How to Choose the Right Size Utility Trailer

A Guide to Rental Trailer Hire..

 

Setting out, to hire a rental trailer soon? You are not alone. Were not just interested in sending you out with any rental trailer, were interested in sending you out with the right one. 

How to Choose the Right Size Rental Trailer Step 1: What Kind of Vehicle Will You Tow Your Rental Trailer with?

The first question you should ask yourself when determining a rental trailer is what is the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of your vehicle. This is an amount which is determined when the car is manufactured. It takes into account the weight of the vehicle, passengers, fuel, fluids and cargo that you will be carrying. It determines the maximum amount of weight and passengers that can be carried by your car. If you do not know this, check the owner manual. 

Also, another important thing to remember is the tongue weight of the rental trailer. The tongue weight is a towing term used to refer to the downward force that the tongue of the trailer applies on the hitch of the towing vehicle. Tongue weight can vary as a percent of the gross trailer rate but most experts agree that an acceptable tongue weight for any trailer is somewhere between 9 and 15 percent of the gross trailer weight (GTW). 

How to Choose the Right Size Rental Trailer Step 2: What Will the Trailer Be Used For?

it's important to know how you'll be using a utility trailer before renting one. Think about, what exactly you will be using it for? Are you only going to be hauling a few sandbags, and some tools? Then you will only need a smaller wooden floored rental trailer. If you are going to be towing heavier, things like types of vehicles from a heavier vehicle, then you are going to need more floor space, with a heavier load carrying capacity on your rental trailer. Also, you should consider things like, does the load you are carrying need to be protected from the weather? How easily do you need workers to be able to get tools off the rental trailer, and put them back on? Are there any legal limitations, where you live? Will, your load, require ramp and sides? A tailgate? 

These things will determine the size of the rental trailer you will choose. 

How to Choose the Right Size Rental Trailer Step 3: Determining the Right Hitch. 

 

Choosing the right hitch to tow your rental trailer is one of the most important steps to take. 

A trailer hitch generally consists of a couple of components: 

To select the right hitch for your vehicle: 

1. Check the towing capacity of you tow vehicle.
2. Determine the gross trailer weight (GTW) of your tow item.
3. Select the class of hitch rated for you vehicle. 

It is a good idea to ask a qualified hitch installer which type of hitch is best for your rental trailer and have it installed by an expert.