You are spoilt for choice when it comes to hiring a trailer. They come in a number of different styles and sizes. There are box trailers, tip trailers, furniture moving trailers, cage trailers and many other kinds to choose from. Pick a trailer hire Melbourne locals use regularly.
To find the perfect trailer for the job you need to know what you will be transporting. This will help you determine the type you require. Look for a trailer that allows you to tip it for easy on and off loading. Keep reading to find out how to hire the best trailer for your transportation needs.
Inspect the Trailer
Once you know which kind of trailer you require look carefully and inspect every inch of the trailer for damage. Check the tyres and the tyre pressure. If the tyres look worn out, chances are they need to be replaced.
Don’t forget to check that the brake and brake lights are in working order. Check that the wiring is correct and look for rust, corrosion and loose wires.
Make a note of any issues and bring it to the attention of the staff before leaving the premises.
Driving with a Trailer
Driving a car with a trailer attached is an entirely different experience. You will need to adjust your driving style considerably. Precautions to take include:
- Increase your following distance: It takes a lot longer to stop when you are towing a trailer. Adjust your following distance accordingly
- Wider turns: The trailer increases the length of the vehicle. This means you need to make much wider turns so that you don’t hit the pavement
- Drive slower: As stopping distance is increased drive under the speed limit. This will give you enough time to stop in case of an emergency
- Parking: You will need a larger area to park in as the trailer will take up more space than usual
- Four eyes are better than two: If possible, always ask a friend to accompany you. This way they can watch the trailer and you can keep your eyes on the road
- Check your vehicle’s towing capacity: Make sure that your car is strong enough to tow the trailer
- Avoid letting the trailer sway: When packing the trailer make sure to distribute the weight evenly. This will prevent the trailer from swaying around
- Test the breakaway cable: This is an important safety feature. If the trailer detaches from the vehicle the breakaway cable will stop the trailer from moving immediately
- Don’t look away from the road: It may be tempting to change the radio station or quickly check your phone, but this is dangerous. Always keep your eyes firmly on the road. Don’t look away for even a second. Accidents happen quickly
Before You Set-Off
If you have never driven with a trailer before, find a quiet parking lot or street to practice in. Make sure you’re completely comfortable driving the trailer before hitting the open road. Remember that the more weight the trailer has, the longer it will take to stop.
Before setting off run through all the safety checks and ensure that the trailer is packed correctly. Check that the spare tyre is in working order and that you have all the tool trailers brisbane necessary to change it if it goes flat.
Should I Buy or Hire a Trailer
Renting a trailer may be cheaper but it depends on how often you need it and what you need it for. Some companies offer weekly or monthly renting packages.
The main benefit of hiring a trailer is that you don’t need to worry about what will happen if it breaks. If there is a problem with the trailer. Simply, contact the dealership and they will come and replace it for you. The company you hire the trailer from will also take care of the necessary road maintenance and licensing requirements.
If you purchase a trailer for your business, all of the above mentioned will be your responsibility. It’s important to consider these extra costs involved when deciding between hiring and buying a trailer.
Unless you plan on using the trailer on a daily basis and you can quickly recover the cost of buying it then it may be a better option to hire one instead. Advantages to hiring a trailer include:
- Drive the latest model: Hiring a trailer allows you to test out the latest version on the market at a fraction of the cost
- Peace of mind: If anything goes wrong simply return it and receive an immediate replacement
- Ask the experts: If you aren’t sure which trailer would suit your load ask the experts for advice because they deal with loads every day. They will be able to point you in the right direction
Final Thoughts
The main decision between hiring and buying a trailer will ultimately come down to how often you plan on using it and the wear and tear it will be exposed to. Make sure to follow the safety checks, and practice driving with a trailer before hitting the highway.
