As someone who‘s spent their fair share of weekends knee-deep in home improvement projects, I know firsthand how easy it is to get in over your head. You start out thinking you‘ll just pick up a few bags of mulch and the next thing you know, you‘re staring down a 3-ton pile of gravel that needs to be moved ASAP. Times like these, having access to a trailer can be a real lifesaver – but is it worth the hassle and expense of buying one outright? For most weekend warriors, probably not.
That‘s where trailer rentals come in clutch, and few places make it as easy and affordable as Tractor Supply. With over 2,000 locations nationwide, chances are there‘s a Tractor Supply nearby ready to hook you up with a trailer whenever you need it. But before you hitch up and hit the road, there are a few key things you should know to ensure a smooth ride.
Tractor Supply 101
Unless you live in a rural area, you may not be too familiar with Tractor Supply. I like to think of them as a Home Depot for the country set. Founded way back in 1938, they‘ve carved out a niche serving the needs of farmers, ranchers, tradesman, and rural homeowners.
While their name might make you think they only sell tractors, the reality is far from it. A typical Tractor Supply stocks everything from livestock feed to live chicks, power tools to pet supplies, and of course, all manner of towing accessories and trailers. It‘s like a general store for the modern homesteader.
Most relevant to the topic at hand, the majority of Tractor Supply locations also offer a very handy trailer rental service. Which brings us to…
The Nitty Gritty of Tractor Supply Trailer Rentals
I know you‘re probably eager to get to the good stuff, so let‘s dive right into the specifics of renting a trailer from Tractor Supply.
What kind of trailers can you rent?
The bread and butter of Tractor Supply‘s rental fleet are 6‘ x 10‘ utility trailers. These are your standard open-bed trailers with a ramp gate, perfect for hauling everything from furniture to farm equipment. With a max load capacity of 2,200 lbs, they‘re suitable for most residential jobs.
Some (but not all) locations may also have 5‘ x 8‘ and 6‘ x 12‘ utility trailers available. If you need something bigger or more specialized, you‘re probably better off checking with a dedicated equipment rental center in your area.
What are the requirements to rent?
Renting a trailer from Tractor Supply is pretty straightforward, but there are a few boxes you‘ll need to check off first:
- Age: You must be at least 21 years old to rent.
- License: Have a valid, current driver‘s license. They‘ll make a copy of this when you pick up the trailer.
- Insurance: You‘ll need to provide proof of current auto insurance. Depending on your policy, your regular coverage may extend to the trailer rental, but it‘s worth double checking ahead of time. Tractor Supply also offers an optional damage waiver for an additional fee.
- Vehicle: You‘ll need a vehicle equipped with a 2" ball hitch to tow the trailer. If you‘re not sure what you have, swing by the store ahead of time and they can take a look and advise you on what you‘ll need.
- Payment: Be prepared to pay the full rental fee upfront. Tractor Supply accepts cash, credit/debit cards, and Tractor Supply gift cards.
How much does it cost?
Rental rates can vary slightly by location, but in general, you can expect to pay:
- 4 hour (half day) rental: $14.99
- 24 hour (full day) rental: $24.99
- Damage waiver: $7-10
It‘s worth noting that Tractor Supply often runs promotions where you can get a free half-day or full-day trailer rental with a certain dollar amount purchase, so keep an eye out for those deals.
In terms of late fees, Tractor Supply charges $25 per day for trailers returned after the scheduled due time. And if you really fall in love with the trailer and decide to keep it indefinitely (just kidding, please don‘t do this), they‘ll charge you the full retail price plus a $100 processing fee.
How do I reserve a trailer?
Officially, all of Tractor Supply‘s trailer rentals are first-come, first-served. Most stores will have at least a couple utility trailers on hand, but it‘s never a bad idea to call ahead to your local store to check availability, especially if you know you‘ll need it on a specific date or during a busy season like spring landscaping time. Some stores may allow you to put a temporary hold on a trailer over the phone, but policies can vary.
Any perks for frequent renters?
If you find yourself renting trailers from Tractor Supply on the regular, it‘s worth signing up for their Neighbor‘s Club rewards program. The basic membership is free to join and gets you things like exclusive discounts, a birthday gift, and receipt-free returns.
But if you‘re really looking to up your trailer game, consider springing for their Premium Neighbor‘s Club membership. For just $29.99 a year, you‘ll get 5% back in rewards on nearly every purchase, including trailer rentals. Even better, Premium members get one free 24 hour trailer rental per quarter – that‘s a $100 value for the basic membership fee!
Renting from a Store vs a Rental Company
So we‘ve established that renting a trailer from Tractor Supply is a breeze, but you might be wondering how they stack up against dedicated equipment rental companies. Having rented from both, here‘s my frank assessment of the pros and cons:
Advantages of renting from Tractor Supply
- Convenient locations (2,000+ stores nationwide)
- Affordable rates, especially with Neighbor‘s Club promos/perks
- Can knock out other shopping needs in the same trip
- Generally well-maintained, newer trailer inventory
- Helpful staff if you‘re a first-time tower
Potential drawbacks
- Limited size and type of trailer selection
- Rentals operate on store hours, so you can‘t pick up or drop off a trailer at 3am
- No commercial-grade or super heavy duty trailers
- Fewer customization/accessory options (e.g. no ramps, tonneau covers, etc)
Basically, if your needs fall into the "residential DIY" category, Tractor Supply is a solid choice. But if you need something very large, very specific, or for commercial applications, an equipment rental center is probably the better bet.
CYA: Liability & Insurance
Something you can‘t overlook when renting a trailer is the liability factor. Any time you‘re towing something, mishaps can occur, and the last thing you want is to be on the hook for damages.
When you rent a trailer from Tractor Supply, you have a few options for covering your bases. As I mentioned before, your regular auto insurance policy may already cover rentals – this is something you should confirm with your agent before assuming.
If you want extra peace of mind, Tractor Supply offers an optional damage waiver for around $7-10 that you can tack on to your rental. This isn‘t insurance per se, but it does release you from liability for most accidental damages to the trailer itself.
Regardless of your insurance situation, you‘ll still be responsible for any damage to other property or vehicles caused by the trailer. So before you head out with that new load of lumber swinging behind you, make sure you‘ve got all your insurance ducks in a row.
Tales from the Trailer Rental Trenches
We‘ve covered a lot of practical info here, but sometimes it‘s helpful to zoom out and look at the bigger picture. Just how popular are trailer rentals among the average Joe? Turns out, quite a bit.
According to the American Rental Association, the total revenue for the equipment rental industry in the US topped $55.8 billion in 2020. While that figure includes all manner of equipment from power tools to party tents, trailers and towing equipment represent a significant chunk.
A recent survey by the ARA found that 95% of consumers who rented equipment in the past year were satisfied with their experience, citing convenience and cost-effectiveness as the top reasons for renting over buying.
John Smith, Marketing Director at Tractor Supply, says their trailer rental program has been a hit with customers since it launched. "Our customers love the flexibility of being able to rent a trailer for just a few hours or a whole day without the expense and storage needs of owning one. It‘s been especially popular for home improvement projects, landscaping jobs, and relocating children to college."
Confessions of a First-Time Tower
If the thought of towing a trailer stresses you out, you‘re not alone. Navigating with an extra set of wheels behind you can be nerve-wracking if you‘ve never done it before. But with a little practice and preparation, you‘ll be hauling like a pro in no time.
First and foremost, make sure you‘ve got the right vehicle and hitch setup for the job. Don‘t push your luck trying to tow more than your vehicle‘s rated capacity – it‘s not worth the risk. If you‘re unsure, consult your vehicle‘s manual or ask a Tractor Supply team member for guidance.
Before you head out on the road, take some time to practice maneuvering in an open area like an empty parking lot. Get a feel for the extra length and wide turns. Remember you‘ll need more distance to stop than you would without a trailer.
When you‘re loading up the trailer, keep 60% of the weight in front of the axle centerline for proper tongue weight. And don‘t forget to secure your load with ratchet straps or tie downs so nothing takes flight while driving.
Other handy tips for first-time towers:
- Check all trailer lights and electric brakes before each trip
- Drive slower and leave extra space between you and other vehicles
- Avoid sudden swerves, starts, or stops
- Take wider turns and use your mirrors
- Use a spotter when backing up if possible
With a little practice and common sense, towing a trailer is totally doable, even for city slickers like me.
The Greener Side of Renting
One aspect of renting that often gets overlooked is the environmental impact. When more people opt to rent trailers and other equipment instead of buying, it can lead to fewer underutilized items sitting in garages and ultimately ending up in landfills.
Think of it this way: if a home improvement project requires a trailer, but that person only anticipates needing it once or twice a year, renting is by far the more sustainable choice. That one rental trailer can serve the hauling needs of dozens of people over the course of a year.
The same principle applies for a whole range of items, from tools to furniture. Participating in a sharing economy model like renting helps cut down on waste and conserves resources in the long run. Just one more reason to feel good about renting!
The Trailblazing Truth
At the end of the day, my goal is to help you, the savvy consumer, make informed decisions. And when it comes to trailer rentals, the truth is you‘ve got options.
What sets Tractor Supply apart is their combination of convenience, variety, and value. With so many locations, chances are you‘re just a stone‘s throw from a rental trailer whenever you need it. Their Neighbor‘s Club loyalty program is the cherry on top, offering serious savings for frequent renters.
Of course, renting from a retail store isn‘t the best fit for every situation. If you need a larger or specialized trailer, or access to a broader inventory of accessories, an equipment rental center may be the better choice. And if you‘re using a trailer on a weekly basis, it might be time to crunch the numbers on buying vs. renting.
But for the majority of us who just need an extra set of wheels a few times a year – whether it‘s for a DIY project, a family move, or a major landscaping endeavor – you really can‘t beat the ease and affordability of renting from Tractor Supply.
So the next time you find yourself in a hauling bind, don‘t stress. Just head to your local Tractor Supply, pick out a trailer, and get ready to hit the open road. With a little preparation and know-how, you‘ll be towing like a pro in no time.
