Should I Rent or Buy a Trailer? Trailer Shopping Tips

Chalkboard with Rent or Buy written on it and a checkmark next to Buy

Did you just realize your hauling needs require a trailer? And now you’re faced with the decision: Should I Rent or Buy the Trailer I need? 

There are many reasons to choose either option, and they are entirely dependent on each individual’s unique hauling needs. If you are currently weighing the pros and cons of renting versus buying an open utility trailer, enclosed cargo trailer, box trailer, or car hauler…Keep reading for our expert’s tips to help you make the right decision for your needs!

How many times will you use the trailer?

Consider all the ways you may need to use an open utility trailer; or all your potential needs for an enclosed box trailer…Do you need additional storage space for your furniture or sand toys? Will you have a need to use the trailer for business? How many miles will you need to drive the trailer?

If you are moving and will need a trailer to move your stuff from California to Florida, you may think your one time need for a trailer warrants a trailer rental instead of a purchase…However, this is not the most cost effective approach! Many trailer rental companies charge by the mile, so your trailer rental could end up costing half the purchase price to own it! Meaning you’ll have paid for half of that trailer, and then have to return it with nothing to show for all that hard earned money you’ve spent!

Trailers Hold their Value making them an Excellent Investment!

Unlike a new car that has a sticker value that seems to lose a few thousand dollars the minute it’s driven off the lot, trailers hold their value maintaining their resale value when it comes time to sell. Also unlike cars, trailers do not have a “Blue Book”, so good condition used trailers tend to be closely priced to new trailers. What this means for you as a potential buyer is if you choose to purchase the trailer, and you take care of it, you will be able to sell it for a fraction under what you paid! Making your total investment cost less than a rental by the time you’ve sold it!

If you’ll be needing a trailer regularly (even if it’s just once or twice a year) then buying a quality trailer is definitely the way to go. Investing in a quality trailer—whether open utility or an enclosed cargo trailer—will reward you with fewer headaches caused by maintenance and repairs on a “cheap trailer”, and you’ll avoid paying double the trailer’s value in rent with regular rental fees!

Trailers are very versatile…once you own one you’ll be surprised at all you haul!

When should you rent a trailer?

If you only will need a trailer for one day for a project, and do not want to be bothered by storing or selling a trailer you rarely need then renting will likely be the cheapest, and easiest option for you.

Learning to Spot a Quality Trailer

With its low cost of ownership (affordable state registration and insurance options) a trailer is an excellent investment that maintains its value  when it is built by expert engineers, using high quality materials; but when that quality is compromised for cost that means more hassle and headache for you as the owner!

Read our previous blog post: A Business’s Guide to Buying a Trailer: What You Need to Know Before You Start Shopping for Shopping Tips that will help you discriminate between the cheap and the quality trailers currently on the market.

Ready to Buy a trailer today? Shop Norco Trailers Southern California Inventory of the Highest Quality Trailers… We currently have over 300 Trailers Available for Purchase!