Frequently Asked Questions
Towing tips, help choosing the right trailer, and everything you need to know about renting from Not Your Buddy's Trailer, LLC.
Towing Best Practices
Whether you tow every week or this is your first time, a few habits make every trip safer for you, your cargo, and everyone else on the road.
How do I know if my vehicle can tow the trailer?
Find your vehicle's maximum towing capacity and maximum tongue weight in the owner's manual or on the door-jamb sticker, then compare it to the trailer's loaded weight (empty weight plus cargo). Always stay under the lowest rating in the chain: vehicle, hitch, and ball.
- Car hauler: about 2,980 lbs empty, 9,890 lbs GVWR, 6,900 lbs payload capacity.
- Dump trailer: about 2,460 lbs empty, 7,000 lbs GVWR, 4,400 lbs payload capacity.
- A fully loaded car hauler can approach its 9,890 lb GVWR, so you need a truck with a tow rating comfortably above that. If you are unsure, call us before you book.
What hitch, ball size, and plug do I need?
Match the ball to the coupler exactly, because the wrong size can let the trailer come off the hitch. Both trailers use a 7-pin electrical plug for lights.
- Car hauler: 2-5/16 inch ball.
- Dump trailer: 2 inch ball.
- If your vehicle has a different connector, you will need a 7-pin adapter. Ask us if you need help with equipment.
What should I check before pulling out?
Do a full walk-around every time you hook up, and again after any long stop.
- Coupler fully closed and latched, with the pin or lock in place.
- Safety chains crossed under the tongue and attached to your vehicle, with enough slack to turn but not drag.
- Breakaway cable attached to the vehicle (not to the hitch ball).
- 7-pin plug connected. Test running lights, brake lights, and turn signals with a helper.
- Tire pressure and lug nuts on the trailer and your tow vehicle.
- Jack stand fully raised and secured, and ramps or gate latched.
How should I load the trailer?
Weight distribution matters as much as total weight. Aim for roughly 10 to 15 percent of the trailer's loaded weight on the hitch (tongue weight). Place about 60 percent of the cargo in the front half of the trailer, centered side to side. Too little tongue weight causes dangerous trailer sway, and too much overloads your vehicle's rear suspension.
How do I safely secure a vehicle on the car hauler?
Drive on slowly with a spotter, then secure the vehicle before you move.
- Position the vehicle so most of its weight sits forward of the trailer axles, which usually means driving on nose first.
- Use at least four tie-down points with ratchet straps or chains rated well above the vehicle's weight.
- Put the vehicle in park or in gear, and set the parking brake.
- Strap down through the frame, axle, or approved tie-down points, and avoid suspension parts that can move.
- Re-check strap tension after the first few miles, since straps settle.
What are the best driving tips when towing?
Everything takes longer with a trailer, so drive like you have a heavier, longer vehicle.
- Slow down. Many experienced towers keep to roughly 55 to 60 mph even where the limit is higher.
- Leave two to three times your normal following distance, and start braking early and smoothly.
- Take turns wider than usual so the trailer tires clear curbs and ditches.
- Use your mirrors constantly and check the trailer after any bump or unusual noise.
- If the trailer begins to sway, ease off the accelerator, hold the wheel steady, and brake gently. Do not swerve.
- Plan fuel stops and parking where you can pull straight through, since backing up with a trailer is difficult.
How do I back up with a trailer?
Place one hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. Move that hand left to send the back of the trailer left, and right to send it right. Make small, slow corrections, and if the trailer jackknifes or gets away from you, pull forward to straighten out and try again. Whenever possible, use a spotter and get out and look.
Do I need a brake controller?
Trailers with electric brakes need a brake controller in the tow vehicle to stop safely. Because this depends on the specific trailer and your vehicle, tell us what you drive when you book and we will confirm exactly what you need before pickup.
What are the safety rules for using the dump trailer?
Dump trailers are stable when used correctly and dangerous when they are not.
- Only raise the bed when the trailer is on firm, level ground and hooked to your vehicle.
- Check overhead for power lines and branches before raising the bed.
- Keep people and pets clear of the area behind and beside the trailer.
- Load evenly and never exceed the 4,400 lb payload limit. Heavy materials like stone and soil reach the limit quickly.
- Fully lower the bed and latch the gate before you drive away.
Choosing the Right Trailer
Not sure which trailer fits your job? Start with what you are moving: something that rolls on its own wheels, or loose material you need to unload.
Should I rent the car hauler or the dump trailer?
Rent the car hauler if you are moving a vehicle or equipment that sits on a flat deck. Rent the dump trailer if you are moving loose material such as mulch, stone, soil, or debris and you want to unload it quickly without shoveling it off by hand.
What jobs is the car hauler best for?
The 102 inch by 20 foot flatbed car hauler with a 6,900 lb capacity is built for vehicles and heavy items that are awkward to move any other way.
- Moving a car, truck, or SUV across town or across the state.
- Project cars, restoration pickups, and auction or dealer purchases.
- Taking a vehicle to a track day, car show, or repair shop.
- Moving compact equipment, such as a small tractor or utility vehicle, as long as the load stays within the 6,900 lb capacity.
- Hauling large palletized or bulky items that do not fit in a pickup bed.
What jobs is the dump trailer best for?
The 5 foot by 10 foot dump trailer with a 4,400 lb capacity is ideal for projects where you load once and unload in seconds.
- Landscaping jobs: mulch, topsoil, gravel, sand, and stone.
- Demolition and renovation debris, roofing tear-off, and deck removal.
- Yard cleanups, tree and brush removal, and property cleanouts.
- Construction and job-site cleanup.
How much material can the dump trailer actually carry?
Weight, not volume, is usually the limit. The payload capacity is 4,400 lbs, and materials vary a lot in density. Mulch is light and you will fill the bed long before you hit the limit. Gravel, stone, wet soil, and concrete are very heavy, and a cubic yard of gravel can weigh well over a ton, so a partial load can already be at capacity. When hauling dense material, fill the bed only part way and spread it evenly.
Will my vehicle fit on the car hauler?
The deck is 102 inches wide and 20 feet long, which fits most passenger cars and SUVs as well as many smaller trucks. If you are hauling something very long, very wide, very low to the ground, or close to the 6,900 lb limit, call us at 484-232-9489 and we can help you confirm it will work before you book.
Are the trailers enclosed?
No. Both trailers are open trailers, so cargo is exposed to weather and road debris. Use a tarp or cover for anything that can blow out or get damaged, and secure everything with proper straps or a cargo net.
Which rental length should I choose: daily, weekly, or monthly?
Daily rates suit single-day moves and quick jobs. Weekly rates are the best value for a multi-day project, since a week costs less than seven days at the daily rate. Monthly rentals have the lowest effective cost per day and work well for ongoing jobs, seasonal work, or long-term projects.
- Car hauler: $120 per day, $720 per week, $3,000 per month.
- Dump trailer: $150 per day, $900 per week, $3,750 per month.
Renting With Us
Everything you need to know about booking, pickup, pricing, and working with Not Your Buddy's Trailer, LLC.
Who is Not Your Buddy's Trailer, LLC?
We are a trailer rental business based in Emmaus, PA, serving the Lehigh Valley. We keep a focused fleet of clean, well-maintained 2026 Diamond C trailers, a car hauler and a dump trailer, so you get reliable equipment and straightforward service without the runaround.
Where are you located and what are your hours?
We are at 5114 Sickle Rd., Emmaus, PA 18049. We operate by appointment, which means we set a pickup time that works for you. You can book online anytime, or call 484-232-9489 to arrange a time.
How do I book a trailer?
The fastest way is to reserve online through our booking page, where you can pick your trailer and dates. You can also call 484-232-9489 or email vince@notyourbuddys.com, and we will help you set it up. We respond to emails within 24 hours.
What do I need to rent a trailer?
You will need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle capable of safely towing the trailer. We will confirm your towing capacity as part of the rental process.
How much does it cost to rent a trailer?
Rates depend on the trailer and the length of the rental.
- Car hauler: $120 per day, $720 per week, $3,000 per month.
- Dump trailer: $150 per day, $900 per week, $3,750 per month.
- A $250 deposit applies to each trailer. Full details are shown during online booking.
Which areas do you serve?
We serve Emmaus and the surrounding Lehigh Valley, including Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Macungie, Coopersburg, Quakertown, and Hellertown. If you are outside these areas, contact us to talk through options.
Do you offer delivery?
Yes. Delivery is available throughout our service areas, and the fee depends on distance. Call or email us for pricing and availability.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before your rental for a full refund. Contact us if you have questions about specific terms or need to change your dates.
Do the trailers come with towing equipment?
All trailers come with standard towing equipment, including safety chains and electrical connections. Additional items such as hitch balls may be available on request, so let us know what you need when you book.
Ready to Get Started?
Book your trailer online in minutes or give us a call if you have any questions. We're here to help.
