Renting vs Buying a Trailer: Which Makes Sense for You?

If you need a trailer a few times a year, you've probably wondered whether it makes more sense to rent one when you need it or just buy your own. There's no single right answer. It depends on how often you'll use it, where you'll keep it, and how much time you want to spend taking care of it. Here's how to think it through.

How often will you use it?

This is the biggest factor.

• A few times a year (moving, a big yard project, a trip up north): renting usually makes more sense. You get the right trailer for each job without the ongoing costs.
• Every week or two (landscaping work, a side business, regular equipment moves): owning may start to make sense, because you're paying for something you use all the time.
• Somewhere in between: this is where you'll want to look closely at the other costs below.

The costs of owning that people forget

The purchase price is only the start. Owning a trailer also comes with:

• Registration and plates. A trailer you own generally needs its own registration and plate. Check with the Michigan Secretary of State for the details and fees.
• Insurance. Check with your insurance agent about coverage for a trailer you own.
• Tires. Trailer tires age out over time, even with little use. See our trailer tire guide.
• Bearings and brakes. Regular service keeps them safe. See our wheel bearing guide.
• Lights and wiring. Repairs come up from time to time.
• Deck and frame care. Wood decks need attention over the years, and frames need rust protection, especially with Michigan road salt.
• Storage. Where will it live? Some neighborhoods and HOAs have rules about parking trailers in driveways. Off-site storage costs money.

The advantages of renting

• Right trailer for each job. Need a landscape trailer for mulch in the spring and a flatbed for a skid steer in the fall? Renting lets you pick.
• No storage. You don't need room in the driveway or the yard.
• Less upkeep. Tires, bearings, and other maintenance are handled by the rental company.
• No big upfront cost.
• Try before you buy. Renting different trailers is a great way to learn what you actually need before you spend money on one.

The advantages of owning

• Always available. No need to plan ahead or check availability.
• Set up your way. You can add tie-down points, toolboxes, or racks.
• Can make sense for heavy, regular use. If you tow every week, owning may cost less over time.
• It's yours, and you can sell it later.

Questions to ask yourself

1. How many times will I use a trailer in the next year?
2. Do I need different types of trailers for different jobs?
3. Where would I store a trailer, and is that allowed?
4. Am I comfortable maintaining tires, bearings, brakes, and lights?
5. Does my vehicle have the right hitch and brake controller for the trailers I need?

If you answered "a few times," "yes, different types," or "I don't have room," renting is probably the better fit right now.

Try before you buy

A lot of people who end up buying a trailer are glad they rented first. Renting shows you what size deck you really need, whether you want ramps or a gate, whether a dovetail helps, and what your truck can comfortably handle. Our article on choosing a trailer for landscaping walks through those decisions.

Renting and buying with Orion Trailer

We rent two trailers: an 18 ft landscape trailer with a 7,000 lb GVWR, and a 24 ft flatbed with a 10,000 lb GVWR, ramps, and a 2 ft dovetail. Call or message for rates.

And if you decide you'd rather own, trailer sales are coming soon. Check our Trailers for Sale page and follow us on Facebook for updates.