Due to circumstances, we have to leave our van in Toowoomba & are hiring a trailer to take some furniture back to Townsville. My mother-in-law didn't quite make 102 years before cancer took her last month.
I've hired a cage type trailer (6x4) & plan on doing around 600-650kms a day (1400km trip). One of the conditions is the MAXIMUM SPEED is to be 80kph!! We hired one several years ago to take our daughter's goods & chattels from Brisbane to Toowoomba but cannot recall having to restrict the speed. The only thing I can put it down to might be the basic suspension - but it applies to all of their trailers! I'm not looking forward to having large trucks breathing down on me!!
As they (U-Haul) now have caravans in their fleet, I wonder whether they too have a similar limit.
Moose2 said
12:43 PM Feb 5, 2022
How the hell will they know how fast you tow the thing?
Mike Harding said
01:48 PM Feb 5, 2022
Interesting: do they consider their trailers are not sufficiently safe in order to be towed at the legal speed limit?
It sounds like some sort of "Get Out" clause to me - I have doubts as to whether it has much legal validity.
In the event of an accident they may be able to judge your speed either by police assessment or the data from your vehicle's electronic systems.
Personally; I'd fine another hirer.
JeffRae said
02:54 PM Feb 5, 2022
I suppose if they had GPS trackers in them they could check the speed and location at any time.
Bobdown said
03:26 PM Feb 5, 2022
Interesting Warren, I checked U-Haul WA, T & C's and it states the same 80kph.
You could almost be booked for going to slow on some freeways and highways , there would be a line up behind you for sure.
Cheers Bob
Wanda said
04:08 PM Feb 5, 2022
I think I would be going with someone else, as someone has metioned, gps tracker, you have an accident at 90km and then what happens ?
Ian
Warren-Pat_01 said
08:38 PM Feb 5, 2022
Thanks for your comments. Unfortunately there is no other company as U-Haul specialise in one way travel - in my case, picking up from to Toowoomba & unpacking at Townsville (nearly 1500kms apart).
For the reason of holding up traffic, we're taking the back route (the Gregory) via Roma, Springsure, Emerald, Charters Towers because that route is quieter than up the Bruce. And trying to find out road conditions is proving difficult as the so called Smart State doesn't update their websites! I'll call the Emerald, Clermont police stations before we head off.
I doubt that they have a GPS Tracker but on the Warrego Highway, I'll see how it goes & may go up to 90kph (about caravan speed).
Hitting the road said
03:01 PM Feb 6, 2022
Many years ago i was a Regional Manager for Move Yourself Trailer Hire. The only reason these companies have a silly speed limit on their trailers is to discourage renters from going too fast for the conditions and their own experience. It is well known that many renters have never towed a trailer, will often overload the trailer and speed off in to the sunset.
At the time the company would lose a few trailers every year through roll overs generally due to inexperience, very very occasionally mechanical failure such as breaking an axle (overloading) or losing a wheel from a bearing retaining nut coming loose.
There is no way for the company to know what the trailer is doing once it is picked up. Traveling at or near to the speed limit is safer and smarter.
Mike Harding said
03:25 PM Feb 6, 2022
Good post Hitting The Road, thanks.
Warren-Pat_01 said
05:14 PM Feb 6, 2022
Thank you Hitting the road.
However one question arises from your statement - are the trailers road worthy, mechanically wise? I would have expected that anyone servicing the bearings would insert the split pin to prevent the retaining nut from coming loose. It wouldn't matter if the trailer was towed at the speed limit, lower or higher & that nut came loose, the results would be catastrophic!
As I mentioned above my concern is having some semi & B-double truck drivers cursing me for slow travel. I get enough of that when I tow the van - even after I pull over & let them go past. There are some good ones too who are considerate.
PeterInSa said
05:33 PM Feb 6, 2022
Re ( It is well known that many renters have never towed a trailer, will often overload the trailer and speed off in to the sunset.)
Agree, further if the trailer is loaded incorrectly with very heavy items at the rear, speeds over 80 and near 100 could cause the trailer to sway and the driver, possibly breaking hard with an overturn the result.
Hitting the road said
08:13 AM Feb 7, 2022
are the trailers road worthy, mechanically wise...
Yes the trailers should all be roadworthy, there isn't much to a trailer anyway lets face it. A roadworthy certificate is only required if the trailer tare is over 750kg, not many rental trailers are that type of weight.
These box trailers are fitted with heavier than standard axles and bearings you'll get on your standard box trailer, and use override type brake couplings if they have brakes fitted. There isn't much too them.
As far as where I wrote losing a wheel due to wheel bearing retaining nut coming loose split pins can fail...I did write "rarely"... the very occasional bearing failure is usually brought about by a renter dragging a trailer through water and damaging bearings. The trailers are not fitted with marine type seals so water can ingress.
These companies have full time mobile mechanics in utes or vans stocked with spares who inspect the trailers on a regular basis, they will also strip out bearings clean and repack on a rotational basis, check lights etc.
It is rare to have a trailer let you down...but not impossible. If you are renting one of these to go a distance, for peace of mind do basic checks yourself such as gripping the top of the tyre and rocking it in and out to check for play, look underneath to ensure nothing is hanging off or visibly damaged.
The only way the hiring company will know if something is amiss with a trailer between services is if it is reported. Renters don't generally report an issue or damage when they drop them back, they generally are not interested in paying for any damage they may have caused, and the Servo where they are held doesn't do much either...
StewG said
03:39 PM Feb 7, 2022
I have noticed on the rare occasions that I've hired a trailer that the totally impractical 80kph limit is stated. It is fine around the city, but on the open road can create dangerous situations by holding back traffic. I understand why the limit is in place, but it is an very poor imposition on responsible drivers on the highways.
Warren-Pat_01 said
07:40 PM Feb 7, 2022
Thanks Hitting the road,
You have increased my faith in the trailer. The last one I hired was a bigger unit whereas this one is a 6x4 cage trailer. I did wonder about regular mtce - you've straightened that issue up.
The "funny" bit about this hire is that I got lost with the hire dates - 4 days to do 1400kms! I was convinced that I was picking up the trailer on "Wednesday - the 8th" of Feb but my wife said the 8th was Tuesday (tomorrow)!! It's going to take a bit of loading (less than 100kg) with the tarp having to cover the furniture.
I'll let you know how we go.
Rob Driver said
07:36 AM Feb 8, 2022
Hi Warren,
I have hired one on several occasions to pick up building items.
I noted the 80 kph limit and considered it an *out* for insurance should you damage it and they then prove that you were exceeding their limit,
That being said I found the trailer that I usually get is a 7 x 4 caged one and they are very well built.
A quick *idiot* check each time I hire them indicates to me that they appear to be correctly serviced and generally in good condition for travel.
A shake of wheel bearings without jacking it up did not indicate any movement, grease was abundant and evident in all areas that may require it including jockey wheel mounting and override brake coupling. All lights were working and wiring adapters were in good nik.
I usually only need to travel about 160 klms but I would not hesitate to do a longer run if needed.
Although probably a bit more expensive than what my ancient mind anticipated, I found I could do half day hire which if organised, I could do my pick up and return it by lunch time which made it cheaper.
I guess that this deal may not apply to you going to Brisbane.
Hello everyone,
Due to circumstances, we have to leave our van in Toowoomba & are hiring a trailer to take some furniture back to Townsville. My mother-in-law didn't quite make 102 years before cancer took her last month.
I've hired a cage type trailer (6x4) & plan on doing around 600-650kms a day (1400km trip). One of the conditions is the MAXIMUM SPEED is to be 80kph!! We hired one several years ago to take our daughter's goods & chattels from Brisbane to Toowoomba but cannot recall having to restrict the speed. The only thing I can put it down to might be the basic suspension - but it applies to all of their trailers! I'm not looking forward to having large trucks breathing down on me!!
As they (U-Haul) now have caravans in their fleet, I wonder whether they too have a similar limit.
Interesting: do they consider their trailers are not sufficiently safe in order to be towed at the legal speed limit?
It sounds like some sort of "Get Out" clause to me - I have doubts as to whether it has much legal validity.
In the event of an accident they may be able to judge your speed either by police assessment or the data from your vehicle's electronic systems.
Personally; I'd fine another hirer.
Interesting Warren, I checked U-Haul WA, T & C's and it states the same 80kph.
You could almost be booked for going to slow on some freeways and highways
, there would be a line up behind you for sure.
Cheers Bob
Ian
For the reason of holding up traffic, we're taking the back route (the Gregory) via Roma, Springsure, Emerald, Charters Towers because that route is quieter than up the Bruce. And trying to find out road conditions is proving difficult as the so called Smart State doesn't update their websites! I'll call the Emerald, Clermont police stations before we head off.
I doubt that they have a GPS Tracker but on the Warrego Highway, I'll see how it goes & may go up to 90kph (about caravan speed).
At the time the company would lose a few trailers every year through roll overs generally due to inexperience, very very occasionally mechanical failure such as breaking an axle (overloading) or losing a wheel from a bearing retaining nut coming loose.
There is no way for the company to know what the trailer is doing once it is picked up. Traveling at or near to the speed limit is safer and smarter.
Good post Hitting The Road, thanks.
However one question arises from your statement - are the trailers road worthy, mechanically wise? I would have expected that anyone servicing the bearings would insert the split pin to prevent the retaining nut from coming loose. It wouldn't matter if the trailer was towed at the speed limit, lower or higher & that nut came loose, the results would be catastrophic!
As I mentioned above my concern is having some semi & B-double truck drivers cursing me for slow travel. I get enough of that when I tow the van - even after I pull over & let them go past. There are some good ones too who are considerate.
Agree, further if the trailer is loaded incorrectly with very heavy items at the rear, speeds over 80 and near 100 could cause the trailer to sway and the driver, possibly breaking hard with an overturn the result.
are the trailers road worthy, mechanically wise...
Yes the trailers should all be roadworthy, there isn't much to a trailer anyway lets face it. A roadworthy certificate is only required if the trailer tare is over 750kg, not many rental trailers are that type of weight.
These box trailers are fitted with heavier than standard axles and bearings you'll get on your standard box trailer, and use override type brake couplings if they have brakes fitted. There isn't much too them.
As far as where I wrote losing a wheel due to wheel bearing retaining nut coming loose split pins can fail...I did write "rarely"... the very occasional bearing failure is usually brought about by a renter dragging a trailer through water and damaging bearings. The trailers are not fitted with marine type seals so water can ingress.
These companies have full time mobile mechanics in utes or vans stocked with spares who inspect the trailers on a regular basis, they will also strip out bearings clean and repack on a rotational basis, check lights etc.
It is rare to have a trailer let you down...but not impossible. If you are renting one of these to go a distance, for peace of mind do basic checks yourself such as gripping the top of the tyre and rocking it in and out to check for play, look underneath to ensure nothing is hanging off or visibly damaged.
The only way the hiring company will know if something is amiss with a trailer between services is if it is reported. Renters don't generally report an issue or damage when they drop them back, they generally are not interested in paying for any damage they may have caused, and the Servo where they are held doesn't do much either...
You have increased my faith in the trailer. The last one I hired was a bigger unit whereas this one is a 6x4 cage trailer. I did wonder about regular mtce - you've straightened that issue up.
The "funny" bit about this hire is that I got lost with the hire dates - 4 days to do 1400kms! I was convinced that I was picking up the trailer on "Wednesday - the 8th" of Feb but my wife said the 8th was Tuesday (tomorrow)!! It's going to take a bit of loading (less than 100kg) with the tarp having to cover the furniture.
I'll let you know how we go.
I have hired one on several occasions to pick up building items.
I noted the 80 kph limit and considered it an *out* for insurance should you damage it and they then prove that you were exceeding their limit,
That being said I found the trailer that I usually get is a 7 x 4 caged one and they are very well built.
A quick *idiot* check each time I hire them indicates to me that they appear to be correctly serviced and generally in good condition for travel.
A shake of wheel bearings without jacking it up did not indicate any movement, grease was abundant and evident in all areas that may require it including jockey wheel mounting and override brake coupling. All lights were working and wiring adapters were in good nik.
I usually only need to travel about 160 klms but I would not hesitate to do a longer run if needed.
Although probably a bit more expensive than what my ancient mind anticipated, I found I could do half day hire which if organised, I could do my pick up and return it by lunch time which made it cheaper.
I guess that this deal may not apply to you going to Brisbane.
Travel safely,