Drop Deck Trailer for Sale vs. Rental: Pros and Cons of Ownership

The Transwest Team

Feb 17, 2021

A drop deck trailer helps you accomplish big jobs efficiently. Whether you spend most days hauling heavy loads across the country, or you simply need to move bulky items around your property, it is important to have the right equipment to get the job done without a lot of hassle.

For many who need a drop deck trailer, the biggest question is whether it’s best to rent the trailer or make a long-term investment through the purchase of a trailer.

Before beginning the search for a drop deck trailer for sale, it is worth considering the pros and cons of ownership versus rentals. Ultimately, the right choice will come down to a few key variables, as outlined below.

Purchasing a Drop Deck Trailer

For many, searching for a new or used drop deck trailer for sale is the logical choice, as purchasing a trailer comes with some pretty big benefits. However, as is true with any large vehicle purchase, it is wise to think through both the pros and the cons of the purchase before investing. Thinking through the following pros and cons can help ensure the right decision is made for your particular needs.

Pros of Ownership

Lower cost in the long run: While purchasing a drop deck trailer will require an investment of money, the cost, in the long run, will be less than rentals. Whether you purchase a used drop deck trailer outright, or you finance a new trailer, the overall cost will be significantly less than a rental.
Freedom for use: Owning a drop deck trailer means that you can use the trailer to haul anything you want, anywhere you want. Many rental agreements limit the trailer’s usage and mileage.
Better for long-term use: Overall, ownership is a better choice for those who plan to utilize the drop deck trailer for constant, long-term use. While a rental can be a great fit for a one-time project, if your daily work requires the use of a trailer, buying that piece of equipment is ideal.

Cons of Ownership

Maintenance: When you purchase a trailer, all maintenance now becomes your responsibility. It is important to factor in the cost of maintenance when creating a budget for a trailer purchase.
Credit requirements: If you want to finance a new trailer, you will need to meet specific credit requirements. For those who have bad credit, this can be a limiting factor.
Upfront costs: In most cases, a drop deck trailer purchase will require a down payment, which requires the use of upfront capital. For a business or individual strapped for cash, renting can be a better short-term solution.

Renting a Drop Deck Trailer

In certain situations, purchasing a trailer is not the ideal choice. However, when the job at hand calls for a drop deck trailer, securing one for use is a must. In this case, a rental might be the perfect short-term choice. The following pros and cons of renting can make it easier to determine whether or not renting a trailer is a good choice for your situation.

Pros of Renting

Easy and hassle-free: When you need a drop deck trailer for a project, and you need it now, renting is a great solution. Stopping by a location to pick up a rental is quick and easy. Within a matter of minutes, you can drive away with a trailer and get to work.
No credit score needed: In most cases, rentals do not require a specific credit score. This makes renting a trailer a great pick when your credit score is a concern. Or you simply don’t want to take on any new debt which can affect your credit score.
Low upfront investment: When cash is tight, a rental is a good solution. Rental agreements can be for short-term use and won’t require a hefty down payment as a purchase would.
Zero maintenance requirements: When you rent a trailer, all the maintenance costs fall on the rental company. This allows you to use high-quality equipment without worrying about the long-term cost of maintenance.

Cons of Renting

Expensive over time: While rentals make a great choice for a short-term job, they are not ideal for long-term use. Over time, you will wind up spending significantly more on a trailer rental than purchasing it.
No money back: Unlike a purchase, where your monthly payments eventually earn you complete trailer ownership, a rental has no return on your investment other than the use of the equipment. When you purchase a trailer, you have the chance to later sell it, recouping some of your costs.
Restrictions on use: Rental contracts often restrict the ways you can use the equipment. For this reason, it is not ideal when you have long distance hauls.

Should I Rent or Should I Buy?

In the end, based on the above pros and cons, the decision to purchase or rent comes down to some key factors. Ask yourself the following list of questions:

Do I need the trailer for long-term use? If so, it is probably better to purchase the trailer. Talk to a dealership about financing options if you are concerned about upfront costs.
Do I need the trailer for a quick, one-time job? If so, renting is ideal. Renting is easy, requires little money upfront, and necessitates no maintenance on your part.

Finding a Trusted Partner for Buying or Renting

Whether you opt to buy a drop deck trailer or rent one for a short-term project, finding a trusted partner is the key. A quality dealership will be able to assist you in browsing available drop deck trailers and navigating financing or rental options. Additionally, an experienced sales member can offer you advice on the best option for your business.

At Transwest, we are proud to offer a premium inventory of drop deck trailers. Whether you are hunting for a trailer to buy, lease, or rent, we are here to assist you in the process. Talk to our knowledgeable staff today about your specific trailer needs.