Whether you’re moving heavy equipment, transporting vehicles, or hauling landscaping materials, choosing the right trailer is essential for a safe and efficient haul.

Trailers come in various shapes and sizes, each designed to meet different needs.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common types of trailers used for hauling, discuss the pros and cons of buying versus renting, and provide practical tips on how to rent a trailer.

1. Common Types of Trailers Used for Hauling

When it comes to hauling, the type of trailer you need largely depends on what you’re transporting. Below are the most common types of trailers and their specific uses:

a. Utility Trailers

Utility trailers are versatile, lightweight trailers that are ideal for transporting small to medium loads. These trailers are commonly used for landscaping equipment, ATVs, and motorcycles. Open utility trailers have no sides or roof, making them easy to load and unload but less suited for weather-sensitive cargo.

Best for: Yard work, moving furniture, transporting light equipment.
Pros: Easy to tow, lightweight, affordable.
Cons: Limited protection from weather, lower weight capacity.

b. Enclosed Trailers

Enclosed trailers provide a safe, secure way to transport goods that need protection from the elements. These trailers are fully covered with walls and a roof, often lockable, making them ideal for transporting valuable items. They come in a range of sizes and are used in moving companies, by contractors, and for long-distance hauling.

Best for: Moving homes, transporting valuable cargo, long-distance hauls.
Pros: Weather protection, added security, more cargo capacity.
Cons: Heavier than open trailers, more expensive.

c. Flatbed Trailers

Flatbed trailers are large, open trailers without sides or roofs, making them highly flexible for hauling oversized or awkwardly shaped items like lumber, construction materials, or heavy machinery. The flatbed design allows for easy loading from the sides and top, making it the go-to choice for industrial and construction use.

Best for: Heavy equipment, large construction materials, vehicles.
Pros: Flexible loading/unloading, can carry oversized loads.
Cons: Cargo is exposed to weather, may require specialized equipment to load.

d. Dump Trailers

Dump trailers are designed to haul loose materials like dirt, gravel, or construction debris. They have hydraulic systems that allow the bed of the trailer to be tilted, making it easy to unload materials by simply lifting the bed.

Best for: Landscaping projects, hauling dirt, gravel, or debris.
Pros: Hydraulic dumping system saves time and effort, rugged build for heavy-duty tasks.
Cons: More expensive, heavier than utility trailers.

e. Gooseneck Trailers

Gooseneck trailers are distinguished by their hitch, which connects to a ball mount in the bed of a truck rather than to a bumper hitch. This design provides more stability and a higher weight capacity, making them ideal for towing heavy loads like livestock, large equipment, or multiple vehicles.

Best for: Heavy-duty hauling, transporting livestock, towing multiple vehicles.
Pros: High stability, large weight capacity, maneuverability.
Cons: Requires a truck with a gooseneck hitch, more expensive to rent or buy.

f. Car Hauler Trailers

These trailers are designed specifically for transporting vehicles. Car hauler trailers can be open or enclosed, depending on whether you want to protect the vehicle from weather conditions. Open car haulers are more common and affordable, while enclosed ones offer more protection but come at a higher cost.

Best for: Towing cars, SUVs, or small trucks.
Pros: Tailored for vehicle transport, comes in various sizes.
Cons: May not be versatile for other hauling purposes.

2. Buying vs. Renting a Trailer: What’s Best for You?

Whether you decide to buy or rent a trailer depends on several factors, including how often you need it, your budget, and your long-term hauling needs. Let’s dive into the advantages and disadvantages of both options.

a. Buying a Trailer

Pros:

Long-term Savings: If you regularly need a trailer, buying one can save you money in the long run compared to renting repeatedly.
Convenience: Owning a trailer means you have it on hand whenever you need it, without worrying about rental availability.
Customization: When you own a trailer, you can make modifications or upgrades to suit your specific needs.

Cons:

Upfront Cost: Trailers can be expensive to purchase, especially heavy-duty models like gooseneck or enclosed trailers.
Maintenance: Owning a trailer comes with maintenance responsibilities, from tire replacements to regular inspections.
Storage: You’ll need space to store the trailer when it’s not in use, which can be challenging for those with limited storage options.

b. Renting a Trailer

Pros:

Lower Cost: If you only need a trailer occasionally, renting can be much more cost-effective than buying one.
No Maintenance Worries: Rental companies handle maintenance and repairs, so you don’t have to worry about upkeep.
Flexibility: Renting allows you to choose the right type of trailer for each job. For instance, you can rent a utility trailer one weekend and a flatbed the next.

Cons:

Availability: You may not always be able to get the trailer you need at the exact time you need it, especially during busy seasons.
Recurring Costs: Frequent rentals can add up, making it more expensive than buying in the long run.
Limited Customization: Rental trailers often come as-is, with no option to customize or upgrade.

c. Which Should You Choose?

Buy if you need a trailer for frequent or long-term use, have the budget, and can manage the storage and maintenance requirements.
Rent if you only need a trailer occasionally, want to avoid maintenance costs, or require different types of trailers for different jobs.

3. How to Rent a Trailer: Step-by-Step Guide

Renting a trailer can be a straightforward process, but there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here’s how to rent a trailer in a few simple steps:

a. Determine the Type of Trailer You Need

The first step is identifying the right trailer for your specific hauling needs. Are you moving a vehicle, hauling dirt, or transporting large equipment? Refer back to the types of trailers above to help you choose the right one.

b. Find a Reputable Rental Company

Look for a trailer rental company with good reviews, fair pricing, and a variety of trailer options. Some companies, such as Johnson Trailer Rentals, U-Haul, Penske, and Enterprise, offer trailer rentals, as do many local equipment rental companies.

Tip: Check online reviews or ask for recommendations from friends or colleagues who have rented trailers before.

c. Check Availability and Rates

Once you’ve found a few potential trailer rental companies, check the availability of the trailer you need. You’ll also want to compare rental rates, which can vary depending on the type of trailer, rental duration, and location.

Tip: Be sure to ask about any additional fees, such as deposits, insurance, or late return penalties.

d. Inspect the Trailer

Before finalizing your trailer rental, inspect the trailer for any signs of damage. Ensure that the tires, lights, brakes, and hitch are all in good working condition. Document any existing damage so you’re not held responsible when you return it.

Tip: Take photos of the trailer before driving away for extra peace of mind.

e. Understand the Rental Terms

Read the rental agreement carefully to understand the terms, including return times, mileage limits, and any penalties for late returns or damage. Make sure you know what’s included in the rental (e.g., straps, ramps, or additional equipment) and what you’ll need to provide yourself.

f. Return the Trailer on Time

Once your hauling is done, return the trailer on or before the agreed-upon return date. Clean out the trailer, especially if you were hauling loose materials, to avoid any cleaning fees.

Conclusion

When it comes to hauling, choosing the right trailer can make all the difference. Whether you need a simple utility trailer or a heavy-duty gooseneck, there’s a wide range of options to suit your needs. Deciding between buying and renting a trailer depends on how often you haul and what you’re hauling. If you’re new to trailers or only need one occasionally, renting is an easy, cost-effective solution.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to rent the right trailer for your job and get your hauling done efficiently. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned professional, understanding the ins and outs of trailers will help you get the job done right.