October 16, 2020 Trailer Rental: To Lease or Not to Lease

A look at the different types of trailers and their uses.

Whether you are moving houses or towing your car, renting a trailer is the best and affordable way to go about it. Trailers on rental are commonly found in the U.S, with most coming with instructions on how to latch it onto your vehicle. As long as you are capable of towing the trailer, all should go well.

Why rent a trailer?

Considering the option of renting a trailer depends on why you require the trailer. Is it best to ask yourself whether purchasing a full trailer is suitable for your long term goals? Is the purpose of acquiring the trailer able to offer a return on investment, or is the work you intend on doing with the trailer only for a short period? If your answer is the latter option, renting a trailer is the best option in achieving your goals and ensuring you do not incur unnecessary expenses.

Trailer rental companies often charge the cost of renting depending on the mileage, distance of travel, and trailer size.

Types of rental trailers

There are various uses for trailers to rent, which all vary with the trailer’s intended usage. It is always advisable to opt for a larger trailer than a small one, in the event you might require moving more cargo than you thought.

Most rental companies provide various shapes and sizes either for use in town or on a one-way trip. It is essential to view the trailer before leasing it to ascertain the size and functionality.

The different types of trailers include:

• Cargo trailers

These trailers are commonly used for moving purposes. They come in various sizes, depending on the load. Cargo trailers have a protection cover to hinder against weather changes, and are lockable for maximum protection, making them the best option for long distances. They come in 4’ by 8’, 5’ by 8’, 5’ by 10’ and 6’ by 12’ sizes.

• Utility trailers

These are mainly used for carrying oversized or outdoor items that might not fit in an enclosed space due to their shape or size. These trailers come with a spring ramp to slide the items into the trailer bed, providing functionality when loading and unloading your things. They also come with tie-downs to secure the items well.

• Auto trailers

Auto trailers are for use when towing your automobile to your preferred destination, especially in a long distance journey. Auto trailers are classified into:

• • Tow dolly: Used when only towing the front wheels of the vehicle
  • Auto transport: Used when all four wheels are off the ground and on the ramp
  • Motorcycle trailer: Tows motorcycles with built-in stabilizer ramp to secure heavy motorcycles.
• Custom trailers

These trailers can carry almost anything ranging from construction tools, mini excavators, and household goods, among others.

Benefits of renting trailers

There are various benefits of trailers catered for rental purposes:

• No maintenance costs

When you rent a trailer, there aren’t any maintenance costs as these are the rental companies’ responsibilities. However, due diligence on your part is required to ensure you return the trailer in good condition.

• Low profile design

The ideal trailer should have a low profile suitable for easy towing without blocking visibility from your car. This also ensures that the driver can see all the sides of the trailer in the rear mirror and again not worry about moving goods’ bulkiness.

• Versatility

Rental trailers are also versatile in that they can be attached to any car. This ensures all users can towing them to any destination without the worry of having it detach or move awkwardly. You can also move right about anything with a trailer behind a tow. This is convenient for transportation and usage purposes.

• Fuel efficiency

Who wouldn’t want to move their goods without the added hassle of fuel consumption? Rental trailers reduce the cost of fuel a user would use if they opted for a mobile truck. This way, the user only tows the trailer at no additional charges whatsoever.

• Cost-effective

It is without saying that rental trailers are cheaper and the most economical option than renting a mobile truck. Trailers save the user on transportation costs, overhead costs, and logistics, among many others.

• No purchase hassle

You save a lot of time and money when choosing to rent a trailer rather than purchasing it. Purchasing a trailer requires financial arrangement, insurance paperwork, and registration, which you won’t have to deal with if you opt for renting.

• No storage hassle

Since the trailer is rented, there are no storage challenges to the user as you pick it and drop it off at your local rental company.

Market players in the industry

The rental trailer industry has experienced slow business operations due to the decrease in demand from household and business customers owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, as businesses slowly resume and expand, the need for trailer rentals is bound to spike up due to transport demand.

What to look for when renting a trailer

• Research and verify the authenticity of trailer rental companies before booking. This will save you a lot of hassle and overheads in case they do not eventually check out.
• Ensure you read and understand your rental agreement before accepting the trailer. Some companies put additional clauses that may hinder you from fully accessing all the benefits you might need.
• Observe and inspect the trailer before signing the lease agreement. Ensure all the latches and locks are in place, and the hitches are well-formed.
• Check the hitch compatibility to ensure your vehicle can connect to the trailer. If the hitch is not compatible, you can opt for a different trailer or check some available trailer hitches online.
• It is best to get some demonstration on the rental company grounds before you tow off with your trailer. This will help prevent future complications if you might need to hitch it later or to another car.

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