What Size Trailer Do I Need? A Plain-English Guide for the Metro East
The most common mistake renters make is either renting a trailer that's too small and having to make two trips, or renting one their vehicle can't actually tow. This guide gives you a straight answer based on what you're actually hauling so you can stop guessing and just book the right trailer.
Start Here — What Are You Hauling?
The right trailer depends on two things: what you're hauling and what your tow vehicle can handle. This guide is organized by job type so you can skip straight to your situation. If you need to know whether your vehicle can handle it, tow vehicle requirements are covered in a separate guide.
Jump to your project:
Hauling Dirt, Gravel, Mulch, or Debris
When hauling heavy materials, the hydraulic lift on dump trailer rentals does the unloading for you so there is no shoveling it back out at the dump. For most residential projects, the 5x10 dump trailer is perfect and handles up to 6,000 lbs. For larger loads, the 7x14 dump trailer handles up to 12,000 lbs for 3/4 ton and up vehicles. If you are hauling dirt or concrete specifically, you can dump it at no charge at the KD Trailer Rentals lot in Troy, IL. All other debris is your responsibility to dispose of.
Cleaning Out a Garage, Basement, or Property
If you are clearing out heavy mixed debris like furniture, appliances, or junk from a property in St. Clair County or Madison County and want to dump it easily, a dump trailer wins. If the load is lighter or more varied and you just need to haul it somewhere, a utility trailer works fine and is cheaper. Just pick the size that matches how much you have to move.
Moving Furniture Across Town or to a New Home
Enclosed trailer rentals protect your furniture from weather and road debris and can be locked securely. The 5x10 works perfectly for smaller moves or a few rooms, while the 22ft handles a full household. Utility trailers work for furniture too, but everything is exposed to the elements. For a full household move, the 22ft enclosed is the closest thing to a moving truck without the mileage fees of a moving truck.
Hauling an ATV, Motorcycle, or Side-by-Side
Utility trailer options handle most recreational vehicles easily. The 12ft and 14ft work great for single ATVs and motorcycles. The 20ft gives you more room for side-by-sides or multiple machines. For heavier recreational vehicles approaching or over 2,500 lbs, you should step up to the 20ft utility trailer.
Transporting a Car, Truck, or SUV
This is where our car hauler tilt trailers come in. The tilt deck bed tilts to ground level, you drive the vehicle on, the weight shifts forward, and the deck levels out automatically with no ramps and no risk of bottoming out. The 22ft tilt handles most standard cars and SUVs up to 7,500 lbs. The 24ft tilt is the right call for larger trucks, lifted vehicles, or anything heavier up to 11,000 lbs. Keep in mind that all car haulers require a brake controller and a 2 5/16 inch ball hitch.
Hauling a Skid Steer, Mini Excavator, or Heavy Equipment
The 22ft equipment trailer is built specifically for this job. It has a 14,000 lb capacity for 3/4 ton and up vehicles, and comes with 8 straps plus 4 chains and binders. Note that a 3/4 ton truck or larger is required to reach full capacity, though a half ton can tow it limited to 7,000 lbs.
Not Sure If Your Vehicle Can Tow It?
Tow vehicle requirements like hitch sizes, brake controllers, and tow ratings are covered in detail in our towing requirements guide. Check that out to make sure your truck or SUV is ready for the job.
If you still aren't sure which trailer fits your job, Kyle is available to help in the Metro East area — call 618-414-9857 or submit a request online.
