How to Rent a Trailer

Are moving trucks to expensive?

Renting a trailer might be the way to go, then. Trailers come in many shapes and sizes, and just about all of them are cheaper than a proper moving truck and can carry your mattress.

Of course, there are some drawbacks to trailers as well. Read on to learn about how to rent a trailer and the different types of trailers you’ll have at your disposal.

How to Rent a Trailer

First things first, if you’re going to rent a trailer, you’ll need a hitch on your vehicle. Hitches (aka tow hitches, trailer hitches) are metal devices that attach to a vehicle’s frame, allowing a trailer to be connected. Hitches are standard on pick-up trucks, but they’re not common for cars and would need to be purchased and installed.

Once you have your vehicle ready, you rent a trailer much like you rent anything else: (1) do some research (which you’re doing right now); (2) get some quotes; (3) make a choice; and (4) sign the contract.

Never rent a trailer without knowing the company and without signing a contract. The contract should establish, at the least, (1) when you’ll rent it, (2) for how much money, and (3) where you’ll return it.

Types of Trailers

There are many different trailers, but only a few are actually useful for the standard move (we’re not going to discuss livestock moves, here). The types of trailers you’ll be deciding among are:

• Flatbed/Utility – These are large, flat metal trailers that are great for transporting weather-able things, like machinery and benches, or couches if you’re sure it won’t rain. Large flatbeds can be used to transport 4-wheel drive vehicles.
• Enclosed/Moving – These are large trailers with the shape of a flatbed trailer, but with an enclosure to protect contents from the elements. You can rent them from U-Haul and the likes.
• Travel – These trailers can be filled with whatever you want; however, they often come with some travel amenities, like stoves, because they are designed for life on the road. The largest ones are trailer homes. They come as small a the backseat of a car, though. 
• Tow Dolly – This trailer is a small, sturdy trailer with wheels, that allows you to transport two-wheel drive vehicles and other heavy machinery.