How to Plan a Long-Distance Move Using a Rental Trailer

Moving things over long distances has never been something unusual, people have been doing it for generations. And today it is even more convenient than ever: order a trailer rental and all the necessary equipment, get advice from transportation experts – and drive to your new life. As professionals in the field of trailer rental services, we tell you how to organize a move yourself: from choosing a trailer that best suits your needs to the necessary safety checks – every detail matters. But as a result, you will be able to do it confidently and calmly, saving time and money.

Calculating Your Cargo Volume

Before contacting trailer rental Calgary, estimate how much stuff you plan to transport and how much space it will take up. For example, at HetmanRental, we have more than 30 trailers in the garage, so you can choose the most efficient size for your belongings without hauling an unnecessarily bulky trailer.

Make a list of all the important items you plan to move – furniture, appliances, and an approximate number of boxes of small household items.
Measure the dimensions of each large item and calculate the volume in cubic meters. Add the volume of the boxes.
Collapsible furniture, such as cabinets or shelves, takes up significantly less space when disassembled than when assembled.

Once you have a rough idea of the total volume, compare it to the capacity of available trailers and choose with a 30% margin. Uneven items or those that require additional protection take up more space than you initially think.

Choosing Between Enclosed and Utility Trailers

If you’re unsure whether to go with an enclosed or open trailer, it’s worth looking at the situation more simply. The type of cargo, the weather, and the length of the trip usually provide the answer.

Enclosed Trailer Rental

Best for long-haul routes and valuable items.

Weather Protection: Offers full protection from rain, snow, dust, and direct sun.
Cargo Type: Ideal for furniture, household appliances, electronics, and fragile items.
Security: Your belongings are hidden from view, significantly lowering the risk of theft during overnight stops.
Loading: Has some height and shape limitations due to the roof and walls.

Utility & Dump Trailer Rental

Best for short trips and bulky, durable items.

Weather Protection: Requires tarps and heavy-duty covering to protect from the elements.
Cargo Type: Perfect for light building materials, garden equipment, firewood, and durable bulky items.
Loading Flexibility: No roof means it’s much easier to transport bulky but lightweight or irregular-shaped items.
Accessibility: Allows for easy access to redistribute cargo at any point during your trip.

If you need to transport a specific cargo, thetrailer rental service in Calgary HetmanRental has Enclosed Cargo trailers, Utility trailers, and Car Haulers – contact us, we will find the perfect fit for your vehicle!

Vehicle Towing Capacity: What You Need to Know

Before you proceed to choose a car trailer rental, pay attention to your own car, because each car has its own towing capacity. This information is indicated in the technical documentation – clear limits on the maximum weight that the car can pull without overloading.

Most of our trailers are designed for light to medium-duty hauling, making them ideal for standard SUVs and pickup trucks. While a standard Canadian driver’s license (Class 5 or Class G) allows for significant towing, it is crucial to ensure your specific vehicle is rated for the trailer’s weight.

Always check your vehicle’s towing capacity in the owner’s manual to ensure a safe and legal trip. The permitted limit includes not just the weight of the trailer, but the total weight with everything you have loaded into it. In practice, it is always better to leave a margin and not use the car’s capabilities at 100%, because it is this margin that provides stability and safety on the road.

Safety Checklist for Long-Haul Driving

On the road, and even with a load, any little thing can lead to big problems. Never plan to “wake up and go,” even if you check the car in the evening. Before leaving, check a short but mandatory checklist:

Tires: The tire pressure of the car and trailer must comply with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Lights: All the side lights, brake lights and turn signals of the trailer must work flawlessly.
Hitch: The connection of the trailer to the towbar, the reliability of the lock, safety chains and emergency cable must be double-checked.
Test Drive: Drive a short distance, up to 10 minutes, make a few turns, and check the load. You should drive slower than usual, because the braking distance with a trailer is always longer.

Plan to stop about every two hours to give yourself a break and check your load and tire pressure. In high winds, heavy rain, or fog, reduce your speed even further and consider stopping in a safe place.

Cost Comparison: Trailer Rental vs. Moving Companies

One of the main reasons why people choose Calgary trailer rental is the savings, especially when traveling long distances.

Full-Service Movers:

Cost: Typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 for distances over 400 km.
What’s Included: Packing, loading, transport, and unloading.
Best For: Those who prefer a premium service with zero personal physical effort.

Trailer Rental (The DIY Approach):

Cost: Only $50–$150 per day for a light to medium-duty trailer.
What’s Included: Rental of the equipment only; you manage the packing and loading at your own pace.
Best For: Saving up to 85% on moving costs. Ideal for 1-3 bedroom apartment moves where you want total control over the process.

As you can see, renting a trailer allows you to save a lot of money while maintaining flexibility and control over the process. Contact us – we will calculate how much is a trailer rental for a specific trailer for the required period, and you will see the benefits clearly.