Rental Cargo Trailers

bofa

bofa

New member
Hey guys - looking for some input and experience with rental trailers. When we move next year I'm planning to rent a small trailer, 5x8, 10, or 12 to bring some items that I don't want to put on the moving truck. Plus we will have the dogs with us so luggage will go in there as well. Anyway, how does the SR5 do with these trailers? Is there enough clearance to open the hatch with the trailer attached? Any recommendation on locks etc to keep our stuff secure? We will probably stay in 4 different hotels along the way and in unfamiliar territory.

Also, has anyone rented cargo trailers from Hertz before. I assumed U-haul was the only game in town but Hertz equipment rentals seem to have some fairly large trailers for rent a reasonable prices. I need to call them to confirm if they do one-way and stuff like U-haul.
 
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Hi this is Mitt, I am glad you asked because I have some suggestions about the Dogs....

Seriously though, I have always used U-Haul (AAA discount) ease of pick-up and Drop-off everywhere.
Make sure to check with your Insurance Agent on coverage germane to your Auto AND Property policies. Get the "guarantees of coverage IN WRITING email or fax.
Be Safe.
 
can't add any info about the towing or clearing tailgate, but I personally think u-haul is the biggest rip off around. I got quoted something around 900 for 5 days and one way with mileage. for the money you pay for u-haul, you could buy a trailer used locally and sell it when you get where you are going. you could break even most likely or even make a profit if you find a good deal.
 
Thanks foxtrot - I'll check those out. I was considering buying one and selling it after we get there. The quote I got from U-haul was much lower than what you mentioned though... $261 for 5x8 for a week. 6x12 was $456.
 
bofa said:
Thanks foxtrot - I'll check those out. I was considering buying one and selling it after we get there. The quote I got from U-haul was much lower than what you mentioned though... $261 for 5x8 for a week. 6x12 was $456.
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With the economy the way it is, "I appreciate your quote but, here is my offer and I will contract it today......."
The store Mangers are bonused on volume as well as Gross sales. Why turn down a reasonable offer? Just as long as it isn't when Colleges are moving in..... no reason not to.
Good luck.
 
bofa,
I work for United Rentals. We are similar to Hertz, except we are much bigger in the construction industry and don't deal with the rental cars. The way our system works, you return the equipment to the same location you rent it from. This obviously means no 1 way trips. Hertz may be different, but I wouldn't think so.

As far as security is concerned, I would get one of these coupler locks for the hotel stays. After a long day of driving with the trailer, you'll probably want to un-hook to go out for dinner, or whatever. I'd also park the trailer under parking lot lights every night. It's not 100%, but the more steps you take for security, the better off you'll be.
Other options are Penske and United Van Lines, but UHaul has always been the best price for stuff like this in our area.
Hope this helps
 
RubiconSS said:
With the economy the way it is, "I appreciate your quote but, here is my offer and I will contract it today......."
The store Mangers are bonused on volume as well as Gross sales. Why turn down a reasonable offer? Just as long as it isn't when Colleges are moving in..... no reason not to.
Good luck.
Click to expand...

Good idea - I'll keep that in mind. We're targeting late June but there are a few variables that could move it up quite a bit. Even at full price it's fine though. Just wanted some input on my other questions.
 
Dusty Driftwood said:
bofa,
I work for United Rentals. We are similar to Hertz, except we are much bigger in the construction industry and don't deal with the rental cars. The way our system works, you return the equipment to the same location you rent it from. This obviously means no 1 way trips. Hertz may be different, but I wouldn't think so.

As far as security is concerned, I would get one of these coupler locks for the hotel stays. After a long day of driving with the trailer, you'll probably want to un-hook to go out for dinner, or whatever. I'd also park the trailer under parking lot lights every night. It's not 100%, but the more steps you take for security, the better off you'll be.
Other options are Penske and United Van Lines, but UHaul has always been the best price for stuff like this in our area.
Hope this helps
Click to expand...

Thanks - that's what I was wondering. I'm guessing they are more geared towards local business rentals. I'll probably keep it hooked up the whole way. We're looking at 8-10 hours of driving a day so there won't be much venturing once we stop. I'm looking into locks for the receiver, hitch, and trailer. Hopefully I can find a spot that will allow me to park close to the room or back up to a solid wall or something.
 
bofa said:
Good idea - I'll keep that in mind. We're targeting late June but there are a few variables that could move it up quite a bit. Even at full price it's fine though. Just wanted some input on my other questions.
Click to expand...

Well the thing is, it sounded like you needed a one-way and "drop it off" that convenience comes with a price..... FL to CO and "Drop and I'm done" for around $200 no brainer IMO compared to buying unless you want/need/can store a trailer.....
Be safe and Enjoy!!
 
Want? Yes. Need? No. Room to store? No idea yet. That's one it the items my better half has never supported buying, even when I pitched it as part of a 'hurricane evacuation plan' lol. She said, well if that happens, buy it then. Doh! We'll probably end up renting unless I find a killer deal on a used one between now and then.
 
I own three(3) trailers all different sizes. Use them and they are nice to have.
If you can do that... Good solution.
 
Look over there trailer selection and pick the newest one. Some of the rental trailers are beat with aging tires. I do not think you get a spare with the trailer so have a tire plug kit and air compressor with you.
 
I've rented from u-haul about four times this year and have always had a pleasant experience. I've rented both open and enclosed 5x8s. Never rented for more than 24hours so the rental price was always pretty low. The 5x8 enclosed that I rented on Friday left plenty of room for tailgate clearance. Not sure if you can lock the trailer to the ball as they use this rotating do-hickey to tighten up around the ball.
 
I would look into buying you can fun some good deal I have a 6x12 and have friends rent it from me from time to time for a few buck here and there and I am sure that alone has paid for it
 
^ I think I know what you meant. I had also thought about renting a dumpster or one of those bag steer things to toss a bunch of stuff before we go. If I add the cost of that to a decent used trailer and just haul the stuff away myself, I'm about halfway there. I pitched the idea to the Mrs and she didn't fire off an immediate "no" this time.
 
If you do rent from Uhaul, get a trailer with an automatic hydraulic surge brake (it's on the two biggest sized trailers). They are very nice to have when you have to brake hard in an emergency situation. If you have never hauled a trailer, I would recommend practicing a bit with it before you load it up. Especially when reversing the trailer, you just really have to think the opposite when you turn the wheel. Go to an empty parking lot and play around with it, you may look stupid learning how to tow a trailer, but it's well worth looking stupid before you drive with your precious cargo :)
 
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