If you are a horse owner, having a horse trailer can make hauling your horses hassle-free. But you may not have ready money to make such a significant purchase. Enter horse trailer rentals, and your horse hauling needs are answered. Although trailer rentals are not easy to find, they present a level of convenience that horse owners live for.
Read on to understand everything you should know about renting a horse trailer.
Why Do You Need to Rent a Trailer?
Horse trailers don’t come cheap. But why splash your hard-earned money on one when you don’t haul your horse too often? The better alternative is to rent a horse trailer when you need it.
Of course, your hauling needs largely depend on the equine events you take part in and your lifestyle. If you have friends with one, you may occasionally borrow their trailer when you need to haul your horse instead of renting.
To Rent or Buy a Horse Trailer?
Horse trailers are expensive. Renting one will set you back $60-$100 a day for a two-horse trailer and $150-$180 for a 3-horse trailer with living quarters.
Rental price is usually influenced by the size of the trailer, the number of compartments on board, and the brand of the trailer. Of course, the price will rise for weekly or monthly rentals. But the price is not the only factor you need to consider when deciding to rent or buy.
Renting remains a better option if you will only haul your horse once or twice a year. But for frequent hauling, especially if you have a racehorse, buying your own trailer will be more economical in the long run.
Where Can You Rent a Trailer?
You may drive for miles before finding a commercial trailer willing to rent out their trailers. Instead, approach a local private horse trailer owner for a rental.
Private Owner Rental
This remains the most viable option for most people. Visit equestrian events to connect with private horse owners. You can also contact the local equine organizations for recommendations of private horse trailer owners.
Social media can also allow you to connect with horse trailer rentals. Many enthusiasts will direct you to a private owner that owns a trailer. Get a broader reach by posting your interest in trailer rentals on sites like Craigslist.
Commercial Horse Trailer Rentals
Dealers that rent out trailers are hard to come by, and even when you do, they hardly rent out trailers. They cite reasons such as trailer damages, extra personnel costs to handle rentals, and high insurance costs.
That notwithstanding, you can still rent trailers from reliable commercial vendors. Some even offer loaner hitches as a bonus if you don’t have proper towing equipment on your vehicle.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Trailer?
Some of the factors that influence trailer rental prices include:
- The length of the rental period—extended periods will earn you a discount
- The type and brand of the trailer
- Trailer rental service location—farther locations cost more
- The specific day of rental—action-packed weekends are more expensive than quiet weekdays
A commercial trailer rental company charges $60-$75 for a 2-horse trailer and $75-$100 for a 3-horse gooseneck trailer. A weekly rental will set you back more than $400, with monthly rental charges surpassing $1,300. These prices go higher after taxes and fees are added.
Use these figures as a guide when bargaining for a favorable price from a private trailer owner.
Some Companies Lease Trailers
Trailer leasing is really just like a long-term rental. It’s an opportunity to have the trailer for several years without paying the full price of a trailer.
Once the lease expires, you return the trailer to the leasing company. Horse trailer manufacturers mostly offer this service.
Why Lease a Horse Trailer?
Financing approval when buying a horse trailer takes longer than a leasing approval. By leasing, you have a trailer for a set period at a price lower than if you have paid for the trailer.
You pay a lower lease payment in a month than you would for a trailer loan payment, not forgetting the tax advantages that leasing presents.
Once a lease agreement expires, three options are available:
- Turn in the trailer
- Trade-in with another trailer model
- Buy the trailer
Lease agreements differ between companies. You must do proper research and settle for the lease option that gives you the best deal.
Horse Trailer Rental Tips:
If you believe that trailer rental will fulfill your hauling needs, here are trailer rental tips to help you navigate the process.
1. Search for a Good Trailer Rental Company
Finding a good rental company will spare you agony later on. Visit the local stables, search online, ask for recommendations from friends, etc. Don’t stop until you find a trail rental company with positive customer reviews.
2. Check the Horse’s Trailer Condition
After choosing a horse trailer for rent, ensure you adequately inspect it before towing it away. Ensure the rental agent is around during the inspection to document any existing damage. This way, you will not be falsely accused of damaging the trailer when returning it.
3. Only Choose a Trailer That Will Meet Your Needs
Finding a trailer to rent is not easy. But if lady luck presents you with the option of choosing between different models, only choose one that will meet your hauling needs. Do you need a trailer with living compartments, a 3-horse or a 2-horse trailer? Also, ensure compatibility with your towing vehicle.
4. Check the Contract
No matter how many miles you drive to find a rental trailer, don’t settle for a raw deal. Ensure all the paperwork is in order before you leave the rental yard. Also, contact your insurance provider to confirm if the towing vehicle insurance can cover the trailer.
5. Check Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity
The passenger, horses, and trailer’s combined weight must be lower than the vehicle’s towing capacity. Without the proper weight capacity to tow the trailer, risks such as brake and tire failure will be imminent.
6. Ensure the Trailer Is Insured
Separate trailer insurance is not a requirement because the trailer is covered under the towing vehicle’s insurance. However, some expensive and large trailers may be excluded from the insurance coverage.
You should choose a rental company that offers sufficient coverage for their trailers. But note that trailer damages caused by the horse are not covered. You must bear the costs of repairing those damages.
7. Carefully Read the Terms and Conditions
After choosing the rental company to work with, carefully read all the terms. The contract must list the trailer’s insurance information and the VIN (vehicle identification number). Don’t forget to match the trailer’s registration number with the license plate of your vehicle.
8. Have an Emergency Plan
Prepare adequately for anything that may happen on the road. Ensure you have the insurance and rental company’s contacts in case of an emergency during your trip.
Inform a friend before making the trip so they can know where to find you in case of anything. As a safety precaution, your car and the trailer must have spare tires.
It will also be wise to carry enough supplies for both you and the horse if you get stranded or stuck far away from home.
9. Check the Trailer Before Returning It
Thoroughly wash the trailer before returning it to the rental company. It is considerate and speaks well of you. Otherwise, the rental company may demand an additional fee. Also, inspect the entire trailer to ensure there are no damages before returning it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Renting a Horse Trailer Expensive?
Renting may not be as pricey as purchasing a trailer, but it is not cheap either. Day rentals cost between $80-$100 for a day. The brand, model, and compartments in the trailer determine the price.
How Do I Choose a Trailer?
A good trailer must have sufficient space for your needs. It must also be compatible with your towing vehicle.
Can Horses Sleep in a Trailer?
No. Horses cannot sleep in a trailer. For safety, only carry horses in a hitched trailer to reduce chances of injury.
How Long Should You Trailer a Horse?
It is not advisable to trailer a horse for more than 12 hours at a time. Rest every 4 hours to check on the horse and to offer it water.
Conclusion
Trailers are very convenient for horse owners, especially those who frequently haul their horses. But considering the price tag, not every horse owner may afford to buy a new trailer. Thanks to trailer rental options, horse owners can still haul their horses to the vet, trail riding locations, or to trainers at a reasonable fee.
SEE ALSO: Can You Rent A Horse for A Day?
Featured Image Credit: Tho-Ge, Pixabay
Nicole is the proud mom of Baby, a Burmese cat and Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts’ knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.
