U-Haul rents ramps, but availability and cost depend on your location and truck size

U-Haul does rent loading ramps for their moving trucks and vans, but you cannot order one online at the time of booking. You have to call the specific U-Haul location where you are renting and ask whether they have ramps in stock that day. Ramp availability varies widely by location — a busy U-Haul center in a city may have several, while a smaller franchise might have none or only one.

The rental cost for a ramp is typically $10 to $15 per day, though some locations charge a flat fee instead. You pay this on top of your truck rental. The ramp stays with you for the duration of your truck rental, and you return it to the same location when you drop off the vehicle.

U-Haul ramps are designed to fit their standard truck beds and cargo doors. If you are renting a smaller van like a cargo van or pickup truck, confirm with the location that their ramps will work with your specific vehicle before you commit to renting one.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul ramps are available at many locations but not all, and you must call ahead to check stock rather than reserving one online.
  • Ramp rental costs between $10 and $15 per day at most locations, though some charge a flat fee instead.
  • You pick up the ramp when you rent the truck and return it when you drop off the vehicle at the same location.
  • Ramp size and compatibility vary, so confirm the ramp will work with your specific truck or van before you rent it.

How to reserve a ramp when you rent your truck

Start by booking your U-Haul truck online or by phone as you normally would. Do not try to add a ramp during the online booking — the U-Haul website does not offer ramps as an add-on option at checkout.

After you have confirmed your truck reservation, call the specific U-Haul location where you will pick up the vehicle. Ask directly: "Do you have a loading ramp available for my rental on [your pickup date]?" Give them your reservation number so they can pull up your booking. If they have a ramp, ask them to note it in your reservation so the staff knows to set it aside for you.

Arrive early on your rental day to pick up the ramp along with your truck. The ramp will be loaded into or attached to your vehicle before you leave the lot. When you return the truck, unload the ramp and hand it to the staff member processing your return.

What size ramps U-Haul offers and what they fit

U-Haul's standard loading ramps are designed for their full-size moving trucks — the 10-foot, 15-foot, 20-foot, and 26-foot models. These ramps are typically 8 to 10 feet long and have a weight capacity of 1,500 to 2,000 pounds, depending on the ramp model.

If you are renting a smaller vehicle like a cargo van, pickup truck, or 5-foot cargo trailer, ask the location whether their ramps will work with your rental. Some locations stock smaller ramps for compact vehicles, but not all do. The ramp must match the height and width of your vehicle's cargo opening, so mismatches are common with smaller rentals.

U-Haul also rents furniture pads, dollies, and hand trucks, which can sometimes substitute for a ramp if you are moving lighter items or have a lower cargo bed. Ask the location what equipment they have on hand when you call.

Alternatives if U-Haul does not have a ramp available

If the U-Haul location you are renting from does not have a ramp in stock, you have several options. You can rent a ramp from a different U-Haul location if one is nearby and you are willing to adjust your pickup location. Call ahead to confirm availability before you change your reservation.

Home Depot and Lowe's both rent loading ramps by the day for $10 to $20, depending on ramp size and your location. These ramps are often lighter-duty than U-Haul's and may not fit larger truck beds, but they work well for cargo vans and smaller vehicles. You can reserve one online or by phone at most locations.

Some moving equipment rental companies and tool rental shops also stock loading ramps. Search "equipment rental near me" or "tool rental near me" and call to ask about ramp availability and pricing. Local rental shops sometimes have ramps that fit specific vehicle types better than the big chains do.

If you only need a ramp for a few hours, you can also buy a portable aluminum ramp at Home Depot, Lowe's, or Amazon for $50 to $150 and resell it afterward. This makes sense if you are renting the truck for several days and the daily ramp rental would add up to more than the purchase price.

What to know about ramp weight limits and safety

U-Haul ramps have a maximum weight capacity, usually between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds per ramp. If you are moving heavy items like a piano, safe, or large appliance, do not assume the ramp can handle it. Ask the U-Haul location for the exact weight rating of the ramp they are offering you.

The ramp surface can be slippery when wet or when moving items with smooth bottoms like plastic storage bins or furniture with wheels. Use furniture pads or cardboard under items to improve grip, and do not load the ramp in rain if you can avoid it. U-Haul staff will not help you load items onto the truck, so you are responsible for safe loading practices.

If you are moving a vehicle or heavy machinery, U-Haul ramps are not designed for that purpose. You will need a commercial trailer or a specialized hauling service instead.

Ramp rental costs and what affects the price

Most U-Haul locations charge $10 to $15 per day for a standard loading ramp. Some locations charge a flat fee of $20 to $30 for the entire rental period instead of a daily rate. Ask the location which pricing model they use when you call to reserve the ramp.

The total cost depends on how long you are renting the truck. A one-day local move with a ramp might cost $12 to $15 total for the ramp. A multi-day or long-distance move could add $30 to $60 or more to your bill if you are charged daily.

Ramp rental is optional, so you only pay for it if you request it. If you think you can load your items without a ramp — or if you plan to use furniture pads and a dolly instead — you can skip the ramp and save the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a ramp online when I book my U-Haul truck?

No. U-Haul does not offer ramps as an online add-on. You must call the specific location where you are picking up the truck and ask if they have a ramp available. The staff can note it in your reservation, but you cannot reserve it through the website.

What if I need a ramp for a pickup truck or cargo van?

Call the U-Haul location and ask if their ramps fit your specific vehicle. Smaller ramps for compact vehicles are available at some locations but not all. If U-Haul does not have one that fits, try Home Depot, Lowe's, or a local tool rental shop.

Can I return the ramp to a different U-Haul location than where I picked it up?

Most U-Haul locations require you to return the ramp to the same location where you rented it. If you need to return it elsewhere, call ahead and ask whether that location can accept the return. Some franchise locations have agreements to accept returns from each other, but this is not may provide.

What if the ramp does not fit my truck bed?

Tell the U-Haul staff before you leave the lot. They can swap it for a different ramp if they have one in stock, or you can decline the ramp and explore other options like furniture pads, dollies, or a rental from another company.

Is the ramp included in my U-Haul rental price?

No. Ramps are an extra charge on top of your truck rental fee. The ramp typically costs $10 to $15 per day or a flat fee of $20 to $30 for the entire rental, depending on the location.