Trailer Rentals Made Simple: What You Need to Know Before You Tow
Trailer Rentals Made Simple: What You Need to Know Before You Tow
Rental Village and ShopRV.ca are here to help make trailer rentals safer, simpler, and less stressful. Whether you are moving materials, hauling equipment, or tackling a weekend project, the right trailer can save time and effort — but towing also comes with real responsibilities.
Our goal is to create a smooth, successful experience by helping you choose the right trailer, explaining what to expect, and making sure you leave with the information you need to tow safely and confidently.
If you only do one thing: Make sure your vehicle is rated for the trailer and load you plan to tow before you arrive.
We Take Safety Seriously
Every trailer is inspected before it leaves our yard. We are happy to assist with hookup and basic connection checks, but once the trailer leaves our property, you are responsible for making sure the connection is correct, the lights are working, and the load is secure.
There is an increased focus on trailer safety on the road, and for good reason. A trailer that is not properly matched, connected, or loaded can quickly become a serious hazard.
Why Trailer Rentals Are Different
Trailer rentals involve more variables than many other equipment rentals. Your towing experience depends on your vehicle, hitch setup, trailer balance, load weight, and road conditions. Even experienced drivers need to be cautious when towing, especially when turning, backing up, braking, or travelling at highway speeds.
Matching the Trailer to Your Vehicle
You need to account for trailer weight, load weight, tongue weight, and your total combined towing capacity. A properly sized trailer matched to the right vehicle helps create a safer towing experience and reduces the chance of sway, poor braking, or vehicle strain.
We are not the final authority on your vehicle’s towing limits, but we do make a strong effort to help customers tow safely. If we are concerned about the setup, we cannot in good conscience send it out on the road. Please take time to check your owner’s manual, confirm your towing limits, and talk to us before renting if you are unsure.
What You’re Responsible For
Once the trailer leaves our yard, the condition of items like tires, safety chains, and wiring can change quickly depending on how and where the trailer is used. Rough job sites, curbs, nails, overloading, and tight turns can all cause damage.
Please inspect the trailer before leaving and make sure you are satisfied with the condition of the tires. When loading a trailer, remember that your tow vehicle may squat lower, so check that safety chains and wiring are not dragging on the ground. Watch carefully when turning tightly and stay clear of curbs, debris, and areas where nails or sharp objects may be present.
Damage Waiver Limitations
Damage waiver does not cover tires, safety chains, or electrical harnesses that have dragged on the ground. Liability or collision coverage while the trailer is connected to your vehicle is also not provided by Rental Village.
Insurance and Liability
In most cases, liability and collision coverage transfer through your towing vehicle’s insurance policy — but only if towing is properly included in your coverage. If you are unsure, check with your insurance provider before renting.
Helpful reminder: A quick call to your insurance broker before pickup can save a lot of frustration later.
Before You Tow Checklist
- Hitch secured properly
- Safety chains attached correctly
- Lights tested and working
- Load balanced and secured
- Tires inspected and in good condition
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a brake controller?
Most of our trailers have surge brakes, so a brake controller is not required.
Can I tow with an SUV?
Many SUVs can tow a trailer, but you should always confirm the vehicle’s towing capacity before renting.
What if I’ve never towed before?
Our team will walk you through the setup and review the basics so you leave with a better understanding of what to watch for.
Do I need special insurance?
Often the trailer is covered under your vehicle policy if towing has been added, but you should confirm that with your insurance provider.
Need Help Choosing the Right Trailer?
If you are not sure what trailer fits your job, ask us before you tow. We would much rather help you choose the right setup up front than have you discover a problem after loading.
Rental Village is here to help with practical advice, dependable equipment, and support from a local team that wants your project to go well. And if you are shopping for tools, accessories, and equipment, be sure to visit ShopRV.ca as well.
Proudly serving our communities for over 40 years
Perth | Carleton Place | Smiths Falls | Stittsville
