I'm moving from MO to WV. I find it is much much cheaper to rent a trailer than a whole van ($89 for a U-Haul trailer compared to a whole lot more for a van).

I would have to have a hitch installed - don't know how much that costs, U-Haul would do it but I'm guessing they'd charge more, too. Who would I look to to properly install a hitch other than U-Haul?

and how much weight can I pull safely? U-Haul says a 5x8x4 (enclosed) trailer, but can I cram it full of stuff? I don't have any idea how to tell how much it would weigh once it's loaded, it would seem to depend on what you put in it. I'm guessing I should distribute the 40 boxes of books across the estimated 3 trips I'll need to make to get it all moved. (And yes, it's still a LOT cheaper than renting a van).

Any advice?

Thanks.

Sojourner