Looking to hire a Trailer in NZ? We can help you whether you are catering for an event, transporting food, or need to store those freshly cut flowers in cool temperatures.
To Hire a Chiller Trailer there are many things to consider before picking up a trailer which we will go over in this post.
Overview of Licence Classes:
In New Zealand different licence classes determine the types of vehicles and trailers you can legally tow. Learner, Restricted, and Full. These 3 classes have specific conditions and limitations to ensure road safety and competence in various towing scenarios.
Learner & Restricted Licences:
Come with towing limitations. With a learner licence, you can tow a light trailer up to 3,500kg if your vehicle is rated to do so. Restricted licence holders, you can tow trailers under the same weight limit however with certain restrictions, such as no towing between 10pm and 5am unless supervised. Made 2 Cool Trailers are classed as a light trailer as they are under 3,500kg.
Full Licences:
Increased Towing – holding a full licence in New Zealand allows you to tow trailers with higher weight capacities. You can tow trailers exceeding 3,500kg, provided your vehicle is rated for the intended load and complies with safety regulations.
Types of Trailers and Their Requirements:
Understanding different types of trailers and their specific requirements is important for safe towing. When you pick up your Chiller or Freezer trailer one of our experienced team will go over this with you to help you understand.
Light Trailers – Our trailers are fitted out with secure coupling mechanisms which will be shown to you before leaving our premises. Light trailers must meet safety standards, including proper lighting, braking systems if over 2,000kg, and secure coupling mechanisms.
Heavy Trailers: When You need More than a Standard Licence – exceeding 3,500kg require drivers to have a Full license or special endorsements. These trailers have stringent requirements, including advanced braking systems and more robust coupling standards to ensure safe towing. You will want to consider what you are carrying and the weight of the load.
Vehicle Registration and Warrant of Fitness (WoF) Requirements
Ensure that your vehicle has a current registration and Warrant of Fitness. The trailer itself must have a valid WoF, which we will undertake to make sure that it does, showing that it meets safety and roadworthiness standards.
Legal Requirements for Hiring a Trailer
Hiring a Trailer in New Zealand involves adhering to specific legal requirements. Make sure that your vehicle and the trailer meet these requirements and it will make your experience safe and legal.
Safety Chain and Coupling Standards
Trailers must be equipped with safety chains and couplings that meet New Zealands standards. These are vital for preventing the trailer from detaching while in motion, ensuring a secure connection between your vehicle and the trailer.
Electrical Connection and Lighting Regulations
Electrical connections and lighting are mandatory for all trailers. This includes functioning brake lights, indicators and tail-lights that meet New Zealand’s road safety regulations.
How to Determine Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity
Refer to your owner’s manual in your vehicle to determine your vehicles towing capacity. Always verify that your vehicle’s towing capacity aligns with the weight of the trailer you intend to hire. If you are at all worried about it, talk to our team member when you come to pick up the Made 2 Cool Trailer.
Safety Tips for Towing Trailers
An important tip for towing trailers with your goods in it is to make sure that the weight is evenly distributed and to make sure to secure your goods to prevent shifting while on the road.
Use a spotter while reversing and to help with visibility.
Drive cautiously to prevent sudden stops or sharp turns.
Practice reversing with the trailer in a safe, open space before heading out on the road.