Camper trailer hire: a first-timer's guide
Updated 13 October 2026 · Four Swags
A camper trailer gives you a proper bed, a kitchen and an annex, set up in under an hour. Hiring one is the best way to find out if trailer camping is for you before you spend $20,000 or more buying one.
Can your car tow it?
- Check your car's braked towing capacity in the owner's manual
- Compare it with the trailer's loaded weight (the listing shows it)
- You need a tow bar and the right electrical plug for the lights
- A standard car licence covers most camper trailers in Australia
At pick-up
- Ask for a full set-up and pack-down demo, and film it on your phone
- Walk around with the owner and photograph any existing marks
- Check the tyres, lights and handbrake
- Ask what's included: gas, water, power leads, annex walls, kitchen gear
On the road
- Drive slower and leave much more braking distance
- Take wide turns and watch the trailer in your mirrors
- Practise reversing in an empty car park first
- Stop every couple of hours and check the coupling and tyres
At camp
- Level the trailer before you open it
- Peg the annex well and roll in awnings if wind picks up
- Pack it down dry if you can; tell the owner if it had to go away wet
Plan ahead
Trailers are the first gear to book out for school holidays and long weekends, so book early. Choose a powered site if you'll run a fridge for several days without driving.