By Last updated: October 7, 2026
When someone rents your trailer, the trailer itself is the main thing they need. But the small details can make a big difference in how smooth the rental feels.
Having the right trailer rental extras ready can help renters feel more prepared, reduce pickup-day confusion, and make your listing stand out from others nearby. You do not have to provide every accessory, but thinking ahead about what renters may need can create a better experience for both you and the guest.
Whether you rent out a utility trailer, dump trailer, enclosed trailer, car hauler, equipment trailer, or horse trailer, here are a few extras and setup details worth considering before your next booking.
Why Trailer Rental Extras Matter
Renters are often focused on the project they need the trailer for. They may be moving furniture, hauling yard waste, transporting equipment, picking up a vehicle, or handling a weekend cleanup.
Even if they have the right tow vehicle, they may not always remember every small item that makes towing easier. That is where a prepared host can make the rental process feel much more professional.
The right extras can help:
- Make pickup easier
- Reduce last-minute questions
- Help renters feel more confident
- Protect your trailer
- Set clear expectations
- Improve the overall rental experience
Extras do not have to be complicated. Sometimes the most helpful items are simple things like straps, wheel chocks, locks, or clear pickup instructions.
Ratchet Straps and Tie-Downs
Ratchet straps and tie-downs are some of the most useful extras a host can offer. Many renters need to secure furniture, equipment, ATVs, motorcycles, tools, or materials, but not everyone owns the right straps.
If you choose to provide straps, make sure they are:
- Clean
- In good working condition
- Rated for the type of cargo being hauled
- Easy to find at pickup
- Clearly listed as included or available as an add-on
It is also a good idea to remind renters that they are responsible for properly securing their own load. Providing straps can be helpful, but renters still need to use them safely and appropriately.
Wheel Chocks
Wheel chocks are a simple extra that can make loading, unloading, and parking safer. They are especially useful for enclosed trailers, car haulers, equipment trailers, and any trailer that may be loaded on uneven ground.
Keeping a set of wheel chocks with the trailer can help renters stabilize the trailer when needed. It is also a small item that can make your setup feel more complete and professional.
If you provide wheel chocks, mention them in your listing so renters know they are available.
Trailer Locks
A trailer lock can help protect your equipment before, during, and after a rental. Depending on your setup, you may want to have a coupler lock, hitch lock, or padlock available.
Trailer locks can be useful for:
- Contactless pickup
- After-hours returns
- Jobsite rentals
- Multi-day rentals
- Delivery drop-offs
- Added security while the trailer is parked
If you use a lock during pickup or return, make sure your instructions are clear. The renter should know exactly how to access the trailer, where to find the lock, and how to secure it again if needed.
Spare Tire
A spare tire is one of the most important things to have ready before a rental. Even if your tires are in good condition, a flat tire can happen unexpectedly.
Before each rental, check that your spare tire is:
- Present
- Properly inflated
- In usable condition
- Mounted securely
- Easy to access if needed
A spare tire can help reduce downtime and prevent a small issue from becoming a major problem.
It is also a good idea to inspect your main tires regularly for tread wear, cracking, low pressure, or sidewall damage before approving more rentals.
Tarp or Cargo Cover
For some trailer types, a tarp can be a very helpful extra. This is especially true for dump trailers and utility trailers used for yard waste, mulch, debris, firewood, or loose materials.
A tarp can help keep cargo contained and reduce mess on the road. If you provide one, make sure renters know whether it is included, required, or available as an extra.
A tarp may be useful for:
- Yard waste
- Leaves and branches
- Mulch
- Small debris
- Loose materials
- Cleanup projects
If your trailer has specific rules about what can be hauled, include those in your listing as well.
Hitch and Wiring Adapters
Some renters may show up with the right tow vehicle but the wrong adapter. While hosts are not required to provide every possible hitch or wiring setup, having commonly needed adapters can make pickup smoother.
Helpful items may include:
- Wiring adapter
- Extra hitch pin
- Hitch clip
- Safety pin
- Spare ramp pin
- Cotter pins
- Basic hand tools
If you provide these items, make sure they are clearly labeled and returned with the trailer. You may also want to list them in your pickup instructions so renters know what is available.
Moving Blankets
Moving blankets can be helpful for enclosed trailers or utility trailers used for furniture, appliances, antiques, or event equipment.
They can help renters protect their cargo and reduce scratching or shifting during transport. If you offer moving blankets, make sure they are clean and in good condition.
This can be a nice add-on for renters who are moving, picking up furniture, or hauling items that need extra care.
Basic Tool Kit
A small tool kit can be useful for simple, unexpected issues. You do not need to provide a full mechanic setup, but a few basic tools can help with small adjustments.
A simple trailer tool kit might include:
- Gloves
- Adjustable wrench
- Pliers
- Flashlight
- Tire pressure gauge
- Extra pins or clips
- Zip ties
- Electrical tape
Keep the kit simple and only include what you are comfortable providing. Make sure anything included is listed clearly so renters know what should be returned.
Clear Pickup and Return Instructions
One of the best “extras” you can provide is clear communication. Even if your trailer is fully equipped, a renter can still feel confused if they do not know where to go, what to bring, or how pickup works.
Before pickup, give renters clear instructions for:
- Pickup location
- Pickup time
- Return time
- Where to park
- Hitch size
- Brake controller requirements, if applicable
- Accessories included
- Cleaning expectations
- Contactless pickup steps, if applicable
- What to do if they need help
Clear instructions can prevent delays and make the whole rental feel easier.
Contactless Pickup Supplies
If you offer contactless pickup or drop-off, it helps to have a system in place before the renter arrives.
Contactless setup may include:
- Lockbox
- Trailer lock
- Clear written instructions
- Pickup photos
- Parking directions
- Return instructions
- A way to confirm the trailer was picked up and returned
Contactless pickup can work well for many hosts, but it needs to be organized. The renter should not have to guess where the trailer is, how to unlock it, or what to do when they bring it back.
Update Your towlos Listing With Included Extras
If you provide extras, make sure your towlos listing reflects that. Renters are more likely to book confidently when theyknow what is included ahead of time.
Update your listing with details like:
- Straps included
- Tarp available
- Spare tire included
- Wheel chocks included
- Moving blankets available
- Delivery options
- Cleaning expectations
- Any add-ons or extras offered
- What renters need to bring themselves
This is especially important for hosts using customizable Extras. If you offer add-ons like delivery, straps, tarps, or cleaning options, list them clearly so renters understand the full value of your setup.
Match Extras to Your Trailer Type
Not every trailer needs the same accessories. Think about what renters are most likely to use your trailer for and choose extras that match those needs.
For example:
- Utility trailers: Straps, wheel chocks, tarp, and moving blankets may be helpful.
- Dump trailers: Tarp, spare tire, gloves, and clear material rules can make a big difference.
- Enclosed trailers: Moving blankets, straps, interior lights, and locks can be useful.
- Car haulers: Tie-downs, wheel chocks, ramp instructions, and winch details may matter.
- Horse trailers: Clean interiors, working lights, mats, dividers, and clear safety expectations matter most.
The goal is not to overload your trailer with extras. The goal is to provide the items that make sense for the type of renter you are trying to serve.
Keep Extras Clean and Rental-Ready
If you offer extras, they need to be maintained just like the trailer itself. A torn strap, missing pin, broken tarp, or dirty moving blanket can create more frustration than help.
Before each rental, check that your extras are:
- Clean
- Present
- Working
- Easy to access
- Listed accurately
- Ready to be returned with the trailer
It can help to keep a simple checklist so you know what should leave with the trailer and what should come back.
Make the Rental Feel Easier From the Start
The best hosts think through the full rental experience, not just the trailer. When renters arrive and everything is organized, clean, and clearly explained, the rental starts on a better note.
A few helpful extras can make your listing more attractive, reduce confusion, and help renters feel prepared for the job ahead.
You do not need to provide everything. Start with the basics, see what renters ask for most often, and update your setup over time.
List Your Trailer on towlos
If you have a trailer sitting unused, towlos makes it easy to become a host, set your availability, communicate with renters, and manage bookings in one place.
Whether you offer a simple trailer rental or add helpful extras like straps, tarps, locks, or delivery, a complete and organized listing can help your trailer stand out.
Be ready before renters arrive, and you will create a smoother experience from pickup to return.
