Frequently asked questions
What do I need to do to hire from DH Trailer Hire?
It is really simple, you can either phone or email us to reserve the trailer you require. You will need 2 forms of recent identification such as a driving license or passport and utility bill and the required deposit.
How much is hire of a trailer?
The hire cost depends on which trailer and the hire duration required, please fill in a quote request form below, or call us on 01724 781647.
Can I tow a trailer?
You can tow trailers up to a certain weight with your car driving licence. The weight you’re allowed to tow depends on when you got your licence.
If you got your licence before 1 January 1997 You can usually drive a vehicle and trailer with a combined weight of up to 8,250kg MAM
If you got your licence after 1 January 1997 You can tow a trailer that weighs up to 3,500kg MAM.
You’ll also need to know the weight of both the vehicle and trailer – also known as the ‘maximum authorised mass’ (MAM). The MAM is listed in the owner’s manual and is normally shown on a plate or sticker fitted to the vehicle or trailer. For full current information please refer to the government towing information.
How much do trailers weigh?
Each trailer we hire has it’s own specification chart (see each trailer page), the unladen weight is the weight of the trailer itself before you add any load.
Which trailer will my car pull legally?
You need to find out the towing capacity is the maximum weight a car can tow legally. However, it may not be safe or comfortable to do so, especially with a trailer that has a large box-like profile. The towing capacity is usually published within the handbook of the vehicle. It can also be calculated from the VIN plate, where line one is the maximum allowable mass and line two is the maximum train mass. Simply deduct line one from line two and you have the vehicle towing limit. For safe towing it is recommended by many towing experts that a novice should keep the fully laden weight of the trailer no heavier than 85% of the kerbweight of the tow car. This is known as the 85% rule.
Bear in mind that it is a guide and not legally enforceable. To calculate this, you only need to know two key figures: the kerbweight of the car and the maximum mass of the trailer (called ‘maximum technically permissible laden mass’, or MTPLM).
If the mass of the trailer is 85% or less of the car’s kerbweight, the car will tow it with ease. If it’s between 85% and 100%, be careful – only experienced towers should use that car to tow such a trailer. But if the trailers unladen weight is heavier than the car, then it is strongly recommended not to use it to tow that trailer. This calculation is known by experts as ‘outfit matching’.
Do I need insurance to hire a trailer?
We strongly recommend that you arrange suitable insurance for the trailer for the duration of your hire. The trailer is your responsibility from the time you collect it until it is returned to us.
Does my car insurance cover the hired trailer?
This depends on your motor insurance policy. Your policy may cover damage caused to third-party vehicles or property when you are towing, but it may not cover damage to the hired trailer itself.
We recommend checking with your motor insurer before collecting the trailer.
Do I need to tell my insurance company that I am towing a trailer?
It is a good idea to let your motor insurer know that you intend to tow a trailer and check what cover is included under your policy.
Does my insurance cover the trailer if it is stolen?
Not necessarily. We strongly recommend arranging separate insurance that covers the trailer against theft, as well as accidental damage and fire.
If the trailer is stolen or damaged beyond repair while it is in your custody, you may be responsible for the full replacement cost.
What happens if the trailer is damaged while I have it?
Please contact us as soon as possible if the trailer is damaged or involved in an accident. Depending on the circumstances and the insurance cover you have in place, you may be responsible for the cost of repairs or replacement.
Am I responsible for the trailer when it is parked?
Yes. The trailer remains your responsibility throughout the hire period, including when it is parked or stored and not attached to your vehicle.
For this reason, we recommend making sure your insurance provides cover for the trailer when it is not being towed.
What should my trailer insurance cover?
What happens if the trailer is stolen?
Please contact us as soon as possible if the trailer is stolen. You should also report the theft to the police and your insurance provider.
If the trailer is not insured, or your insurance does not provide sufficient cover, you may be responsible for the cost of replacing it.