Renting a Pickup Truck to Tow One of Our Trailers? Read This First

Tyson Transport & Rentals LLC

Renting a Pickup Truck to Tow One of Our Trailers? Read This First

Sometimes customers need more than just a trailer—they also need a pickup truck capable of towing it.

Renting a pickup truck from a home improvement store or truck rental company can be a great solution, but it's important to understand that not every rental truck is immediately compatible with every trailer.

Over the years, we've seen customers arrive excited to pick up their trailer, only to discover that the rental truck they just picked up isn't equipped with the proper towing setup. Fortunately, most of these issues can be avoided with a little planning.

Check the Receiver Size Before Renting

One thing we've noticed is that rental trucks don't always use the same receiver size.

For example, we've seen some flatbed-style rental trucks equipped with a 2½-inch receiver, while some pickup trucks use a 2-inch receiver.

Don't assume. Verify.

Before leaving the rental location, visually inspect and measure the receiver opening. This will help you purchase or rent the correct hitch before arriving to pick up your trailer.

Make Sure You Have the Right Hitch

Having the correct hitch is just as important as having the right truck.

For our trailers, we generally recommend:

Always ensure the hitch, ball mount, and tow ball are properly rated for the trailer and the load you're hauling.

Adjustable Hitches Make Life Much Easier

Not every hitch is built the same.

Some ball mounts are straight with no rise or drop.

Others have a fixed amount of drop or rise.

The easiest option is an adjustable ball mount, which allows you to change the height of the tow ball to better match the trailer.

Although adjustable hitches usually cost more, they eliminate much of the guesswork and can help achieve a safer, more level towing setup.

Trailer Height Matters

A properly leveled trailer is important for both safety and equipment protection.

If the trailer sits too low in the front:

  • The trailer jack may strike the ground.
  • Excessive stress can be placed on the trailer.

If the trailer sits too high in the front:

  • The rear of the trailer may ride too low.
  • The trailer jack may not extend high enough during hookup.

Before arriving to pick up your trailer, measure the height of the truck's receiver from the ground. This measurement will help determine whether you need a ball mount with additional drop or rise to achieve a level towing position.

An adjustable hitch makes this process much easier.

Verify the Trailer Wiring

One of the most common compatibility problems we see involves the trailer wiring.

Before leaving the rental location, verify that the truck has the appropriate trailer wiring connector for your rental.

We've seen rental trucks with:

  • No 7-pin connector installed
  • A 7-pin connector disabled or restricted
  • A connector relocated farther back on the truck
  • Only a 4-pin connector

If the connector is mounted farther back, you may need an extension cable.

It's much better to discover these issues before arriving to pick up your trailer.

Don't Forget the Tow Rating

Just because it's a pickup truck doesn't automatically mean it can tow every trailer.

Always verify:

  • Maximum towing capacity
  • Payload rating
  • Receiver rating
  • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

Make sure the truck is properly rated for both the trailer and the cargo you'll be hauling.

Planning Ahead Saves Time

We're not against customers renting pickup trucks—in fact, many of our customers do it successfully.

We simply want you to understand the compatibility checks that should be made before arriving for your trailer pickup.

Taking a few extra minutes to verify the hitch, receiver size, wiring, and towing capacity can save hours of frustration and help ensure your rental goes smoothly.

If you're ever unsure whether a rental truck is compatible with one of our trailers, contact Tyson Transport & Rentals before your pickup appointment. We're happy to answer questions and help you prepare for a safe and successful trip.

Need a trailer for your next project?
Tyson Transport & Rentals offers enclosed trailers, utility trailers, and car haulers in Riverdale and Clayton County, Georgia.
View available rentals here.