Car with trailer hire is a smart choice when you need to move big items furniture tools or even shift house. Whether you are a tradie a business owner or doing a weekend job knowing how car with trailer hire works can help you save time money and avoid stress.
This blog breaks down everything you need to hire the right setup, avoid fines and get the most value from your Quick Hire Group trailer rental.
Why Hire a Car and a Trailer?
There’s a reason more Aussies are choosing to car with trailer hire. They include:
- Move big loads in one trip: Fridges, firewood, motorcycles, mowers and more
- Protect your own vehicle: Purpose-built, fully insured tow vehicles
- Flexible trailer options: Cage trailer one day, car carrier the next—no dramas
- A cost-effective solution: Costs less than hiring movers or making many trips with a Ute.
Towing License and Legal Basics
Here’s what you need to keep in mind before heading out:
- No towing license needed – A standard C-class license is enough to tow trailers up to 4.5 t GVM in any state or territory.
- Restrictions apply for learners and P-platers – L-platers generally can’t tow, and P1 drivers face speed and load limits.
- Speed matters – The national towing speed limit is 100 km/h, even on freeways
Road safety experts have called for mandatory towing training after a rise in trailer-related accidents. While it’s not yet compulsory, doing a course can boost your confidence and may lower your insurance excess.
Towing Acronyms
Towing gear comes with a language of its own. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Tare Weight – Trailer’s weight when empty
- ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) – Trailer plus load, unhitched
- GTM (Gross Trailer Mass) – Weight when hitched; lower than ATM
- TBM (Tow Ball Mass) – Force exerted on the tow ball (usually 8–10% of ATM)
- GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) – Max weight of the tow vehicle
- GCM (Gross Combination Mass) – Combined weight of car and trailer; must not be my exceeded
Blowing these limits could void your insurance or get you fined roadside. So, it’s best to know your numbers.
Which Trailer Suits Your Job?
At Quick Hire Group, we’ve got two solid options to cover your towing needs, whether it’s gear for the dump or a car that won’t start.
| Trailer | Typical payload | Ideal for | Daily rate |
| Box trailer 10 × 6 Ft (with cage) | ~1 200 kg | Garden waste, small furniture, event gear | $110 |
| Car carrier with cordless winch | ~2 600 kg | Non‑running cars, 4WDs, track day toys | $240 |
Easy Steps to Do Car with Trailer Hire
Choosing the right rig isn’t just about what looks good in the yard. Below are ways to get it right:
- Check your vehicle’s tow rating in the owner’s manual
- Match the trailer ATM to your load, with at least 10% buffer
- Know your brakes. Anything over 750 kg ATM needs brakes; over 2 t requires electric brakes (our vehicles are pre-wired)
- Measure your load to decide between a cage, flatbed or car carrier
- Book early. Car carriers often book out before motorsport weekends
Safe Towing: What to Check and How to Drive
Before you hit the road, run through this essential safety checklist. A few minutes of prep can save hours of headaches:
- Coupling locked and safety pin inserted
- Chains crossed under draw‑bar and clipped
- Lights test: indicators, brake, tail, license‑plate lamp
- Tire pressures (including the spare) at manufacturer spec
- Even load distribution: aim for 60 % weight forward of the axle
- Electric brake controller calibrated (Quick Hire vehicles are pre‑set)
Allow at least 15 minutes at pick‑up for a full walk‑around. Rushing is the number one cause of first‑time towing mishaps.
And once you’re on the move, keep these towing tips in mind:
- Leave at least four seconds of following distance.
- Use lower gears on descents to prevent brake fade.
- Take wide turns, as the trailer cuts in more sharply.
- Plan fuel stops in advance; some servos aren’t trailer-friendly.
- Ease off in crosswinds or when overtaken by large trucks. Don’t over-correct
Insurance, Bond & Damage Cover
Before hiring a vehicle or trailer, it’s also important to understand how cover typically works:
- Security bonds are standard: Most hire companies require a refundable bond held for the duration of the hire. This helps cover late returns, damage or missing equipment.
- Third-party cover may be included: Basic third-party property and public liability insurance often comes with vehicle or equipment hire.
- Damage to hired gear is usually your responsibility: Unless additional insurance is purchased, any damage, theft or misuse of the hired vehicle or trailer may fall to the hirer.
- Your personal insurance may help: Some personal car or home insurance policies may offer limited cover for hired vehicles or trailers, so it’s a good idea to check with your provider.
- Additional insurance can offer peace of mind: Many hire companies offer optional cover upgrades. These can reduce your liability and offer better protection during your car with trailer hire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I tow with my own SUV instead of the hire Ute?
Yes you can, if your SUV has the right tow rating electric brake controller and correct tow ball height. Ask us during car with trailer hire pick up.
Q2. Do I need to book a specific trailer size?
Absolutely. Trailers are allocated by size/ATM; swapping on the day is subject to availability.
Q3. Do I need a special license to hire and tow a trailer?
Not usually. In most cases, a full unrestricted driver’s license is enough. Just check that your license covers the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer.
Q4. How early should I arrive for pick‑up?
Plan 30 minutes for paperwork, inspection and a safety briefing. Or longer if you need mirror extensions fitted.
Q5. What happens if I return the trailer late?
Late returns may incur additional charges. Let us know as early as possible if you’re running behind, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Ready to Book?
Whether you’re shifting garden waste across Camden or winching a project car home to Wollongong, Quick Hire Group has the tow‑ready vehicles and trailers to match. Reserve online in under three minutes or drop into our Picton depot for a face‑to‑face chat.