FAQs
All Users FAQs
Towlos Basics
In order to provide a safe, secure environment for your financial information and other sensitive data, towlos currently uses Stripe. Although Stripe is more expensive than other platforms that process financial transactions, we liked their approach to cybersecurity and data protection. Companies such as Amazon, Lyft, Instacart, Salesforce, and Shopify also use Stripe.
For more information, visit their Privacy Center at: https://stripe.com/privacy-center/legal.
Currently, towlos does not have a dedicated mobile app. Instead, we've strategically focused on creating a fully mobile-responsive website that provides a seamless experience across all devices.
Why no mobile App right now?
We've made a deliberate choice to prioritize:
- Delivering a high-quality, mobile-friendly web experience
- Investing in core platform functionality
- Keeping our resources focused on essential product improvements
Our Mobile Commitment
- Fully Responsive Design: towlos.com works smoothly on smartphones, tablets, and desktops
- Continuous Improvement: We're constantly enhancing our mobile web experience
- Future Planning: We're actively exploring building a dedicated mobile app to further improve user experience
What this means for you
You can access all towlos features directly through your mobile web browser with the same ease and functionality you'd expect from a native app. No download required.
Rental Basics
Before Host Approval:
If the host has not yet approved a rental request, guests can cancel at any time for a FULL refund, regardless of the timing.
Rentals Requested More Than 48 Hours Before the Trip Start Time:
- Before Host Approval: Guests can cancel at any time for a FULL refund.
- After Host Approval: Guests may cancel up to 48 hours before the trip start time for a FULL refund. If they fail to cancel within this period, they will be charged the full trip cost with no refund.
- Host Approval Deadline: The host has up to 5 days or until 24 hours before the trip starts (whichever comes first) to approve the rental. If not approved, the rental is automatically canceled, and the guest receives a FULL refund.
Rentals Requested Less Than 48 Hours Before the Trip Start Time:
- Before Host Approval: Guests can cancel at any time for a FULL refund.
- After Host Approval: Guests may cancel within 1 hour of approval for a FULL refund. If they fail to cancel within this period, they will be charged the full trip cost with no refund.
- Host Approval Deadline: The host has until the trip start time to approve the rental. If not approved, the rental is automatically canceled, and the guest receives a FULL refund.
Refund Processing Time:
Refunds may take several business days to reflect on the guest's payment method.
For the more details on our Cancellation Policy and our complete Terms of Use, please visit our Terms of Use page.
- Reporting a Guest as a No-Show (Host Responsibilities)
- If a guest does not cancel their trip and fails to arrive at the scheduled time, the host must attempt to contact them. The host should:
- Inform the guest that they intend to report them as a No-Show.
- Let the guest know if they are able to wait and for how long.
- A guest may be reported as a No-Show within the Rental Record if:
- The host provides a courtesy window of at least 30 minutes past the scheduled trip start time.
- The host attempts to contact the guest at least twice with no response.
- Other No-Show Circumstances: A guest may also be considered a No-Show if:
- They arrive without a valid driver’s license.
- They send an unapproved driver to pick up the trailer.
- Reporting Deadline: The host must report a No-Show within 48 hours of the scheduled trip start time.
- Earnings for No-Show Trips:
- If the host follows the reporting guidelines, the trip will be canceled, and the host will receive their full payout for the rental.
- The host will not receive earnings if:
- They fail to follow the No-Show reporting guidelines.
- They fail to report the No-Show within the required timeframe.
- Reporting a Host as a No-Show (Guest Responsibilities)
- If a guest arrives at the designated pickup location and the host or trailer is not present, they should:
- Confirm the Address
- Check the trip details to ensure they are at the correct location.
- Look for any messages from the host regarding an updated location.
- Allow Extra Time
- Guests must wait at least 30 minutes past the scheduled start time for the host to arrive.
- Likewise, the host must provide guests with a 30-minute courtesy window to arrive.
- If the guest arrives more than 30 minutes late without notifying the host, the host may cancel the trip and report the guest as a No-Show.
- Attempt Contact
- The guest must attempt to contact the host at least twice with no response.
- How to Report a Host No-Show:
If the above criteria are met, the guest should select the No-Show button within the Rental Record. - Towlos will be notified of the No-Show, and will:
- Cancel the trip.
- Attempt to find a suitable replacement trailer.
- If no replacement is available or the guest chooses not to rebook, a full refund will be issued.
- Guests can also contact the towlos Solutions Team at:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (970) 343-4424
- Guests should provide their Rental Number and specify that their host is a No-Show.
- Reporting Deadline: The guest must report a No-Show within 48 hours of the scheduled trip start time.
For the more details on our No-Show Policy and our complete Terms of Use, please visit our Terms of Use page.
- Work out a mutually agreeable time and daily rate for the extension.
- Cancel the rental and redo it for the extended dates.
Yes, here are some answers from Stripe: You will see the refund as a credit approximately 5-10 business days later, depending upon the bank. Refunds can’t be canceled after they’re issued. Disputes and chargebacks aren’t possible on credit card charges that are fully refunded. Refunds can only be sent back to the original payment method used in a charge. It’s not possible to send a refund to a different destination (for example, another card or bank account). Refunds to expired or canceled cards are handled by the customer’s card issuer and, in most cases, credited to the customer’s replacement card. If no replacement exists, the card issuer usually delivers the refund to the customer using an alternate method (for example, check or bank account deposit). In rare cases, a refund back to a card may fail.
Some refunds—those issued shortly after the original charge—appear in the form of a reversal instead of a refund. In the case of a reversal, the original charge drops off the customer’s statement, and a separate credit isn’t issued.
You can also find frequently asked questions (FAQs) for Refunds with Stripe in the Refunds FAQ.
Guests - Trailer Renters FAQs
Before Rental
Your host will receive a notification that someone wants to rent their trailer. You should prepare by doing the following:
- Be sure you have uploaded or updated your photo ID and your tow vehicle’s proof of insurance.
- Go to Guest HQ and follow the instructions under Towing Approval.
- Review and sign the Rental Contract by going to Guest Rentals, then View pending rental, then Rental Contract.
If you’ve not heard from your host, or the rental is time-sensitive, contact them via the towlos Chat.
During & After Rental
- Important! The Guest bears full financial responsibility for any physical damage or loss to the trailer while they were renting it. If this occurs, either party can initiate a dispute from within the Rental Record. Towlos will facilitate this, and work towards a mutually beneficial solution.
- Almost without exception, the towing vehicle’s insurance covers the liability costs when the trailer causes 3rd party property damage and/or bodily injury, but does not cover the contents being hauled or damage to the trailer. We encourage you as the Guest to confirm that the auto insurance on your towing vehicle is current and satisfactory, and verify that with your Host.
- Refundable Security Deposit:
Towlos recommends Hosts set a security deposit amount of their choice to add an extra layer of security for their trailer in the event the trailer is damaged while rented. Hosts can determine the deposit amount based on the trailer's value, length of rental, and the potential risks associated with the rental.
Setting a Damage Deposit helps protect Hosts in the event of any unforeseen damages or breaches of the rental agreement. Hosts should communicate the deposit amount clearly to Guests both in the description of their trailer AND during the rental process to ensure mutual understanding and compliance.
Deposits provide peace of mind for Hosts while also promoting responsible renting behavior among Guests. Hosts can manage deposit details through the Towlos platform, enhancing the overall safety, security, and success of the trailer-sharing experience. - As a Guest, we strongly encourage you to purchase specific trailer insurance for the effective dates of your trip. This will cover you should you cause any damage to the trailer you rented. This is often inexpensive. Typically, you would call your auto insurance agent, and need to provide the following information:
- Year, Make, Model of your trailer
- Last 6 digits of the VIN
- Value of your trailer (both new and current condition)
Good rule of thumb: If something has a serial number or a VIN (e.g. golf cart, ATV, car, boat, trailer, etc.), it needs to be insured with its own policy. If it is property being transported (e.g. fridge, tools, furniture, or a grill), those items would likely be covered through a home insurance policy.
FYI: At towlos, we are currently working on providing a seamless, integrated insurance solution that will offer various tiers purchasable by the Guest for their specific rental period. Stay tuned!
Hosts - Trailer Owners FAQs
Before Rental
Towlos helps you vet your potential guest by requiring them to answer 4 questions. These responses help you understand their prior towing experience, the vehicle they are using to tow your trailer, the cargo and its approximate weight, and the destination and mileage they plan to travel. This information gets emailed to you, along with the rental request notification.
Additionally, you can ask the guest any questions via towlos Chat before accepting the rental.
Yes, with towlos Chat. We offer an online chat feature where you can receive and send messages to potential guests, just like a typical text message. Feel free to send as many messages as possible to answer potential guest questions and ensure your trailer(s) will fit their needs.
For your security and convenience, all communication between the host and the guest before rental must occur through towlos. Once the rental request has been confirmed, your phone number and location will be given to your guest.
No. For your protection, sharing an address before a rental is not permitted. If a potential renter requests to view the trailer before booking, please inform them that the address can only be provided once their booking has been confirmed.
By offering detailed descriptions, pictures and videos, you can minimize the need for such requests. It is rare for renters to ask to see a trailer in person before booking with a trailer rental service.
During & After Rental
Glad you asked! Following a routine set of steps for each rental process helps minimize questions, provide a more enjoyable rental experience, and reduce damage claims.
Guest Verification:
When the guest arrives, confirm their identity by comparing their driver's license with the details in the towlos Rental Record. This is also the time to have them sign the rental contract, if they haven’t done so already. A template agreement is also available for download, see Host HQ page.
Given that guests often skim the terms of service, highlight the critical points in person. This reinforces the key rules and shows your commitment to maintaining your trailer’s condition. Key points to discuss include:
- Return Details: Confirm the exact return date and time.
- Damage and Loss Liability: Inform guests that they are responsible for any repairs or replacements due to damage or loss.
- Weight Limits: Instead of listing what can be transported, emphasize the trailer’s weight capacity. It is the guest’s responsibility to adhere to this limit.
- Condition Acceptance: By taking the trailer, guests agree to its current condition.
Outbound Pre-check:
Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the trailer with the guest. Point out the condition of key components such as the tires, suspension, deck/floor, exterior, lights, and brakes. Ensure they acknowledge the trailer’s current condition and any existing damage.
Trailer Hookup:
Verify that the towing vehicle’s ball size matches the trailer’s coupler. The guest should attach the trailer to their vehicle themselves so you can monitor and ensure it’s performed properly, and to mitigate any liability for incorrect hookup. Once connected, thoroughly check all connections, including safety chains, emergency clip, and brake connector.
Photo Documentation:
Take and upload detailed photos of the trailer hitched to the guest’s vehicle, including the license plate. Capture images from various angles (front, sides, and rear). Do the same upon the trailer’s return. These photos are crucial for documenting the trailer's condition and resolving any disputes.
Inbound Post-check::
Upon return, discuss the rental experience with the guest and inspect the trailer while they are present. Take new photos from all angles, regardless of visible damage, to ensure accurate documentation.
Given that guests often skim the terms of service, highlight the critical points in person. This reinforces the key rules and shows your commitment to maintaining your trailer’s condition. Key points to discuss include:
- Inform the guest that you will close out the rental, which will initiate a refund of their security deposit.
- Let them know the refund often takes 3-5 business days to appear in their account.
- Ask for their feedback and if you could make any improvements for next time.
- Encourage them to leave a review about their experience, and mention that you will also provide feedback on them.
Consistently adhering to these steps will help ensure a professional, efficient rental process, protect your asset, and enhance your business reputation. Thank you for using towlos!
Select “Host Rentals” and find your Active rental
View the Rental Record
If there is no damage, loss or unpaid rental fees, select “Accept Return”
If there is damage, loss or unpaid rental fees, select “Dispute Return” and follow the instructions.
There are 3 primary ways your trailer is protected:
- Liability protection: almost without exception, the towing vehicle’s insurance covers the liability costs when the trailer causes 3rd party property damage and/or bodily injury. Note that liability does not cover the contents being hauled or damage to the trailer. We encourage you as the Host to verify this with your Guest by reviewing the auto policy on the towing vehicle, and confirming it is current and satisfactory.
- Refundable Security Deposit: Towlos recommends Hosts set a security deposit amount per trailer. This adds an extra layer of security for their trailer and should cover 95% of all incidental damage. Hosts can determine the deposit amount based on the trailer's value, length of rental, and the potential risks associated with the rental. Deposits provide peace of mind for Hosts while also promoting responsible renting behavior among Guests. Hosts can manage deposit details through the Towlos platform, enhancing the overall safety, security, and success of the trailer-sharing experience.
- Trailer Insurance: Specific trailer insurance is offered through MBA insurance for the rare instances of more costly damage that exceeds the security deposit amount. As the Host, you can request that the Guest purchases specific trailer insurance for the effective dates of their trip. Typically, the guest would call their auto insurance agent, and need to provide the following information:
- Year, Make, Model of your trailer
- Last 6 digits of the VIN
- Value of your trailer (both new and current condition)
You as the host should then verify this has been done (via photo or screenshot of insurance policy). **If Hosts require this additional insurance of their Guests, that must be stated in the description of their trailer on Towlos. It’s a bitter pill for a Guest to book a trailer, then find out they must also call their insurance agent and purchase additional insurance.**
Important! The Guest bears full financial responsibility for any physical damage or loss to the trailer while they were renting it. If this occurs, either party can initiate a dispute from within the Rental Record. Towlos will facilitate this, and work towards a mutually beneficial solution.
Good rule of thumb: If something has a serial number or a VIN (e.g. golf cart, ATV, car, boat, trailer, etc.), it needs to be insured with its own policy. If it is property being transported (e.g. fridge, tools, furniture, or a grill), those items would likely be covered through a home insurance policy.
FYI: At towlos, we are currently working on providing a seamless, integrated insurance solution that will offer various tiers purchasable by the Guest for their specific rental period. Stay tuned!
The best practice is to register all your trailer tags with your state’s toll agency - like Florida’s “SunPass” system. This helps you track tolls in real time, making it easier to charge your guest accurately and promptly.
When a guest returns your trailer, log in to your state’s toll account, check if any tolls were triggered, and deduct those charges from their Security Deposit. This streamlines the process, ensuring you’re not chasing down toll payments long after the rental is over.
Managing your Trailer Listing
Absolutely. We understand that finding time for your trailer hustle can be challenging, and sometimes it’s worth it to get some support rather than do it yourself. That’s why towlos offers a convenient towlos Assistant service to handle everything for you.
Simply provide us with your existing marketplace ads, website, or pictures of your trailer, and we’ll take care of creating and managing your listings. All you need to do is review and approve them, and you’re all set!
Our service is $50, plus $15 for each trailer added to the platform. To get started, text “towlos” to 970-315-2518. We will respond shortly and get you on the road to rental income.
Yes, towlos requires that all trailers listed on our platform must have valid, up-to-date registration, regardless of the state in which you live. This policy ensures legal compliance, protects the trailer owner, and minimizes potential disputes during interstate travel or rental transactions.
towlos Trailer Registration Policy
Why Registration is Necessary:- Legal Compliance Across States: Trailer registration laws vary widely across the U.S. Some states mandate registration for all trailers, while others require it only for specific types or uses. A registered trailer ensures compliance regardless of where it is rented or operated, reducing the risk of legal complications.
- Proof of Ownership and Security: Registration provides an official record of ownership, which protects both the trailer owner and renter. It helps prevent unauthorized transfers and reduces the likelihood of theft.
- Interstate Travel Considerations: Trailers often cross state lines. Unregistered trailers may face penalties or restrictions in states where registration is required, causing delays or fines for renters and owners.
- Insurance and Liability: In many states, a registered trailer is a prerequisite for obtaining adequate insurance coverage. This protects owners and users from financial liability in case of accidents or damage.
- Ensure your trailer is registered in accordance with your state’s DMV regulations.
- Provide proof of registration when listing your trailer on towlos.
- Regularly update registration to maintain compliance.
Owners and renters should familiarize themselves with state-specific regulations, particularly for interstate rentals. Towlos reserves the right to delist trailers that do not meet registration requirements. This policy reflects a focus on safety, legal compliance, and user experience, aligning with best practices observed across various states and rental platforms.
If you need to update the rental rates for your trailer, follow these simple steps:
- Navigate to Host mode (Host HQ), and click on My Fleet.
- Find your trailer listing and click "Edit”.
- Scroll down to the "Pricing and Security Deposit" section.
- Adjust these values as needed.
- Don’t forget to “Save and Publish”
After you've made the necessary changes, your updated rates will be reflected on your trailer page. This ensures your pricing stays current and competitive.
- Log in to your towlos Host HQ.
- Click on “My Fleet” and select the trailer listing you want to edit.
- Click “Edit” on the chosen listing.
- Scroll down to the Trailer Videos section.
- Copy and paste the YouTube or Vimeo video URL into the provided field.
- Don't forget to “Save and Publish”
Your video will now appear in the carousel on your trailer page - along with your photos.
If you need to block specific dates when your trailer won't be available for rental, follow these simple steps:
- Navigate to Host mode (Host HQ), and click on My Fleet.
- Find your trailer listing and click on the "Edit" option.
- Scroll down to the "Availability Schedule" section.
- Blackout Dates:
- Click on "Blackout Dates."
- Select the dates this trailer is not available for rental.
- Don’t forget to “Save and Publish”
Once you've selected the dates you aren't available, these dates will be marked as unavailable. This way, you can ensure your trailer is only rented when it suits your schedule.
If you need to deactivate or unpublish your trailer listing, follow these simple steps:
- Log in to your towlos Host HQ.
- Click on “My Fleet” and select the trailer listing you want to edit.
- Click “Edit” on the chosen listing.
- Scroll down to the Trailer Videos section.
- If you simply wish to deactivate or unpublish your trailer, toggle “Publish Trailer” to off, and hit Save for Later.
If you’ve sold your trailer or wish it to be permanently deleted, choose Delete.
Earnings & Promotion
Towlos offers flexible host plans designed to support trailer rental businesses at every stage of growth. We cover all payment and credit card processing fees, ensuring transparency and maximizing your earnings.
Launch Plan
Host compensation: Traditional marketplace model. No monthly fees + standard towlos take rate.
Ideal for: New hosts starting their trailer rental business.
Accelerate Plan
Host compensation: Hybrid model. Monthly fee + lower towlos take rate.
Ideal for: Growing businesses looking for advanced features and opportunities to scale.
Enterprise Plan
Host compensation: Hybrid model. Monthly fee + lowest towlos take rate.
Ideal for: High-volume rental businesses that need advanced features and support.
For more detailed features and current pricing, click here.
We recommend that you check the specific laws in your state. If your gross payments exceed $20,000 and more than 200 transactions per year, you will receive a 1099-K form. For more information, please visit the IRS website: Understanding Your Form 1099-K | Internal Revenue Service
You bet. Check out these tips below (not all will apply)
In your Description, be sure to include:
1) The model year of the trailer in the title
2) Approximate tire age and wear
3) Date of brake service, if applicable
4) Last 6 of VIN for insurance purposes
5) Any details that make your trailer unique and more attractive
6) Any extras (straps, winch, hitch) that would help your guest
Photos: As you know, good photos SELL, so be sure to include:
1) Good photo of the hitch and connector (will help your guest see your setup)
2) Detailed photos of the wheels and tires will help reassure guests of wear/dry rot
3) Photo of your spare tire
4) Photo showing what you might haul with your trailer. Example: a cool sports car on a car hauler
5) Photos showing any existing trailer damage
6) Any straps or accessories that you will include for your guests
Videos: If you think a picture is worth 1000 words, try creating a video! We encourage you to make a promotional video, emphasizing the features of your trailer, and also a “How-to” video, showing your guests how to operate your trailer safely and effectively.
You can use the 35 foot Imperial car hauler as a guide as well. Promote your trailer through your social media platforms (be sure to tag towlos in your post).
You bet. Follow these towlos tips:
- Plan Your Video Content
- Highlight the trailer’s features, condition, and value to attract potential buyers.
- Keep It Short: Aim for 1-2 minutes. Be concise but informative.
- Clean the trailer and find a location to shoot that has an uncluttered background.
- Follow a Simple Script
- Briefly introduce the trailer. A simple introduction script to follow: “Hi, I’m [First Name], and today I’m excited to show you this [Trailer Brand, Model, Year]. Let’s take a look at what makes this a great trailer”
- Highlight the key features and benefits of the trailer, including length, width and height. Describe the type of loads or uses the trailer is best suited for.
- Share details about the trailer’s condition and any recent maintenance or existing damage.
- Filming
- Videos taken with phones are more than acceptable, professionally produced videos are not necessary. Most videos will be viewed on mobile devices, shooting in portrait mode is better than landscape.
- Exterior Shots
- Wide Shot: Show the entire trailer from different angles.
- Close-Ups: Focus on details like the wheels, coupling, ramps, spare tire, and other exterior features.
- Interior Shots:
- Close-Ups: Highlight features like storage compartments, flooring, and any special features.
- Upload your Video
- Once filmed, upload your video to Youtube or Vimeo. Towlos accepts both Youtube and Vimeo links, which can be added from the trailer Edit page.
- Create Quality Content: Use high-quality photos, videos, and a compelling description of your trailer.
- Promote your trailer using the dedicated QR code, found on your Trailer page.
- Use Social Media:
- Facebook: Share in relevant groups, your personal and business pages, and Facebook Marketplace.
- Instagram: Post photos and videos, use Stories and Reels, and include relevant hashtags
- TikTok: Post videos, use Stories and Reels, and include relevant hashtags
- Twitter / X: Tweet your listings with engaging captions and hashtags.
- Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments and messages promptly to build trust and interest.
Promoting your trailer effectively can significantly increase visibility and rentals.
We are currently developing a premium program specifically for high-end trailers. We've received increasing interest from Hosts with luxury trailers (like inTech trailers with Rail Ryder systems What is Rail Ryder?) who want to ensure their valuable assets are matched with qualified Guests. At towlos, this aligns perfectly with our mission of having more fun with trailers by unlocking access to trailers never before available – especially these rare finds.
We are thoughtfully designing this program to:
- Recognize the significant value of these premium assets
- Implement appropriate Guest qualification criteria
- Provide enhanced service and support for these high-end rentals
If you own a high-end trailer that might qualify for this program or want more information, please contact us directly at [email protected].
Host Plans FAQs
Towlos offers flexible host plans designed to support trailer rental businesses at every stage of growth. We cover all payment and credit card processing fees, ensuring transparency and maximizing your earnings.
Launch Plan
Features:
- Full rental listing capabilities
- Flexible - towlos only gets paid when you get paid
- Digital rental contract with E-sign
- And much more
Ideal for: New hosts starting their trailer rental business.
Accelerate Plan
Features:
- Lower platform fee
- Customizable business webpage
- My Fleet inventory management system
- And much more
Ideal for: Growing businesses looking for advanced features and opportunities to scale.
Enterprise Plan
Features:
- Lowest platform fee
- Comprehensive support
- Front office dashboard with key business insights
- And much more
Ideal for: High-volume rental businesses that need advanced features and support.
Custom Solutions
Need a uniquely tailored enterprise solution? Our sales team is ready to help you optimize your trailer rental business.
Contact: [email protected]
For more detailed features and current pricing, click here.