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Trailer Rentals: What You Need to Know

May. 6 2020 Buying Guide By ___

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A trailer rental may be the perfect fit for your next hauling project. But there are many details to coordinate and decisions to make, which can get overwhelming. We've gathered up key questions to ask yourself in order to make the right trailer rental choice. If you want more information or want to discuss trailer rental options, chat with the staff at APC Trailers. Our dealership is based in Tucson, Arizona, and we also serve those in Phoenix and Casa Grande.

1. Does Trailer Rental Fit Your Situation?

The first step is ensuring that a trailer rental is right for you. Trailer rentals are great in the following situations:

  • you only need the trailer for a short period of time
  • you temporarily need a specialized trailer
  • you want to test out a trailer model before purchasing it

2. What Are You Hauling?

Consider the cargo you are transporting, which will affect the models and features that you will need. 

Take into account:

  • how long will the trailer need to be
  • how wide will the trailer need to be
  • how much weight the trailer needs to handle
  • whether you need raised trailer sides to keep items from falling onto the road

3. Where Will You Be Going?

There may be fees based on the mileage of the trip or additional paperwork for out-of-state driving. 

4. What Tow Vehicle Will You Be Using?

Determine the tow vehicle that you will use to haul the rental trailer. Make sure you know the vehicle's hitching requirements and the maximum weight that the rig can handle.

You don't want to pay for a rental trailer that is too heavy for your vehicle to safely transport! Remember to account for the weight of any vehicle passengers as well as the trailer's cargo.

5. What Are the Driver Requirements?

Make sure you know the relevant driver requirements and can easily provide information to the rental agency. This typically involves providing a driver's license, the registration for the tow vehicle, and the car insurance information. Get all the relevant paperwork/information gathered up and ready to go. You don't want to delay your project because you had to search around for your insurance policy information.

6. How Long Will You Need the Rental Trailer?

Maybe you are doing one big load to a donation center or the dump, so you only need the rental for a day. Maybe you are moving across the country and need the rental for several days. Determine the (realistic) length of time it'll take to complete your project. Some trailer rental places will give discounts for certain periods of time (such as a two-day weekend or a seven-day week). These can be cheaper than paying for each individual day, so be sure to ask about potential discounts.

7. What Comes With The Rental?

Know what accessories will be included with the rental. For example, there may be rear ramps for easier loading or a spare tire in case one pops. Ask about what accessories come standard and what accessories are available for rental.

8. What Do You Need To Secure Your Cargo?

Think about whether you need tie-down straps or other items to secure your cargo to the trailer. If you do and you don't own the necessary items, see if the trailer rental agency also rents them out.

9. What Are the Best Loading Practices?

Once you get your trailer rental, you will want to be strategic about loading it. Use the following tactics to ensure a smooth transportation process:

  • start with the tow vehicle and trailer as level as possible, which will make loading easier
  • load heavier items first and place them at the "front" of the trailer (the part that is closest to your tow vehicle)
  • balance the cargo weight from side to side and front to back
  • make sure all items are secure since loose objects could move around during transport and end up damaged

We hope you found this guide useful! If you have any questions or want help finding the right trailer rental, visit the experts at APC Trailers. We can help you get the best model for your needs, so stop by and visit us today! We are a local and family-owned dealership in Tucson, Arizona. We also proudly serve those in Phoenix and Casa Grande, Arizona.