Renting a big trailer
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Utah
Renting a big trailer
I'm getting ready to move from Colorado to Utah next month. After pricing U-haul (and similar) trucks it seems like it would be a lot cheaper to rent a trailer and use my 91 f250D to pull it. But the biggest covered trailer I can find is 6x12x5.5ft and thats not going to be big enough even if I fill the truck bed.
Does anyone know where I can rent a big trailer? I had access to a 24' covered car hauler that would have been perfect. except that I can't use it now.
Any ideas would be helpful.
Does anyone know where I can rent a big trailer? I had access to a 24' covered car hauler that would have been perfect. except that I can't use it now.
Any ideas would be helpful.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,959
Likes: 9
From: USA
I doubt if you will find a very big enclosed trailer to rent one-way. You *may* be able to find one to rent locally, and return it to the same place you picked it up from. I say 'may' because there just aren't all that many places who rent enclosed trailers. You'll have much better luck renting an open flatbed and just tie everything down and tarp it. Any equipment rental place can rent you a 16' flatbed...
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
Myself, I would buy a used two car enclosed trailer and sell the trailer once I was done with it. Make sure you insure the trailer, put locks on the hitch and doors, and insure the contents.
Your other option would be an enclosed box van, small straight truck, or small cab over truck from Ryder Truck (not Ryder rental). Get the warranty, especially if it is an Izusu cab over. Tow your truck and sell the rental truck once you got there. Usually the Ryder trucks have their latest PM service done (sheet will be in the folder) before being taken out of service. Many trucks have pintle hooks and tow hitches already installed. When you get the PM sheets you can either buy a truck that had a recent engine or transmission, or like me avoid them because it means it was beat on unless it has over 150k.
Your other option would be an enclosed box van, small straight truck, or small cab over truck from Ryder Truck (not Ryder rental). Get the warranty, especially if it is an Izusu cab over. Tow your truck and sell the rental truck once you got there. Usually the Ryder trucks have their latest PM service done (sheet will be in the folder) before being taken out of service. Many trucks have pintle hooks and tow hitches already installed. When you get the PM sheets you can either buy a truck that had a recent engine or transmission, or like me avoid them because it means it was beat on unless it has over 150k.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 849
Likes: 0
From: Leesburg , Fl.
When my wife's sister and her family moved from Mi. to Wa. the bought a used straight truck from Budget Truck Rental and towed a travel trailer with it . When they got settled in Wa. they sold the truck for what they paid for it !
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Utah
Thanks for the input. With so many of those cargo trailers around I was thinking someone had to rent them and I was just missing it. I don't really want to buy another truck, although I see the advantages.
I think I'll look into finding a trailer used. I've been wanted a ~20' flat bed for awhile. That wouldn't be the perfect setup but with a big tarp it might work good enough and then I'd have my flat bed too.
If anyone else has something to add more comments are always welcome.
I think I'll look into finding a trailer used. I've been wanted a ~20' flat bed for awhile. That wouldn't be the perfect setup but with a big tarp it might work good enough and then I'd have my flat bed too.
If anyone else has something to add more comments are always welcome.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
I've moved a number of times and other people using a flat bed, just start with things like a couch, loveseat, recliners what have you on the outside, facing in, and fill it in from there. You may have to lay some of the bigger upright furniture down, but it will ride if you place it strategically. Tarp it and then run the final tie downs over the tarp to reduce flapping. Don't be afraid of using too many ties, I prefer the ratchet ties. Be sure to use bungee or rubber tarp straps on the rear of the tarp at a minimum, or it will be so far frayed when you get there, it will be garbage.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 849
Likes: 0
From: Leesburg , Fl.
grtF250 , I think that's a plan ! 
you get your stuff moved AND get the flat you wanted . If you want to really protect your furnature from any rain along the way , get a roll of visqueen ( clear plastic ) wide enough to lay on the trailer deck and wrap up both sides of what ever you have on the trailer , then secure your tarp over the top with bungies and like fellro86 said use the straps to keep it from flapping , which leads to tearing . I used to pull alot of "skateboards" ( flatbeds ) and I wanted to make sure the load stayed dry , that's how I tarped it .
you get your stuff moved AND get the flat you wanted . If you want to really protect your furnature from any rain along the way , get a roll of visqueen ( clear plastic ) wide enough to lay on the trailer deck and wrap up both sides of what ever you have on the trailer , then secure your tarp over the top with bungies and like fellro86 said use the straps to keep it from flapping , which leads to tearing . I used to pull alot of "skateboards" ( flatbeds ) and I wanted to make sure the load stayed dry , that's how I tarped it .
