Frequently asked questions
Short, practical answers about hiring with TrailerMates. If anything doesn't feel right on the road, don't tow, call 0420 399 277.
Do I need to pay a bond or deposit?
No bond and no deposit. With TrailerMates you pay for the hire only, by card, when you book. Nothing's held and there's nothing to claim back.
What do I need to hire a trailer?
You must be at least 25 years old with a valid Australian driver's licence, a vehicle that can safely tow the trailer you want, and a card to pay.
How old do I need to be?
You must be at least 25 years old with a valid Australian driver's licence.
Do I need to verify my ID?
Yes. On your first booking you'll do a quick licence check, about 60 seconds, with your physical licence handy. It's a one-off that keeps everyone safe from fraud, and every booking after that is instant.
How much does it cost?
Hire starts from $5 an hour, and every trailer shows its exact rate when you book. No bond, no hidden fees. Longer hires have weekly and monthly rates too.
Can I change, extend or cancel my booking?
Yes. Use the link in your confirmation email to change or extend your hire, and do it before your end time to avoid extra charges.
See also: Manage your booking.
Can I hire long-term?
Yes, longer hires are welcome, and weekly and monthly rates are all worked out for you at checkout.
Will my car tow it?
Check your vehicle's braked and unbraked towing capacity and towbar rating, they're in your owner's manual or on the compliance plate (usually the door jamb). Keep the trailer plus your load well under those limits. For a stable tow, aim for a ball weight of around 10%.
See also: QLD towing rules, Loading guide.
What type of trailer plug do you use?
A 7-pin flat connector, the Queensland standard, for the lights. If your car uses a different plug, you pick the right adapter at checkout to suit your vehicle, so it's ready when you collect. Give the connection a quick test on your pre-drive walk-around.
Do I need a special licence to tow?
No, a standard driver's licence covers our trailers. Just stay within your licence conditions and the trailer's weight limits.
What if the trailer starts swaying or fishtailing?
Stay calm. Ease off the accelerator gently, don't slam the brakes, and hold the wheel steady rather than steering sharply. Once it settles, pull over safely and check your load, sway almost always comes from too much weight at the back or too little on the ball. Load evenly, keep your speed sensible, and you'll rarely see it.
See also: Loading guide.
Which trailers have brakes, and do I need a controller?
The lighter trailers don't need brakes. The bigger ones, the tippers and the car trailer, run the Elecbrakes system, which is wireless and mounted on the trailer itself. That means nothing to wire into your car and no controller to fit, and your car's own brake controller won't operate them. Just download the free Elecbrakes app before pickup and pair it over Bluetooth.
See also: How the electric brakes work.
The Elecbrakes app won't connect, what can I try?
Turn your headlights on, try pairing again, and remove any old devices from your phone's Bluetooth list. Still stuck? Give us a call or jump in the chat.
How does the 24/7 contactless pickup work?
Book online, then at the trailer you do a quick photo check-in in the app, get your access code, open the keybox, take the keys and go. No counter, no staff, any hour of the day or night.
See also: How pickup works, step by step.
Where do I pick up and return?
At our TrailerMates yard in Slacks Creek, in Logan, the exact spot is in your confirmation. Bring it back to the same place unless we've arranged otherwise.
What's the return policy?
Return by your due time, swept out and in the same condition you got it, then do the return checklist and photos in the app. That keeps you clear of any extra charges.
I can't find my booking confirmation, what do I do?
Check your junk or spam folder first, and search your inbox for "TrailerMates". It has your booking details and the link to start your pickup. One thing to know: your access code isn't in the email, it appears at the trailer once your photo check-in is done.
Do you deliver?
No, TrailerMates is self-service pickup, you collect from our Slacks Creek yard. Keeping it to one location is what lets us run 24/7 and keep the rates low.
How much can I load?
Stay within your vehicle's towing limit, your towbar rating and the trailer's ATM (its maximum loaded weight). Put around 60% of the weight ahead of the axle and aim for about 10% on the ball.
Do you supply straps?
Straps aren't included, so bring your own, Bunnings or Supercheap have what you need. Every trailer has rated tie-down points, use at least two straps per item and re-check them after the first few kilometres.
Is there anything I can't carry?
No hazardous or dangerous goods, and nothing over the trailer's rated capacity. If you're not sure a load is suitable, ask us first.
Can I take it interstate or on unsealed roads?
Interstate is fine, there's no kilometre cap. Unsealed roads and off-road tracks aren't allowed though, our trailers are for sealed roads only. Check the T&Cs for the full list.
Do you offer one-way hires?
No, trailers come back to the same spot you collected them from. That's what keeps TrailerMates fully self-service and the rates low.
What if I damage the trailer?
Let us know straight away and grab photos of what happened. Your pickup and return photos mean you're only ever accountable for damage during your own hire, never marks that were already there.
Is there insurance or a damage waiver?
No, TrailerMates doesn't include insurance or a damage waiver, so you're responsible for any damage during your hire. It's worth checking whether your own car or contents insurance covers a hired trailer.
What if I have trouble with the trailer during my hire?
Give us a call or jump in the chat and we'll sort it. If it's a roadside emergency, breakdown or accident, call us straight away.
Are the trailers looked after?
Yes, every trailer is checked and kept roadworthy. You'll still do a quick condition check at pickup, that's your record and ours, so there's never a question later about how it was handed over.
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