Choosing the right trailer to hire comes down to three things: what you are carrying, how much it weighs, and what your tow car is rated to pull. For most jobs in Lincolnshire, that means a box or car transporter trailer for vehicles, a general-purpose braked trailer for a house move, or a plant trailer for machinery and livestock. This guide walks through each scenario so you can hire the right trailer the first time.
What Size Trailer Do I Need to Hire?
Most hire trailers in Lincolnshire fall into three groups: car and van trailers, around 750kg to 2600kg for transporting a vehicle, general box or camping trailers, under 750kg that can be towed unbraked on a standard car licence, and larger braked trailers for house moves, plant and livestock. The right size depends on the weight of your load, not just how big it looks, so always check the kerb weight of what you are moving before you book.
Hiring a Trailer to Move a Car
If you need to move a car that will not drive, is off the road, or is being collected from an auction, a dedicated car transporter trailer is the safest option. These are beavertail-style trailers with a tilting bed, so the car can be winched or driven on without a ramp. Most tow cars with a genuine 2000kg-plus towing capacity can pull one, though you will still need to check your licence category covers the combined weight.
Hiring a Trailer for a House Move
For a house move, a box trailer with a lockable lid keeps furniture dry and secure over multiple trips. Braked box trailers in the 750kg to 1300kg range suit most house moves and are still light enough for a family car to tow. If you are clearing a whole household in one go, a larger flatbed or high-sided trailer may be a better fit, and it is worth booking a day rate rather than several short hires.
Hiring a Trailer for Plant, Machinery or Livestock
Farmers, landscapers and builders across Lincolnshire typically need a plant trailer rated for the weight of a mini digger, mower or bulk materials, usually 2600kg or higher, with a beavertail or ramp for loading. Livestock trailers need secure partitioning and good ventilation rather than raw payload, so tell the hire desk what animals you are moving and how many, not just the weight, so they can match you to the right trailer.
Braked vs Unbraked Trailer Hire: What is the Difference?
An unbraked trailer has no independent braking system, so UK law limits it to a maximum weight of 750kg, or up to 85 percent of your tow car’s kerb weight if lower. A braked trailer has its own brakes linked to the tow car and can be hired at much higher weights, which is why anything carrying a car, plant or a full house move needs to be braked. If you are not sure which your job needs, tell the hire desk the total weight you expect to carry, and they will confirm.
Do I Need a Special Licence to Tow a Hire Trailer?
If you passed your car test before 1 January 1997, your licence normally still covers car and trailer combinations up to 8,250kg MAM (maximum authorised mass). If you passed on or after that date, your standard category B licence covers trailers up to a combined 3,500kg MAM, and you would need to pass a category C1+E test to tow anything heavier than that, such as some loaded car transporters. Towing rules can change, so always check your own driving licence categories and the current GOV.UK towing guidance before booking a heavier trailer, since the hire company cannot legally let it out if you are not entitled to tow it.
Trailer Hire Near Me in Lincolnshire
Sleaford Trailers is based in Ewerby Thorpe, just outside Sleaford, and most customers collect within a thirty-minute drive from Grantham, Lincoln, Boston, Spalding and Newark. Collecting in person lets our team walk through loading, hitching and lighting checks with you before you drive off, which is particularly useful if you have not towed a trailer before or are hiring for a one-off job like a car transporter or house move.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a trailer in Lincolnshire?
Cost depends on trailer size and hire length, with small box or camping trailers starting from £20 a day and car transporters or plant trailers starting from £55 a day. Call our team with your job details, and we will confirm a day or weekend rate.
What do I need to bring to hire a trailer?
You will normally need your driving licence, proof of address, and a car fitted with the correct tow bar and electrics for the trailer’s lighting board.
Can I hire a trailer for just one day?
Yes, day hire is available on most of our trailers alongside weekend and weekly rates, so a single job like a car collection or a tip run does not cost more than it needs to.
Do I need a special licence to tow a trailer?
It depends on when you passed your driving test and the combined weight of your vehicle and trailer. Most car licences (category B) cover typical car trailer hire, but check GOV.UK or ask our team if you’re unsure before booking.
How do I load a trailer safely?
Load the heaviest items first and position them roughly over the trailer’s axle, spreading weight evenly with slightly more towards the front (nose weight) than the back. Secure everything with straps and check that the load hasn’t unbalanced your tow vehicle before setting off. See our full loading guide for more details.
Book Your Trailer Hire Today
Whichever job you are tackling, our team can match you to the right trailer and talk you through towing weights before you collect. Browse the full range on our trailer hire page or call 01529 462188 to check availability.