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From site setup to structural and underground work to core construction operations – United Rentals delivers solutions and technology for every phase of your project
How to choose the right trailer
Cargo Type & Maximum Load Weight
- Start with what you’re hauling and its maximum weight including any uneven or shifting loads when you rent a trailer. For specialized or heavier items, consider a heavy duty trailer rental like dump trailers
- Then a select trailer with a rating and axle setup that gives you capacity headroom for safer towing and braking
- When choosing a trailer, calculate the total equipment or material weight to understand what load rating you require
Cargo Dimensions & Required Bed or Tank Size
- Measure the largest item’s length width and height and confirm the bed or tank dimensions needed for proper fit and tie-down when choosing a utility trailer or flatbed rental.
- Leave room for securement and loading angles; tight fits make loading harder and increase damage risk
- Confirm that cargo dimensions allow for legal road transport and proper securement, considering specialized equipment trailer rental options like hydraulic drop deck trailers for oversized items
Vehicle Towing Capacity & Site Conditions
- Check your tow vehicle’s rated towing capacity hitch class and brake controller requirements before you rent a trailer or choose an equipment trailer rental
- If you’ll tow off-road or on rough access roads, prioritize the ground clearance and stability of a heavy duty trailer rental to keep handling predictable
- Verify your tow vehicle has the necessary hitch class wiring and brake controller for the chosen heavy duty trailer rental or utility trailer rental to ensure a safe and legally compliant towing experience
FAQs about trailers
When you need a trailer for rent, Untied Rentals offers an extensive range of options. Trailer rentals help to transport large and bulky materials or equipment and easily attach to your vehicle. This selection of trailers features hydraulic tilt trailers, cable reel and utility pole trailers, flatbed trailer rentals, dump trailers and more, helpful for hauling heavy equipment like mini-excavators or skid steers and materials like rebar or steel. Additionally, our trailer fleet includes single and tandem axle options, as well as various sizes and capabilities. For more information about selecting the best trailer rental for your project, read our Project Uptime article, “Types of Flatbed and Utility Trailers: How to Choose the Right One.”
Learn more about trailers in our FAQ section below.
Several factors determine the right trailer size for your projects. Consider your axle and length requirements, as well as your vehicle’s towing capacity, load capacity and more. For smaller jobs, single-axle trailers are more cost-effective and easier to maneuver with one set of wheels. Meanwhile, larger tandem-axle trailers provide higher payload capacities ideal for larger jobsites and construction projects. We also offer mobile tool trailers, which make your tools more accessible. Learn about how managed tool trailers can save you time and increase productivity. It is also important to consider the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the trailer, which measures the trailer’s weight plus the maximum cargo capacity.
In most states a special license is not required to tow a trailer unless the GVWR is above 26,000 pounds. For vehicles that weigh more than 26,000 pounds with a tow greater than 10,000 pounds, the driver will need a class A license. Be sure to check local restrictions before renting or towing a trailer.
For non-motorized rental trailers, additional insurance is often not required. In most cases, the liability coverage from your primary vehicle extends to anything hitched to your vehicle, like a trailer. Additionally, if you rent both a truck and trailer from United Rentals, all insurance will be handled by United Rentals. Need more help? Contact our equipment experts for further guidance.