Regular trailer users will agree that trailer rental is a cost-effective alternative to hiring a tow truck, ute, or moving truck. Not only does it save you money, but allows you to move items at your own pace.
Whether you need to move furniture, a secondary car, or you simply want to get rid of garden rubble, the trailer hire Bendigo locals rely on is a top choice. However, if you’re a first-time trailer user, there are a few tips to keep in mind.
Trailer Hire is Always the Simplest Option
Having someone move your items comes with its convenience. But if you’re on a tight budget or you don’t have the luxury of a flexible schedule, outsourcing can be quite stressful. It’s with this in mind that many Australians opt for the simplicity and flexibility of trailer hire. Here are a few tips to get you started.
1: Ensure that Your Towing Vehicle Has a Tow Bar or Ball
If you’ve hired a trailer before, or you’ve assisted someone who has, then checking if the owning vehicle has a tow bar is quite obvious. First times may need a reminder here.
A tow bar is a specifically designed connection point that you use to connect the trailer to your vehicle. These bars have been manufactured with heavy weights in mind and reduce the stress of a trailer on your car’s chassis.
It will also minimise the risk of swaying and jackknifing. Keep in mind that towing a trailer without the necessary tow bar is illegal. This can result in traffic violations and fines. Take your towing vehicle to the rental agency, and an expert will check if your tow bar is suited to the task.
2: Assess Your Towing Skills
Experienced trailer users make towing look quick and easy. However, it’s essential to point out that these skills don’t magically appear, and it may take some practice. Some trailers, especially larger ones, can be difficult to manoeuvre at first. This is especially the case when you’re borrowing a vehicle to do the towing.
Avoid feeling stressed by familiarising yourself with the towing vehicle (if you’re borrowing one) and ask an experienced friend to accompany you. Schedule your towing trips for quieter times of the day to avoid the pressure of lots of traffic.
If your schedule allows, make smaller loads. This will not only make the load lighter but also give you more confidence. You’ll be an expert tower in no time.
3: Practice Driving With the Trailer
No matter how experienced you are at driving, towing a trailer comes with its own set of adjustments. For starters, a trailer adds significant weight to your towing vehicle. This means you will have to adjust your stopping distances as a heavier vehicle will need more stopping distance.
Keep in mind that stopping suddenly can cause the trailer to jack-knife and slam into your vehicle. It’s a good idea to practice driving with the empty trailer to give you an idea of what to expect. Getting used to maneuvering the trailer in an empty parking lot or deserted road may be easier than using the trailer for the first time in peak traffic.
You will also need to practice reversing with your hired trailer. First-time trailer users may find that trailers have a mind of their own and can swing left when you’re turning right. This usually happens if you’re reversing too fast. It’s a good idea to practice a few reverse sessions to get more comfortable with the skill required.
4: Always Hire the Right Trailer for the Job
Reputable trailer hire companies typically offer a wide range of trailers. These are available in a range of sizes, capacities, and functions. This means that you will need to hire the right trailer for the type of cargo you want to haul.
Some of the more common trailers available for rental include the following:
- Tilt/tip trailers: These trailers have a tilting mechanism that allows them to unload items by tipping them out. This is ideal for use when transporting garden or building rubble.
- Cage trailer: With these trailers, the trailer sides are raised, making it easy to transport furniture, garden supplies, and construction materials without the risk of them falling off the sides. These are available in single and double axle options, depending on the size you need. Keep in mind that double axle trailers have to be towed by a SUV-type vehicle.
- Furniture trailer: These are larger, fully enclosed trailers that make moving furniture a complete breeze. Since all the sides are enclosed and there’s a lockable door, you will easily be able to move appliances, electronics, and other valuables safely and securely. Using these trailers means you won’t be left with damaged goods when it starts raining in the middle of your move.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a trailer is considerably easier than actually driving with one. However, opting for the right trailer and using our easy tips will have you mastering the art of driving and maneuvering your vehicle with a trailer in no time!
