Save Money on Motorcycle Trailer Rentals

Whether you're going on a trip to the desert or moving across country, you may need to rent a motorcycle trailer to tow your bike to your desired location. Transporting a motorcycle can get costly, especially if you have other moving expenses. Spend some time finding the right deal, look at ways to eliminate certain costs, and make sure you budget for the full cost your motorcycle's transportation.

Steps

Finding a Good Deal

1. Shop around. If you want to find a good price, you'll need to shop around. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with rates and pricing from different rental companies.
   • Major national companies, like UHaul, may be a good place to start if you've never rented a trailer before. This can give you a sense of what bigger companies typically charge for rentals.
   • You should also look into local companies, especially if you're just transferring your motorcycle across the state. Local rental companies may offer discounts for in-state transportation. Smaller companies may also have more accessible customer support and may be more willing to negotiate rates.
2. Use online rate estimators. A simple way to start comparing rates is using a company's online rate estimator, if one is included on their website. It's usually free or low-cost and can be a great tool to help you find a rate that's in your budget. You usually enter the distance you're transporting your motorcycle, as well as its type, weight, and other details. The website may give you a rate right away. For bigger companies, however, you may have to wait a few days to get an e-mail with a rate estimate.
   • Keep in mind rates may change depending on whether you're renting the trailer to transport the motorcycle yourself. If you're renting the trailer in addition to a UHaul, which you're having driven cross country for you, rates will generally be higher.
   • Some companies may not have online rate estimators. In this case, most companies will be willing to give you a quote if you call in their customer service line.
3. Play around with dates. If you have a flexible schedule, try playing around with dates. If you can move your motorcycle between September and May, rates will tend to be lower. Moving companies are very busy during the summer months, when many people move, and the cost of renting all moving-related equipment, including motorcycle trailers, will be sky high. If possible, rent a trailer sometime between September and May.
   • If you need to move during the summer, consider if you could wait on transporting your motorcycle. If you can store it with a friend or family member, consider having the motorcycle transported a few months after your move to cut down on costs.
   • Even if you have to move during the busy months, try playing around with dates. You may save a bit of money on rental costs if you're renting starting on, say, a Monday rather than a Saturday. Fluctuations in rates based on small changes in dates are common with moving companies. Using an online estimator, see if you can shave off $30 or $50 by slightly tweaking your rental timeframe.
4. Look for specials and discounts. You may be entitled to certain discounts or specials depending on certain factors. There may be a military discount with the company you're renting from, and most rental companies offer discounts to members of Triple A. Browse a company's website for discounts, as well as specials. If you rent during a certain month, for example, you may get 10 to 20% off your total.
5. Take precautions with door-to-door shipping. Many motorcycle transportation companies offer door-to-door shipping. This generally means your motorcycle will be picked up at your current residence and transported to your new home. While this may seem like a good deal, keep in mind door-to-door shipping services are not always possible depending on your location.
   • Check local regulations before agreeing to door-to-door shipping. Trucks used to transport motorcycles can be up to 75 feet long. This may mean they're not allowed on residential streets. You may find, after paying for door-to-door shipping, you actually have to pick your motorcycle up at a nearby grocery store, school, or large business parking lot.

Eliminating Some Costs

1. Consider purchasing or borrowing a trailer. If you can find a good price, it may actually be cheaper to purchase your own trailer and transport the motorcycle yourself. You can browse sites like Craigslist and eBay, where you may find unexpectedly cheap rates. Just make sure to examine any trailer you purchase ahead of time to make sure it's in good condition. If you move a lot, you may want to invest in simply buying your own trailer.
   • If you're friends with other motorcyclists, see if anyone is willing to lend out their trailer. This will eliminate all the costs of renting and buying. If you're a trustworthy person, and have a solid relationship with someone who owns their own trailer, this may be a good alternative to renting.
   • It may be a good idea to do some research into what to look for in a motorcycle trailer. If you've never transported a motorcycle before, there may be specific requirements you should be aware of before making a purchase.
2. Ask if your company will cover your moving costs. If you're moving for a job, you may be able to get some of the costs covered by your new company. About 50% of companies will fund a new employee's full move, and about 97% will pay for at least some of the costs. If you can get your company to fund your move, some of this money could go towards your motorcycle trailer.
3. Get a tax deduction. If you're eligible for a federal tax deduction, this can save you 25% on your total moving costs. If you're moving for business reasons, you can usually deduct some costs from your taxes assuming certain conditions are met.
   • For a tax deduction, you need to be moving at least 50 miles from your old home. You also must be working full time for at least 39 weeks of the first year in your new house or apartment. If you're a member of the US Army, however, you're eligible for a tax deduction on moving costs without meeting these conditions.
   • Save all receipts from moving. These will help you when you file your taxes.
4. Consider driving your motorcycle part of the way. It can get costly to rent a trailer for a long trip. If you know anyone along the route to your new home, consider driving your motorcycle halfway. You can leave the motorcycle at the home of a trusted friend or family member, and then have it transported from this closer location. If rental rates are particularly high for the time of year you're moving, this may be worth the effort.
5. Eliminate other moving-related costs. If you're transporting your motorcycle due to a big move, try to cut back on other costs. You can save money by making small changes to your moving routine, which you can put towards your motorcycle rental.
   • Find free boxes for a move. If you're packing up all your belongings, box costs can get high fast. You can save some money by getting boxes for free. Ask neighbors, family members, and local businesses to pass along any empty boxes to you.
   • Try to do as much of the moving on your own as you can. Avoid hiring movers or hiring someone to clean your home or apartment. Put in as much work yourself as you possibly can.

Managing Your Funds

1. Budget for the cost of the trailer. Make sure to include the cost of a trailer in your moving budget. As you get ready for a big move, take a look at your finances. Figure out about how much you can put towards the move, and write down things like gas, UHaul rentals, and other expenses. From here, see how much you can reasonably afford to put towards a trailer. When making your rental decision, keep this figure in mind.
2. Have a moving sale. Motorcycle trailers can eat up a lot of your moving budget. If you want more money to put towards a trailer, consider having a moving sale. You probably have a lot of old items you no longer need or want. Things like old furniture, books, movies, electronic equipment, and other items not making the journey with you can be sold for cash.
   • You can have an old fashion garage or yard sale, selling items from your home. However, with the stress of moving, organizing a garage sale can be stressful. Consider selling things online. Post for sale items on Facebook. Create an account on eBay. Post ads on Craigslist.
   • When selling things online, you may end up selling to a stranger. If this happens, make sure you meet in a public place to make the sale.
3. Consider insurance coverage. Most rental companies have insurance policies that protect them against theft or damage to your motorcycle. Make sure you look over this policy carefully before signing an agreement. Many companies offer insurance at additional cost and will reimburse you for any damages that occur during transport. It's a good idea to put any extra funds you have towards an insurance. A motorcycle is an expensive vehicle and it would be costly to pay for repairs or replacements out of pocket.
4. Factor in additional fuel costs. Trailers add considerable weight to your vehicle, and as such, use up more fuel. Factor in the added fuel costs when totaling up the expenses. Make sure you don't go over budget with fuel costs.

Tips

• Knowing well in advance that you're going to need a motorcycle trailer is the key to saving money. This gives you longer to find the cheap or shared choices.

Warnings

• Check the reputation of a rental company by reading reviews online. You do not want to risk having your motorcycle lost or damaged by a shoddy company.

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Sources and Citations

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