The real cost of moving
When planning a move, many people compare two DIY options: hire a trailer and tow it yourself, or rent a small truck. At first glance, truck hire might seem more convenient: no need for a tow bar. But the total cost is often very different from the advertised rate.
Trailer hire: what you pay
On TrailerConnect, trailers start from around $40 a day. Each owner sets their own price and the listing shows the current one. Common options include:
- Cage or box trailer (8×5)
- Large trailer (10×5 or 10×6)
- Enclosed trailer
Your vehicle provides the power, so there are no additional fuel surcharges beyond your normal fuel use. A trailer adds relatively little extra fuel consumption.
Truck hire: what you actually pay
Truck hire companies advertise a low base rate, but the final bill is often higher once you add the extras. Ask the hire company for a full quote before you book, because charges like these can apply:
- Per-kilometre charges: some companies charge per kilometre on top of the daily rate
- Fuel: trucks use more fuel than a car, and refuelling terms vary
- Insurance or excess reduction add-ons: ask the hire company what applies, and check with your own insurer
- After-hours fees: some depots charge for pickups or returns outside business hours
- Young driver surcharge: can apply to younger drivers at some companies
When a trailer wins
- You already have a vehicle with a tow bar and adequate towing capacity
- You're doing a local move (under 50km)
- You have a one-to-two bedroom load that fits in a large cage or box trailer
- You want flexible pickup times, arranged directly with the owner
When a truck makes more sense
- You have a full house load that genuinely won't fit in a trailer (even with multiple trips)
- You're moving long distance (100km+) where multiple trailer trips aren't practical
- You don't have a tow bar or your vehicle can't tow the size trailer you need
- You're moving fragile furniture and want the enclosed security of a van-body truck
The hidden advantage of trailer hire
With a trailer, you can load at your own pace. You park the trailer at your front door, load it across the day, and drive once when you're ready. With a truck, the clock is running the moment you leave the depot. Trailer hire is inherently more relaxed. For many moves, that calm matters.