5 Pointers that Will Help You Choose the Best Trailer to Hire

When you have to move furniture, secondary vehicles, recreational equipment or garden rubble, using a trailer is often the most effective and budget-friendly way to do this. Since not everyone has a trailer in the garage waiting to be used, the most logical step is to opt for rental.

It’s with this in mind that many Australians are opting for the trailer hire Melbourne residents to move things around. If you’re getting ready to hire your first trailer, then this post is for you. We take a look at a few crucial pointers that will help you get started.

Trailer Hire is Easier than You Think

Aside from the convenience of being able to move your cargo at your own pace, the simplicity of the rental process makes trailer hire a top go-to option for many Australians. Here’s what you need to know to make your first trailer hire as effortless as possible.

1. Establish What You Need

Your first step in the rental process should always be to establish your exact needs. This is because not all trailers are the same. The trailer you end up choosing will depend on the weight of your cargo, the distance you need to travel, and how you’ll want to secure the load. Speak to your trailer hiring consultant for the best option for what you want to move.

2. Review the Types of Trailers

Once you start researching potential trailer options, you’ll quickly discover that there is a range of different varieties to choose from. Some of the more common options you can choose from include the following:

Cage trailers: These have raised sides, making them ideal for small furniture, boxes, and garden equipment. The side railings are designed to keep the items from falling out.
Furniture trailers: With their closed sides, these trailers are ideal for moving furniture. Since they’re closed, they also make it possible to move in any weather.
Tip trailers: Primarily used to move rubble and garden waste, these trailers use a tipping mechanism to push contents off of the trailer. This makes the unloading process quick and easy.
Car trailers: These are flat, don’t have sides, and can easily transport cars of all sizes. Double axles make these trailers quite robust.

Compare the requirements needed to move your cargo with the specifications of each trailer. Ensuring you find a compatible trailer is critical to moving your cargo safely. Keep in mind that most trailers need to be towed by a vehicle strong enough to haul the weight of the trailer and the cargo.

3. Check the Rental Terms and Conditions

While the rental process is straightforward, it’s essential to point out that specific terms and conditions may vary between companies. Be sure to read through and review these before agreeing on a particular hiring company.

A few of the key aspects to consider include the following:

Rental duration: Many companies offer different rental packages, which make it easy to rent a trailer for a day, weekend, or longer. Weekend packages are often cheaper.
Insurance: Speak to your rental agent about insurance that may be included or required.
Deposit: Trailer hire involves putting down a deposit. Assess whether this is refundable and when it should be paid.
Pick-up and drop-off criteria: Check the required pick-up and drop-off times, as breaching these may affect your overall costs.

4. Arrange to Inspect the Trailer

Before signing the rental agreement, it’s crucial to inspect the trailer you’re planning to hire. Here, you’ll need to check for any existing damages or roadworthy issues. The trailer should also meet the necessary safety standards.

Check and confirm whether the tires, lights, and brakes are functioning correctly. Keep in mind that any fines you incur for traffic violations will be your responsibility. No matter how short the distance is that you’re travelling, the trailer you use should always be well-maintained and as safe as possible.

5. Research General Loading and Safety Requirements

If you’re using a trailer for the first time, it’s a good idea to ask an experienced friend or relative to help you. Proper loading is crucial for safe trailer operation. Keep the following tips in mind:

Always use the correct ratchet tie-down straps for the load type. Use two tie-downs, as this ensures that your cargo will still be secure if one strap snaps. Many trailer rental companies have these available to rent or buy. Speak to the rental agent for the best ratchet straps to use.
Don’t overload, as this will negatively affect the safety and handling of the trailer.
Always perform the necessary safety checks before embarking on your journey.
If you’re nervous about the trip, consider doing the move outside of peak traffic times.

Final Thoughts

There are numerous benefits to opting for trailer hire. Using a reputable rental company will see you benefiting from expert advice and being able to choose from a selection of well-maintained trailers. Flexible rental options will add to the convenience of the whole process. Hauling everything from garden tools to your motorbike has never been easier!