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Trailer Hire

If you have a load of items that need moving a short or long distance, a trailer may be the perfect, and cost efficient option for you.  But what exactly is involved in trailer hire?  Read on to find out more.

What Trailers are Used For

Trailers are capable of moving all kinds of things, from small machinery right through to furniture, vehicles, and animals.  Trailers vary in size and design depending on their intended purpose.  For example, a furniture trailer may be fully enclosed in order to protect the contents.  However, these need to be towed by larger vehicles.  A smaller furniture trailer is available, but it has open sides and is able to be towed by a standard four cylinder car.  Box trailers can carry everything from small furniture to loads of landscaping supplies.

Trailers are an excellent choice if you have to transport something that simply won’t fit inside your car but don’t want to hire a truck for (either because the load is not big enough to justify a truck or because you don’t want the expense).  Trailers can generally be hired from a range of places – from the trailer hire company themselves or through outlets such as service stations.

Types of Trailers

There are several different types of trailers that are available for hire, depending on your needs.  These include:

• flat trailer
• box trailer
• caged trailer
• car carrier
• motorbike trailer
• horse float

Trailer Safety

When hiring a trailer, it is important that you are aware of the relevant safety issues.  Different trailers will handle differently to others, and some may not be suitable for the size or type of car that you have.  The hire company should give you all the information that you need to know to operate the trailer safely and also tell you how the trailer is likely to perform.

Ask the hire company if they will provide or hire you equipment such as tow balls, ropes, tarpaulins, and load covers. These can all help make your towing experience much easier and safer.

Hiring the Trailer

When you are hiring the trailer, find out if the company has a daily rate or an hourly rate.  Also find out what the penalties are if you return the trailer late.  If you are using the trailer for moving furniture, enquire if it has to be returned to the point of hire, or if you can simply return the trailer at your intended destination.  This is called a one way hire.

Ensure that the quote for the cost of the trailer includes trailer damage insurance and GST.  If insurance is not included, you may find yourself responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing the trailer should something happen.  Be aware that most trailer hire companies will require a deposit upon hiring.  This is usually refundable.

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