Why hire from a local owner?
Traditional hire companies charge inflated rates, have limited stock, and close on weekends when you need them most. TrailerConnect connects you with verified local owners who list their trailers when they're not using them — giving you better prices, more choice, and flexible pickup times.
Step 1: Choose the right trailer type
The most common trailer types available for hire in Australia are:
- Cage trailers — best for garden waste, tip runs, furniture moves, and general hauling. Most common type.
- Box trailers — enclosed sides, good for everyday loads. Lighter than cage trailers.
- Enclosed trailers — fully weatherproof and lockable. Ideal for motorcycles, fragile items, or secure storage.
- Car trailers — designed to transport vehicles. Usually include ramps and tie-down points.
- Flat-top trailers — no sides, perfect for oversized or odd-shaped loads like machinery, building supplies, and boats.
- Camping trailers — off-road capable, designed for weekend adventures with gear storage.
Step 2: Check your vehicle's towing capacity
Before booking, confirm your vehicle can legally tow the trailer. Key specs to check:
- GTM (Gross Trailer Mass) — total weight of the loaded trailer. Must not exceed your vehicle's towing capacity.
- Ball size — Australian trailers typically use a 50mm tow ball. Check your vehicle's tow bar specification.
- Trailer plug type — most Australian trailers use a 7-pin flat connector. Some vehicles have 7-pin round.
Your vehicle's towing capacity is in its owner's manual or on a compliance plate in the engine bay.
Step 3: Do you need electric brakes?
In Australia, trailers with a GTM over 750kg are required to have brakes. Trailers over 2,000kg GTM must have a brake controller in the towing vehicle. If the trailer you're hiring has electric brakes, you need a brake controller installed in your car — a portable plug-in unit works if you don't have a permanent one fitted.
Step 4: Book your trailer
On TrailerConnect, you can use Instant Book to confirm immediately without waiting for owner approval — great for last-minute hire. For trailers without Instant Book, send a request and the owner typically responds within a few hours.
Step 5: Pickup and return
Once your booking is confirmed, contact the owner to arrange a pickup time. Take photos of the trailer before you attach it — this protects both parties if there's any dispute about damage. Return the trailer on time and in clean condition.
How much does trailer hire cost in Australia?
On TrailerConnect, trailer hire prices start from around $25/day for basic cage or box trailers. Enclosed and specialty trailers typically range from $60–$150/day. Weekend rates may be slightly higher. Prices are set by individual owners, so there's genuine competition — you're not paying the retail markup of a hire company.