving option, but a large truck, hotels, fuel, and tolls can push the price close to the cost of auto transport.

When you’re researching how much does it cost to rent a car dolly, remember to enter the exact route and vehicle into the rental provider's reservation tool. This is the most reliable way to compare current tow dolly rental prices.

How much does it cost to ship a car with auto transport services?

Domestic car shipping costs between $500 and $1200. As a rough guide, a 500-mile shipment might cost around $935, a 1000-mile move around $1050, and a 2500-mile move about $1200. What you actually pay depends on the route, vehicle, transport option, time of year, and how many trucks are available for the route when you need to ship.

Auto transport shipping rates are influenced by:

• Total distance between pick-up and delivery
• Popularity of the route
• Whether you choose open car transport or enclosed auto transport
• Seasonal demand and truck availability for the route
• Fuel prices
• Pick-up and delivery accessibility
• Preferred pick-up date
• Timing flexibility
• Whether you need expedited or guaranteed pick-up

Open car transport is the most economical choice for an everyday car. Enclosed auto transport generally costs 40% to 60% more because fewer enclosed truckers are available and each trailer holds fewer vehicles.

Always compare the complete dolly trip with the complete shipping quote. Choose auto transport, and you don’t need to factor in the cost of towing fuel, extra driving days, accommodation, and equipment.

Tow dolly shipping

To help you decide whether tow dolly shipping is a viable option for you, let's explore the pros and cons.

Pros

• Inexpensive for a short move: If you already own a suitable tow vehicle and only need the dolly for a day, towing a car with a car dolly may cost less than booking an auto transport trucker.
• You’re in control of the schedule: Once you’ve collected the equipment and loaded the car, it’s down to you to decide when to leave and where to stop.
• It works well for many front-wheel-drive cars: The most suitable car for a tow dolly is a standard front-wheel-drive one.
• One-way rentals are often an option: If you pick a nationwide rental network, you may be able to collect in one city and return to another, making a dolly a useful addition during a household move.

Cons

• Vehicle compatibility: Not all vehicles can be towed using a tow dolly. Those that can present problems include AWD, 4WD, rear-wheel-drive, low-clearance, wide, heavy, modified, mid-engine, and rear-engine vehicles. In some cases, the driveshaft must be disconnected, which adds to the car dolly rental cost and isn’t something you can do by the roadside.
• Two wheels run on the road during towing: Two wheels are lifted away from the road, but two stay connected. Rolling tires, wheel bearings, and related components continue to wear and tear. Also, if you’re not towing correctly, it can cause serious mechanical problems for certain drivetrains.
• Reversing is difficult: In general, you’ll be advised not to try reversing with a loaded tow dolly. As mentioned in a Reddit conversation, “You cannot back up with a tow dolly with something on it.” If you find yourself at a wrong entrance or blocked fuel lane, getting out of such a situation will be difficult.
• Handling issues: You’ll need to take wider turns, acceleration is slower, and stopping distances increase. Weather, road grades, and traffic can add to the issues.
• Apparent saving is not as good as it seems: The basic rental price may seem super enticing, but don’t forget to factor in fuel use, hotels, meals, tolls, rental protection, extra days, and mechanical preparation.

Auto transport shipping

Let’s compare these with the pros and cons of auto transport shipping:

Pros

• Your vehicle is picked up and delivered to your exact location: This saves any additional travel and allows you to continue with the rest of your move unhindered.
• Removes any towing stress: A trucker handles loading, transportation, and unloading. You don’t need any towing experience, hitch, or lead vehicle.
• It saves personal travel time: You can fly or travel separately rather than spending days driving a truck-and-dolly combination.
• All four wheels are off the road: There’s no additional wear and tear to your vehicle, and it’s suitable for a much wider range of drivetrains.
• Full insurance coverage is included: Truckers have cargo insurance, and pick-up and delivery inspections record the vehicle’s condition.
• Enclosed auto transport is an option: If you want to ship a custom, antique, exotic, luxury, or high-value vehicle, enclosed auto transport provides complete protection from weather, road debris, and traffic grime.
• Expedited shipping and guaranteed pick-up when timing is tight: If you’re tight for time or need to have your vehicle collected on a specific date, these are two auto transport service options.
• If your vehicle is inoperable or modified, it can be transported: Auto transport trucks and trailers can be used to move vehicles of all shapes and sizes. Even if it’s not running, it can still be safely transported by an auto transport company. 

Cons

• May be more expensive: If you’re moving a car a short distance and you have a compatible car, professional shipping may cost a little more than renting a tow dolly.
• Open trailers don’t offer complete protection: When you ship a car on an open trailer, it’ll be exposed to weather and road grime. However, if this is an issue, enclosed shipping is available for complete protection.

When to choose a tow dolly vs auto transport?

Towing a car with dolly equipment is best if your journey is relatively short, the car is suitable, and the towing vehicle is properly rated and equipped. It also requires a driver with towing experience and understanding of the required safety checks. It may also be a suitable option if an approved moving truck is being rented and the dolly can be added to the booking without increasing the cost too much.

Auto transport is better suited for inter- and intra-state, and long-distance moves. It’s also more practical for AWD, 4WD, rear-wheel-drive, high-value, non-running, modified, heavy, or low-clearance vehicles.

Top 5 tow dolly companies

Not every tow dolly rental company is the same. You’ll find the range of equipment and the rules you have to follow vary depending on the company, location, route, date, type of tow vehicle, and what you want to tow. It’s also quite common that the company will ask you to complete a checklist to ensure your vehicle and skills are suitable. One final thing to remember is to confirm what’s included in the tow dolly rental price before you make your booking.

Tow dolly rental from U-Haul

U-Haul has a large network of rental centers from which you can rent a tow dolly for car use, together with a U-Haul truck, or use our own vehicle.

Key highlights:

• The available tow dollies are mainly for front-wheel-drive vehicles
• Maximum vehicle load capacity is 4080 pounds
• Additional equipment available includes ratchet tire straps, vehicle security chains, safety cables, and surge brakes
• You have the option of choosing local and one-way rentals
• If you don’t rent a U-Haul truck, your tow vehicle must have a rated hitch

How much does it cost to rent a tow dolly from U-Haul

The price for U-Haul's in-town towing equipment ranges from $20 to $90. The dolly rate varies depending on the location, dates, and type of trip. One-way bookings are based on the route. Additional charges that increase the total cost include taxes, protection, and extra days.

If you want to rent a tow dolly without a moving truck, U-Haul is one of the first places to check. Its system checks both vehicles before approving the combination.

Tow dolly rental from Penske

Penske offers tow dollies and full carriers with compatible Penske moving trucks. Its specifications help customers check fit, but the equipment is tied to a truck reservation.

Key highlights:

• Tow-dolly load capacity of 4300 pounds
• The maximum vehicle width is 74 inches
• The maximum wheelbase allowed is 125 inches
• Meant mainly for front-wheel-drive vehicles
• 24/7 roadside assistance is included with Penske truck rentals

How much does it cost to rent a tow dolly from Penske?

Penske has no fixed nationwide dolly price. You get a route-specific truck quote based on the truck, locations, dates, and towed vehicle.

Penske requires driveshaft removal for rear-wheel, four-wheel, and all-wheel drive cars. Mid-engine and rear-engine vehicles are not permitted.

Tow dolly rental from Budget Truck Rental

Budget Truck Rental offers a tow dolly as an add-on to certain moving trucks. If you’re already renting a truck from Budget for your household move, a tow dolly rental might be a sensible addition. It’s not available as an independent rental.

Key highlights:

• Available only with Budget trucks that are at least 16 feet long
• Designed for front-wheel-drive vehicles
• The maximum weight for the towed vehicle is 3300 pounds
• The maximum width for the front axle of the towed vehicle is 76 inches, measured to the outside of the tires
• Rental price includes ramps, tire straps, chains, and safety cables

How much does it cost to rent a tow dolly from Budget Truck Rental?

Budget Truck Rental prices the equipment during the truck reservation, so there’s no universal dolly-only rate. Because it can’t be rented, compare the entire truck booking with other methods.

Budget states that a loaded dolly can’t be backed up. It directs customers with AWD or rear-wheel-drive vehicles to a full auto transport service rather than its dolly.

Tow dolly rental from The Home Depot

The Home Depot locations don’t have a nationwide passenger-car dolly fleet. However, you can rent utility and flatbed trailers. Some Home Depot locations are also Penske rental points. If tow dollies and towing equipment are available, it will follow Penske’s rules.

Key highlights:

• Penske moving trucks are available at selected Home Depot locations
• A Penske tow dolly may be offered with an eligible truck reservation
• What vehicles are available depends on the individual store
• Penske has vehicle and equipment limits you must comply with
• Home Depot’s own utility trailers should not be mistaken for passenger-car dollies

How much does it cost to rent a tow dolly from The Home Depot?

There’s no standard Home Depot tow-dolly price. Where a selected store offers a Penske truck and compatible towing equipment, the cost comes from the Penske reservation for the route and date. Call the location or use the Penske booking system before traveling to the store.

For anyone asking, “Where can I rent a car tow dolly?”, a general Home Depot trailer listing doesn’t guarantee an auto dolly is available.

Tow dolly rental from Sunbelt Rentals

Sunbelt lists a 3500-pound axle tow dolly for automobiles and small vehicles. It primarily serves construction, industrial, and commercial customers, so inventory varies by branch.

Key highlights:

• Towing capacity of 3500 pounds
• Single-axle design with straightforward loading and unloading
• You can rent by the day, week, or four-week periods
• Hitch type varies: 2-inch ball, 2 5/16-inch ball, or pintle hitch
• You must confirm the exact specifications with individual branches

How much does it cost to rent a tow dolly from Sunbelt Rentals?

Rates depend on the branch, period, availability, and equipment.

Car shipping company

If you think DIY towing is going to be too much work, WeShipCars manages car moves from beginning to end. The service starts with a free, no-obligation quote based on the route, vehicle, preferred pick-up date, service type, seasonal demand, and current truck availability for the route.

The two options are open car transport or enclosed auto transport if you need greater protection. Other benefits of choosing a car shipping company include door-to-door auto transport service, vetted carriers, full auto transport insurance, inspection records, and real-time updates. Payment is only required once a truck has been assigned.

Auto transport is especially useful when:

• The journey is long enough to require overnight stops
• The car is unsuitable for dolly towing
• You don’t own or want to rent a tow-capable vehicle
• You’re moving a pickup, SUV, classic, luxury, or inoperable vehicle
• You want to avoid loading equipment and towing through traffic or mountains
• Your time is better spent handling other parts of your relocation

A dolly can be a good idea if you want to move your car locally. For longer distances, an auto transport truck and trailer provides better value if you take into consideration the cost of extra fuel, travel time, accommodation, and whether you have a towing vehicle that’s suitable and the confidence to tow.

Tow dolly vs. auto transport: Which is best?

Which option is best for you depends on what you want to tow and how far, your towing setup, schedule, and driver’s experience. With a tow dolly, you have more control over the process, and costs are low for a short trip with a compatible front-wheel-drive car. It becomes less attractive when the journey is long, the vehicle has drivetrain or size restrictions, or the renter must also pay for a large truck and several days on the road.

Auto transport costs more than the cheapest one-day dolly rental, but it’s a very different service. The car travels with its wheels off the highway, a professional handles the transportation, and you avoid towing fuel, trailer handling, added travel days, and compatibility complications.

Before you book a dolly to tow a car, confirm the details in writing and ensure you include all costs for the whole journey. Then request an auto transport quote for the same route. When you’re comparing both options, it’s best to consider more than just the basic price. That way, you’ll have a much clearer answer.