Cage Trailer Hire in Australia: Sizes, Prices & What to Know

What is a cage trailer?

A cage trailer is an open-sided trailer with high mesh or steel cage walls that stop loose loads falling out. They're a common trailer type in Australia and a go-to choice for tip runs, garden waste, furniture, building rubble, green waste, and general moving. Cage trailer hire is available from local owners across Australia on TrailerConnect.

Cage trailer sizes explained

Australian cage trailers are measured in feet: width × length (e.g. 6×4, 8×5, 10×6). The first number is the width, the second is the deck length. Here's what each size suits. For weight ratings, check the trailer's compliance plate or ask the owner:

Size	Approx deck area	Best for
6×4	1.8m × 1.2m	Small tip runs, bags of mulch, household waste
7×4 / 7×5	2.1m × 1.5m	Garden waste, boxes, small furniture loads
8×5	2.4m × 1.5m	Furniture moves, larger tip runs, renovation waste
10×5	3.0m × 1.5m	Full room of furniture, long items like timber or pipe
10×6	3.0m × 1.8m	Big moves, bulky items, large tip loads, ride-on mowers

If you're doing a tip run with a full load of soil or concrete rubble, be aware these materials are very heavy, and a shallow load adds up quickly. Check the trailer's compliance plate and ask the owner what it can carry before you load it.

How much does cage trailer hire cost?

On TrailerConnect, cage trailer hire starts from around $35 a day. Each owner sets their own price and the listing shows the current one.

Hiring from a local owner can work out cheaper than a hire yard. Weekend rates are sometimes higher. Many owners offer half-day rates for short jobs like a single tip run.

Do I need a ramp?

Many cage trailers include a drop-down rear ramp, which makes loading ride-on mowers, motorcycles, wheelbarrows, or wheeled equipment much easier. If you're loading anything that can't be lifted, make sure the listing specifies a ramp. Search filters on TrailerConnect let you filter by trailer features.

Towing a cage trailer

There are rules about towing a trailer in Australia and they differ between states. Check with your state road authority, such as VicRoads, Transport for NSW, or Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads, before you tow. A few things to sort out first:

Trailer brakes: whether a trailer has brakes, and what type, varies. Check the listing, ask the owner, and check the rules with your state road authority.
Ball size: make sure the trailer's coupling matches the tow ball on your car. Ask the owner if you're not sure.
Towing capacity: your vehicle has a rated towing capacity. You'll find it in your owner's manual or on a compliance plate in the engine bay.

Tips for tip runs

Cage trailers are a standard choice for tip runs across Australia. A few tips to make the trip smooth:

Call your local tip before you go to confirm they accept the material you're dropping off. Sites differ in what they take.
Cover light loads (mulch, grass clippings, plastic bags) with a tarp or net. It keeps debris off the road, and there are rules about covering loads that differ between states, so check with your state road authority.
Don't overload. Ask your local tip how they charge, and ask the trailer's owner what it can carry. Overloading can damage the trailer's axle or your tow vehicle.
Allow extra time. Queues can be long, so check your local tip's hours before you set off.

Cage trailer hire by city

Browse cage trailers from verified local owners across Australia:

Cage trailer vs enclosed trailer: which should you hire?

A cage trailer suits most everyday jobs, like tip runs, garden waste, furniture and building material. If you're moving items that can't get wet (mattresses, electronics, cardboard boxes), or you want a lockable load, consider an enclosed trailer instead. For a full comparison, see our cage trailer vs enclosed trailer guide.

Start your search

Find a cage trailer near you at trailerconnect.com.au/hire/cage-trailer. Browse by suburb, compare sizes and prices, and book instantly. Many listings are available 7 days, with flexible pickup times to suit your schedule.