03/08/2019
Navigating the vast expanse of London, often requiring the transport of goods, equipment, or even vehicles, can present a unique set of challenges. While public transport is extensive, sometimes you need that extra capacity, that ability to move larger items with ease. This is where trailer hire comes into its own. Whether you're a business needing to transport stock, an individual undertaking a house move, or a hobbyist with a passion project, a trailer can be an invaluable asset. But where do you find reliable and quality trailer hire in London? This article aims to guide you through the process, highlighting key providers and considerations.
Why Hire a Trailer in London?
London, with its bustling streets and diverse population, has a constant demand for flexible transport solutions. Hiring a trailer offers a cost-effective and practical alternative to purchasing a trailer outright, especially for infrequent or specific needs. Consider these scenarios:
- Moving House: Furniture, boxes, and personal belongings can be bulky and numerous. A trailer can significantly simplify a house move, allowing you to transport more in fewer trips.
- Business Logistics: Small businesses or tradespeople may need to transport materials, tools, or products. A trailer attached to a suitable vehicle provides much-needed cargo space.
- Hobby and Leisure: Enthusiasts involved in activities like motorcycling, car restoration, or even large gardening projects might need to transport equipment, parts, or waste.
- Event Support: Setting up for events, markets, or festivals often involves transporting large amounts of equipment, decorations, and supplies.
The convenience of being able to tow your own load, at your own pace, cannot be overstated. It offers a level of control and flexibility that other transport methods may not provide.
Finding a Reputable Trailer Hire Specialist
When seeking trailer hire in London, quality and reliability are paramount. You want a trailer that is well-maintained, safe, and suitable for your specific needs. One such provider that has established itself in the London market is Saxons Trailers. As a family-owned company, they pride themselves on serving the entirety of London, from the historic City of London to the surrounding inner and Greater London boroughs.
Saxons Trailers is not a new entrant to the hire industry. It is, in fact, a division of Saxons Self Drive, a company that began its journey as a small hire car company. This evolution has seen them significantly expand their fleet to include not only cars but also vans, minibuses, and motorhomes. Their growth into trailer hire demonstrates a commitment to meeting a broader range of customer needs.
The Saxons Trailers Advantage
What sets Saxons Trailers apart? A key factor is their commitment to offering high-quality equipment. They partner with leading trailer manufacturers, specifically Brian James Trailers, a name synonymous with excellence in the trailer industry. This ensures that customers are not just getting a rental service, but access to robust, well-engineered trailers.
Their fleet is extensive, boasting over 140 different vehicles in their broader self-drive operation, and this translates to a comprehensive selection of trailers to suit diverse requirements. Whether you need a small, manageable trailer for personal use or a larger, more robust model for commercial purposes, Saxons Trailers aims to have a solution.
Types of Trailers Available (General Considerations)
While specific models will vary, a good trailer hire company will typically offer a range of trailer types. When considering your needs, think about:
| Trailer Type | Typical Use Cases | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Box Van Trailers | Moving household goods, transporting sensitive equipment, secure storage on the go. | Offer weather protection and security. Ensure you have the correct towing vehicle for the weight and size. |
| Flatbed Trailers | Transporting vehicles, machinery, building materials, large awkward items. | Versatile but require good load-securing knowledge. Available in various lengths and weight capacities. |
| Car Transporters | Moving cars, project vehicles, or for track days. | Specifically designed for vehicle transport, often with ramps and winches. Requires a powerful towing vehicle. |
| Tipper Trailers | Moving aggregates (gravel, sand), soil, garden waste, rubble. | The tipping mechanism makes unloading easy. Check the hydraulic system and weight limits. |
| General Purpose / Luggage Trailers | Small loads, garden waste, camping equipment, market stalls. | Easier to tow and manoeuvre, often suitable for smaller vehicles. |
What to Consider Before Hiring
Before you pick up your trailer, there are several important factors to keep in mind:
- Towing Capacity: Crucially, you must ensure your vehicle is capable of towing the weight of the trailer and its intended load. Check your vehicle's handbook for its maximum towing weight. Exceeding this limit is illegal and dangerous.
- Driving Licence: Depending on when you obtained your driving licence and the weight of the vehicle and trailer combination, you may need a specific category on your licence to tow. Research the current regulations for towing in the UK.
- Insurance: While some hire companies include basic insurance, it's wise to check the coverage. You may also want to ensure your own car insurance covers towing.
- Trailer Size and Type: Match the trailer to your specific task. A trailer that is too small will require multiple trips, while one that is too large can be difficult to manage.
- Hitching and Lights: Ensure you know how to correctly hitch the trailer to your vehicle and that all the trailer's lights (brake lights, indicators, number plate lights) are functioning correctly. Hire companies will usually check this with you.
- Load Securing: Proper load securing is vital for safety. Use appropriate straps, nets, or tarpaulins to prevent items from shifting or falling out during transit.
The Hiring Process with Saxons Trailers
Saxons Trailers aims to make the hiring process as straightforward as possible. Typically, this would involve:
- Enquiry: Contacting them to discuss your requirements – the type of trailer needed, the duration of hire, and your location within London.
- Vehicle Check: Providing details of your towing vehicle to ensure compatibility and checking your driving licence and towing entitlement.
- Booking: Confirming the booking and agreeing on the hire terms and costs.
- Collection/Delivery: Arranging to collect the trailer from their premises or, depending on the service offered, arranging for delivery.
- Return: Returning the trailer at the agreed time and in the agreed condition.
Their expansion from a car hire company suggests a strong understanding of customer service and logistical operations, which is beneficial when looking for a hire service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trailer Hire in London
Q1: Do I need a special licence to tow a trailer in London?
This depends on your driving licence issue date and the weight of the trailer and vehicle. Generally, if you passed your test after 1 January 1997 and the combined weight of your vehicle and trailer is over 3,500kg, you'll need to pass a further test to tow. Always check the latest government guidelines.
Q2: Can I tow a trailer with any car?
Not all cars are equipped or legally permitted to tow. You must check your vehicle's handbook for its maximum towing weight. Smaller cars may not have the power or chassis strength to tow even a small trailer safely.
Q3: What happens if the trailer is damaged during hire?
Damage policies vary between hire companies. Saxons Trailers, like most reputable providers, will have terms and conditions regarding damage. It's essential to inspect the trailer thoroughly before hiring and report any existing damage. You'll typically be responsible for damage caused by misuse or negligence.
Q4: How much does it cost to hire a trailer in London?
Costs vary depending on the type and size of the trailer, as well as the duration of the hire. Daily, weekly, and monthly rates are common. For specific pricing, it’s best to contact providers like Saxons Trailers directly.
Q5: Can Saxons Trailers deliver the trailer to me in London?
Many hire companies offer delivery and collection services within their operating area. It's advisable to confirm this service and any associated costs with Saxons Trailers when you make your enquiry.
Conclusion
For those in London requiring flexible and reliable transport solutions, trailer hire is an excellent option. Companies like Saxons Trailers, with their commitment to quality, extensive fleet, and experience in the self-drive hire sector, offer a dependable service. By understanding your needs, checking your vehicle's capabilities, and familiarising yourself with towing regulations, you can ensure a smooth and successful trailer hire experience. Whether it's for a personal project or a business necessity, a well-chosen trailer can make all the difference in getting the job done efficiently and safely across the capital.
If you want to read more articles similar to London Trailer Hire: Your Guide, you can visit the Transport category.