Renting a trailer tent for beginners. The complete overview

7 September, 2021

Would you like to travel with new camping gear this year? Something other than a tent, caravan or motorhome? This can be rather costly and, most likely, you are not even sure beforehand if it is something you will like. Our tip: Rent a trailer tent! A trailer tent is the perfect combination of a caravan and a tent.

The living area is often larger than in a caravan, you sleep on a comfortable mattress that is not on the ground, which means it is less cold, but at the same time you feel connected with nature and enjoy the feeling of a tent. Here is a list of the things to watch out for when renting a trailer tent from a private individual or a salesperson.

Everything about renting a trailer tent for your holiday

Why rent a trailer tent?
What kinds of trailer tents are there?
How many people fit in a trailer tent?
Where can you rent a trailer tent?
How much does it cost to rent a trailer tent?
Before you rent
Who can rent a trailer tent?
Which class of driving licence is required for a trailer tent?
What else must you keep in mind?
What should you take along?
The rental contract
Picking up your trailer tent
Extra tips
Not a big fan of the trailer tent after all?

Why rent a trailer tent?

On average, a trailer tent costs £ 6,000 (prices 2021). And that is only a basic model. If you want a (more) luxurious trailer tent, you have to spend a couple thousand more. In addition to the costs for the purchase, you must also take maintenance and storage into account. Okay, the trailer tent can be stored relatively easily in the garage and, even if you do put it into storage elsewhere, it will be cheaper than a caravan or motorhome, but it will still cost you money. Renting a trailer tent, especially for your first time, is not a bad idea at all.

What kinds of trailer tents are there?

There are several types of trailer tents, but these are the most common.

Symmetrical trailer tent

A symmetrical trailer tent opens out from the centre on both sides. The cabins are to the left and right of the body of the trailer. There are various models. One has a corridor, sitting area or kitchen in the centre, while another allows one of the two sides to be transformed into a sitting area. This is particularly handy if there are only two of you camping. You sleep on the right side and sit on the left side. If there are four of you, the sitting area converts to a sleeping area at night.

Asymmetrical trailer tent

The asymmetrical trailer tent opens to one side, either in the length or the width. The lid is used to sleep on or as storage area. This type includes the tent trailer that has the tent mounted on a wooden platform

Trailer tent with a pop-up roof

In this type of trailer tent, the roof pops up and the tent canvas is inserted between the frame and the roof. These trailer tents often have a kitchen, table and bench, somewhat resembling a caravan. These trailers are very popular in America.

Off-road trailer tent

Most trailer tents look like a standard trailer. If you are planning to go off-road or wild camping, then choose an off-road model. These have special tires that can handle more rugged terrain, air suspension that raises the trailer so that it does not touch the ground, and double shock absorbers.

How many people fit in a trailer tent?

Now that you know where you can rent a trailer tent, how much it will cost you and whether or not you may drive with it behind you, it is handy to know what type of trailer tent you want. This depends to a large degree on the size of the group you are travelling with. There are trailer tents for two, four, six or eight people. The smaller models can often be expanded with tents that can be zipped onto the trailer tent.

Where can you rent a trailer tent?

These days, there are plenty of places that rent out motorhomes or caravans but a place that rents out trailer tents is not that easy to find yet. You can rent trailer tents via private individuals, dealers and professional rental companies, but there are also some campsites that rent out fully equipped trailer tents. Nice and easy, because then you don’t have to take the trailer with you.

Of course, you can also go to dealers or professional rental companies and private individuals, such as Camplify. Whether you rent from a private individual or a dealer, always ask if you can see the trailer tent opened up to see if it meets your requirements. And they can give you detailed instructions as to how to set up the trailer tent. Do you want a trailer tent for two, four, six or more people? Do you want a trailer that sets up quickly, only requiring opening, or are you okay with a little more work?

Feel free to visit a dealer and look at the various types of trailer tents.

How much does it cost to rent a trailer tent?

The rental prices differ per dealer. You pay about £ 420 a week during the high season from a professional rental company and £ 125 or more a week from a private individual.

Before you rent

It is important that you start looking for a trailer tent on time and that you book it on time. Trailer tents have made a comeback and are very popular among campers – especially during the high season. Many rental companies also give you an early booking discount if you book on time.

Are you able to go on holiday during the low season or in the spring or autumn? Do so! There is a significant difference in the costs for both the campsite and the rental costs of the trailer tent. The advantage of sleeping in the trailer tent is that the mattress is often raised above the ground, which mean that your bed is less cold than if you were in a tent. Sleeping comfortably in a trailer tent just before or soon after the high season is not an issue.

We advise visiting the rental company before you actually leave on holiday. You do not want any surpriseswhen you arrive at the campsite. You can make proper arrangements about its use and learn how to set up the trailer tent. This means there is one less thing to arrange just before you leave, which is a good idea. And if the renting party does not suit you or your family entirely after all, simply look for another trailer tent rental company.

Who can rent a trailer tent?

Many rental companies require that the renting party has had the proper driving licence for at least one year. Some rental companies also set an age limit in connection with the insurance. Some rental companies do not allow pets, festival attendance or camping in the snow.

Which class of driving licence is required for a trailer tent?

Which class of driving licence is it that you need? This depends on the weight of the trailer tent that you want to rent and the number people that you are transporting, but a B driving licence usually suffices for most trailer tents. Read the rules that apply in the UK here.

If you have found a nice trailer tent but have no experience driving with a trailer, ask the rental company if you can go for a test drive. This is usually not a problem, and rental companies often offers an opportunity to do so. A representative may be required to accompany you on the test drive. Are you tense about driving with a trailer tent, or would you like to feel more sure of yourself? Many driving schools offer courses for class BE driving licences or courses in driving with a caravan or trailer (from £395 up).

What else must you keep in mind?

You now have an idea as to the types of trailer tents there are. There are still many other things to consider when renting a trailer tent:

• Options and accessories: Trailer tents come with plenty of options and accessories but, of course, they cost money. This varies from a groundsheet or canopy to a kitchen, chairs and table and an awning. Think carefully about what you think you will need and ask the rental company whether the trailer tent meets your requirements. In hot countries, often simply an awning will do, but if you are going at a cooler time of the year, a canopy is recommended.
• Deposit: When you rent a trailer tent, you pay a deposit beforehand. Should something happen to the trailer tent, you will most likely lose your deposit. Be sure to check the amount of the deposit (an average of £400), and the conditions under which you will not get it back. And check which actions you must take if there is any damage to the trailer tent.
• Insurance: Also ask the rental company what kind of insurance coverage the trailer tent has. There is usually a policy excess. Often, you can take out extra insurance or buy the excess off so that you need not pay the full amount of any damage. Consider beforehand whether you would like to do this. This means you will not have to make a quick decision about a large amount while at the rental company. You might want to consider travel insurance and cancellation insurance as well.
• Credit cards: In your own country it is often possible to pay for the rental of the trailer tent via a bank but, when abroad, a credit card is usually required. Keep this in mind when you go on holiday abroad.

What should you take along?

When renting a trailer tent, take a good look at the inventory list. That way you don’t take too much or too little along. Sometimes there are kitchen utensils, but sometimes there aren’t. And although the trailer tent often has a kitchen, not every trailer tent has a permanent cooker. Some rental companies also provide the coffee machine, the fridge and the kettle, while others do not.

And what about the outdoor furniture? Does the trailer tent come with an outdoor table and chairs? Are you able to take bicycles along and, if so, how many? Check as to whether you should be taking along your own bed clothes. Some companies rent out bed clothes for a small fee, which means you need not take that along yourself and you know they will fit.

The rental contract

Signing a rental contract is required when renting a trailer tent. Take the time to read it thoroughly, including the fine print. Pay attention to cancellation charges, liability with damage (see the point about insurance as well) and the amount of the deposit.

Check whether all of the rental costs are correct. You may have already paid a part of the rent prior to your trip (abroad). Make sure that the rental company does not ask you to pay this amount again.

Picking up your trailer tent

The time has finally come: time to pick up the trailer tent! Be sure to make proper arrangements, so that you do not arrive at the pick-up location only to find no one there. The rental company will first give you some instructions. Check the inventory carefully, to make sure that everything is there and there is no damage. Be sure to look carefully and, if possible, take some photographs as evidence so you will not be faced with unforeseen problems when you return. After going through the rental contract and paying any outstanding amounts, you can hitch up the trailer tent and your journey can begin. Do not forget to check the lighting before you leave.

There are a companies that are willing to bring the trailer tent to a location and help set it up. If you do not want to travel with the trailer tent or find it handy to have everything set up for you, you can make such arrangements. There is a lot that can be arranged for a fee, and it may decrease your holiday stress.

Extra tips

Now that you know how to rent a trailer tent, you can enjoy dreaming about and anticipating your holiday. Have you already picked out a campsite or tour? Whether or not you know where you are going, I cannot allow you to leave without some extra tips:

• Are you planning to go on a tour in another country? It could be very convenient to rent a trailer tent locally. This would save you a lot of hassle on the way there and it may be less expensive. Do make arrangements for the trailer tent before you leave to make sure there is one available upon your arrival.
• If you are a dog lover, you may want to take your four-footer along on holiday. Do you want to take your dog along with the trailer tent? Discuss this with the rental company, as not all rental companies are willing to accept this.
• It is also good to let them know if you are taking small children with you in the trailer tent. Some trailer tents have (small) bunk beds and you do not want your small child to fall out of the top bunk. Of you may want to set up a cot in the trailer tent. Check with the rental company if this is possible.

Not a huge fan of the trailer tent after all?

Have you discovered after your holiday that the trailer tent is not your thing after all? Or was your particular model too large or too small? Not a problem. Just return the trailer tent and you need not worry about it anymore. Was the trailer tent perfect for you? Then you know exactly which model you should look for.