Rental Terms & Conditions

HITCH AND GO TRAILER HIRE – RENTAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Version 1.6 | Reviewed 30/05/2026

1. CONDITIONS OF USE

1.1. You must have a valid drivers' license issued in an Australian state or territory (where required for the Hire Item) and not subject to any restriction or condition that would prevent lawful use, towing or operation of the Hire Item. Your license must allow You to legally use or tow the type, size & capacity of Hire Item hired. Learner drivers are not acceptable.

1.2. The Hire Item must not be used by anyone who is:

(a) Intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol or exceeds legal limits;

(b) Recklessly or dangerously; or

1.3. You must not use the Hire Item (or allow it to be used):

(a) For any illegal purpose;

(b) To move dangerous, hazardous or inflammable goods above domestic quantities;

(d) In an unsafe or un-roadworthy condition.

1.4. You must not:

(a) Damage the Hire Item deliberately or recklessly;

(b) Modify the Hire Item;

(d) Register any interest under the Personal Property Securities Act 2009.

1.5. Where the Hire Item is being towed, it must never be:

(a) Used off road; or

(b) Taken above the snow line (VIC/NSW, 1 May–31 October).

1.6. The Hire Item must not be used in prohibited areas including flooded roads, beaches, waterways, closed roads, or unsafe conditions.

1.7. You must ensure (where applicable):

(a) Towing capacity is not exceeded;

(b) Correct connection and safety chains;

(d) Correct coupling use during loading/unloading;

(e) Tyres are correctly inflated;

(f) Lights are functional; and

(g) The Hire Item is secured when parked.

1.8. You must:

(a) Maintain appropriate insurance;

(b) Secure all loads properly; and

1.9. You must not tow the Hire Item if the towing vehicle is lighter than the loaded Hire Item.

1.10. You must take reasonable care to prevent damage, overloading, theft and environmental exposure (including weather, flooding or similar conditions).

1.11. Faults must be reported immediately. No unauthorised repairs.

1.12. All loss or damage must be reported immediately.

1.13. Equipment Use & Operation

If the Hire Item includes Equipment, You must ensure that:

(a) You are competent to operate it safely;

(b) You accept full responsibility for operation;

(d) It is used only for its intended purpose;

(e) It is not used recklessly or beyond limits;

(f) It is not used near underground services without checks; and

(g) It is not used with damaging materials (e.g. metal, rocks, contaminated timber).

1.14. Loading, Transport & Securing

Where Equipment is used with a Hire Item capable of transport:

(a) You are fully responsible for:

(i) Loading and unloading the Equipment (except where supplied already loaded at pickup, where responsibility transfers at handover);

(ii) Positioning and balancing; and

(iii) Securing with appropriate restraints;

(b) All restraints must be correctly rated and compliant; and

1.15. Equipment Without Transport Item

Where Equipment is hired without a transport method provided by Us:

(a) You are responsible for transport;

(b) Transport method must be legal and suitable; and

1.16. Operator Risk Acknowledgement

You acknowledge and agree that:

(a) Use of any Hire Item involves inherent risk;

(b) You are fully responsible for safe use, handling and transport;

(d) You will take all reasonable precautions at all times.

1.17. Authorised Use Only

The Hire Item must not be used by any person other than You unless expressly approved by Us.

2. HANDOVER

2.1. At Pickup

At pickup, You must:

(a) Provide license (if not already);

(b) Check the Hire Item is safe, serviceable and clean; and

2.2. Condition Acknowledgement

By accepting the Hire Item, You acknowledge it is in good working order and condition unless otherwise noted prior to departure.

2.3. Condition Recording

We may record the condition of the Hire Item at handover and return via photos or video, which may be used as evidence.

3. FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

3.1. All amounts must be paid when due.

3.2. The base hire cost and refundable security deposit (bond), where required, must be paid prior to handover unless otherwise agreed.

3.3. Payment Card Authority & Bond

You authorise Us to retain Your payment details and charge amounts due, including:

(a) Rental fees;

(b) Tolls, fines;

(d) Bank fees;

(e) Recovery costs;

(f) Cleaning;

(g) Waste disposal;

(h) Recovery/relocation;

(i) Admin fees;

(j) Equipment damage or misuse;

(k) Equipment recovery or transport;

(l) Equipment cleaning (mud, timber, sap, etc.); and

(m) Debt recovery costs, including collection agency fees, legal fees, and associated administrative costs incurred in recovering outstanding amounts.

Where a bond has been paid:

(n) Any amounts owing under this agreement may be deducted from the bond;

(o) The remaining balance of the bond (if any) will be refunded to You within 24 hours of return of the Hire Item; and

(p) If the total charges exceed the bond amount, You agree to pay the difference.

3.4. Debt Recovery and Indemnity

You acknowledge and agree that:

(a) We may engage third-party debt collection agencies (including but not limited to eCollect) and/or legal representatives (including but not limited to E C Legal) to recover any outstanding amounts;

(b) You indemnify Us against, and agree to pay on demand, all costs, fees, charges and expenses incurred by Us in recovering or attempting to recover any overdue or unpaid amounts, whether or not legal proceedings are commenced;

(i) Debt collection agency fees and charges;

(ii) Solicitor and legal fees on a full indemnity basis;

(iii) Court filing fees, enforcement costs and disbursements;

(iv) Administrative and processing costs associated with recovery; and

(v) The cost of any demand letters issued by debt collectors or legal representatives;

(d) You expressly authorise Us to instruct our agents to recover these costs from You, including the cost of demand letters issued by both eCollect and E C Legal;

(e) These amounts are deemed a debt due and payable by You under this agreement and may be charged to Your payment method or pursued separately; and

(f) This clause survives termination of the Rental Agreement.

4. CANCELLATION

4.1. Bookings may only be cancelled in accordance with this clause.

4.2. If You cancel 24 hours or more prior, You receive a refund minus 10%. Within 24 hours, full charges apply unless rebooked.

4.3. Cancellation is only effective once confirmed by Us.

4.4. We may cancel if the Hire Item is unavailable.

4.5. Refusal of Hire

We reserve the right to refuse or cancel hire at our discretion if we believe the Hire Item may be used unsafely or unlawfully.

5. TRAFFIC OFFENCES, FINES AND FEES

5.1. You must pay all fines, tolls and penalties incurred.

(a) $20 processing fee per toll;

(b) $20 processing fee per infringement.

5.2. You must notify Us if incurred.

5.3. We may nominate You as responsible party.

5.4. Challenges are at Your cost.

6. HIRE ITEM CONDITION AND RETURN

6.1. Return on time or late fees apply.

6.2. You remain responsible until the Hire Item is returned, inspected, and accepted by Us.

6.3. Early return does not reduce fees.

6.4. Must be returned clean and in same condition.

6.5. Failure to return may result in reporting as stolen.

6.6. Equipment Condition

Where the Hire Item includes Equipment, You must return it:

(a) Clean and free of debris;

(b) With all components and attachments;

(d) With fuel topped up to full using the correct fuel type.

Additional charges apply if not met.

7. DAMAGE, THEFT AND THIRD PARTY LOSS

7.1. Except to the extent liability is reduced by Trailer Damage Cover that has been selected, paid for and accepted by Us, You are responsible for all damage, theft, loss, recovery costs and third-party loss arising during the Rental Period.

7.2. Fault vs Misuse

Where damage or failure occurs, responsibility is assumed to be Yours unless it is demonstrated to be caused by fair wear and tear or a pre-existing issue.

7.3. Equipment-Specific Damage

Includes but not limited to:

(a) Misuse;

(b) Foreign objects;

(d) Lack of maintenance;

(e) Transport damage;

(f) Terrain damage;

(g) Incorrect or contaminated fuel; and

(h) Damage to consumables beyond normal wear (including blades, belts, filters or similar items).

7.4. Recovery

If the Hire Item becomes stuck, bogged, inaccessible or unsafe:

(a) You are responsible for all recovery costs;

(b) No recovery without approval;

(d) We may recover the Hire Item without notice if required.

8. TRAILER DAMAGE COVER – HITCH, PROTECT & GO

8.1. Optional Trailer Damage Cover

Hitch & Go Trailer Hire may offer optional Trailer Damage Cover under the name Hitch, Protect & Go.

Trailer Damage Cover is optional and is not insurance. It is a contractual damage waiver that may reduce Your liability for selected accidental damage to an eligible trailer during the Rental Period, subject to the cover option selected, applicable limits, excesses, exclusions and these Rental Terms and Conditions.

Trailer Damage Cover only applies where it has been selected and paid for before the Rental Period commences. Trailer Damage Cover cannot be added after damage has occurred, after an incident, or after the trailer has been returned.

8.2. Trailers Only

Trailer Damage Cover applies only to eligible trailers hired from Us and selected trailer-mounted accessories, subject to these Rental Terms and Conditions.

Trailer Damage Cover does not apply to excavators, loaders, wood splitters, firewood processors, compactors, tools, machinery, plant, equipment, attachments, implements, buckets, hydraulic components, engines, tracks, cutting equipment, blades, chains, guards, controls, or any other non-trailer Hire Item unless We expressly agree in writing before the hire commences.

8.3. Cover Options

There are two Trailer Damage Cover options:

(a) Oops Cover applies to selected minor accidental trailer damage, including trailer plug damage, trailer cable damage, adaptor damage, trailer light damage, light lens damage, marker or clearance light damage, and winch rope or winch cable damage where fitted.

(b) Big Oops Cover includes Oops Cover and also applies to selected accidental trailer body damage, mudguard damage, ramp damage, latch damage, minor non-structural trailer damage, one repairable tread-area trailer tyre puncture per hire up to $60, and accidental jockey wheel assembly damage up to $80.

Oops Cover does not apply to trailer body damage, mudguard damage, ramp damage, latch damage, tyre damage, punctures, wheels, rims, jockey wheels, theft, loss, recovery costs, towing costs, third-party damage, or any excluded damage listed in these Rental Terms and Conditions.

Big Oops Cover does not apply to structural damage, major chassis damage, axle damage, brake damage, wheels, rims, tyre replacement, sidewall damage, shoulder damage, bead damage, blowouts, major tyre cuts or gashes, towing costs, recovery costs, third-party damage, theft, loss, or any excluded damage listed in these Rental Terms and Conditions.

8.4. Trailer Classes, Limits and Excesses

Trailer Damage Cover limits are based on the trailer class determined by Us.

(a) Class A: small trailers, including 6x4, 7x4, small box trailers and small cage trailers. Oops Cover limit: $300. Big Oops Cover limit: $750. Big Oops excess: $100.

(b) Class B: medium trailers, including larger cage trailers, furniture trailers, enclosed trailers and general-use trailers. Oops Cover limit: $400. Big Oops Cover limit: $1,000. Big Oops excess: $150.

(c) Class C: car trailers, winch trailers, plant trailers, braked trailers and higher-risk trailers. Oops Cover limit: $500. Big Oops Cover limit: $1,500. Big Oops excess: $150.

The cover limit is the maximum amount We may waive under the selected Trailer Damage Cover option for that hire. The cover limit is a combined total per hire and is not a separate limit for each item of damage.

Where the cost of covered damage exceeds the applicable cover limit, You remain liable for the amount above the applicable cover limit.

No excess applies to approved Oops Cover items, approved repairable puncture cover, or approved jockey wheel assembly cover. For trailer body, mudguard, ramp, latch or minor non-structural damage covered under Big Oops Cover, the Big Oops excess applies only where the approved repair cost exceeds the applicable excess. Where the approved repair cost is less than the applicable excess, We may choose to waive the approved repair cost under Big Oops Cover or charge the actual approved repair cost, at Our discretion.

8.5. Fees

Unless otherwise stated at the time of booking, Trailer Damage Cover fees are calculated as follows:

(a) Oops Cover is charged at $7 plus 8% of the eligible trailer hire cost.

(b) Big Oops Cover is charged at $12 plus 13% of the eligible trailer hire cost.

Calculated on eligible trailer hire charges only. Does not apply to bonds, deposits, delivery, recovery, cleaning, extras, accessories, equipment, machinery, plant or non-trailer Hire Items.

Trailer Damage Cover fees are not refundable once the Rental Period has commenced. If both Oops Cover and Big Oops Cover are selected for the same hire, Big Oops Cover will apply and We may charge the Big Oops Cover fee only.

8.6. Repairable Trailer Tyre Puncture Cover

Repairable trailer tyre puncture cover applies only under Big Oops Cover.

Big Oops Cover includes cover for one repairable tread-area trailer tyre puncture per hire, up to $60. This only applies where the tyre can be safely repaired by a tyre repairer.

Repairable trailer tyre puncture cover does not apply to sidewall damage, shoulder damage, bead damage, blowouts, major cuts or gashes, tyre replacement, wheel or rim damage, kerb or impact damage, damage caused by driving or towing on a flat or underinflated tyre, damage caused by continuing to tow after a fault, puncture, low tyre pressure or flat tyre is noticed, overloading, off-road use or prohibited road use, mobile callout fees, towing fees, recovery fees, travel charges, after-hours charges, or any repair or replacement not approved by Us.

If the approved repairable puncture cost exceeds $60, You are liable for the difference.

8.7. Jockey Wheel Cover

Jockey wheel cover applies only under Big Oops Cover.

Big Oops Cover includes cover for accidental damage to the trailer jockey wheel assembly, up to $80 per hire. This includes the jockey wheel, wheel, handle, shaft and clamp components, but does not include damage to the trailer drawbar, A-frame or mounting structure.

If the approved jockey wheel repair or replacement cost exceeds $80, You are liable for the difference.

Jockey wheel cover does not apply to damage caused by towing with the jockey wheel lowered, moving the trailer while loaded on the jockey wheel, overloading, incorrect ball weight, misuse, using the jockey wheel beyond its intended purpose, damage to the drawbar, A-frame or mounting structure, continuing to use the trailer after the jockey wheel is bent, jammed or unsafe, or lost, stolen or missing jockey wheels.

8.8. Exclusions

Trailer Damage Cover does not apply to:

(a) Theft, loss, failure to return the trailer, or failure to return any accessory;

(b) Damage caused by overloading, incorrect loading, unsecured loads, unsafe towing, or use with an unsuitable, unsafe, unroadworthy or uninsured tow vehicle;

(c) Deliberate, reckless or wilful damage, unlawful use, off-road use, use on prohibited roads or surfaces, or breach of road laws or towing laws;

(d) Damage caused by ignoring warning signs, faults, noises, tyre issues, loose parts or obvious defects, or by continuing to use the trailer after damage or a fault has occurred;

(e) Structural damage, chassis damage, axle damage, brake damage, wheel or rim damage, tyre replacement except the repairable puncture contribution stated under Big Oops Cover, and tyre damage excluded under clause 8.6;

(f) Jockey wheel damage except the approved jockey wheel assembly contribution stated under Big Oops Cover, and jockey wheel damage excluded under clause 8.7;

(g) Lost, stolen or missing accessories, including straps, remotes, locks, keys or adaptors;

(h) Third-party property damage, damage to Your vehicle, damage to Your load, goods or property, personal injury, towing, recovery, transport, storage, travel or after-hours costs;

(i) Downtime, lost hire income or loss of use, unless We agree otherwise in writing;

(j) Repairs carried out without Our prior approval;

(k) Damage not reported during the Rental Period or at the time of return;

(l) Any non-trailer Hire Item; or

(m) Any damage, loss, fee or cost caused by breach of these Rental Terms and Conditions.

8.9. Reporting Damage

You must report any damage, incident, fault, puncture or issue to Us as soon as reasonably possible and no later than the time of return.

You must provide reasonable details of the incident, including when and how the damage occurred. We may require photos, videos, written information, repairer reports, quotes, invoices or other evidence before applying Trailer Damage Cover.

Trailer Damage Cover may be declined if You fail to report damage, fail to provide requested information, attempt to conceal damage, carry out unauthorised repairs, or breach these Rental Terms and Conditions.

8.10. Bond and Charges

Where Trailer Damage Cover applies, We may deduct from Your bond or payment method any applicable excess under clause 8.4, any amount above the applicable cover limit, any excluded damage, loss, fee or cost, any unpaid hire charges, any cleaning, late return, recovery, replacement or other charge not covered by Trailer Damage Cover.

Trailer Damage Cover does not prevent Us from recovering amounts not covered by the selected cover option.

9. NO GENERAL INSURANCE COVER

Except for Trailer Damage Cover where selected, paid for and applicable, no cover, warranty or insurance is provided for:

(a) Goods carried;

(b) Third-party loss;

(d) Injury or damage from Equipment use; and

(e) Damage to, loss of, or costs relating to any non-trailer Hire Item unless expressly agreed by Us in writing.

10. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

We are not liable for any indirect or consequential loss including loss of income, project delays, loss of contracts or business interruption arising from the hire or use of the Hire Item.

11. TERMINATION & REPOSSESSION

We may terminate and repossess the Hire Item if breached.

12. PRIVACY ACT 1988

12.1. You consent to Hitch and Go Trailer Hire collecting, using and disclosing Your personal information in accordance with Our Privacy Policy.

12.2. We collect personal information only for the purpose of providing rental services. If You do not provide this information, We may be unable to provide those services.

12.3. We take reasonable steps to ensure Your personal information is accurate, up to date and protected from misuse, loss or unauthorised access.

13. ACCEPTANCE

13.1. When making an online booking through the Website, You acknowledge acceptance of these Rental Terms and Conditions by selecting the relevant checkbox.

13.2. When booking via phone, email or SMS, acceptance occurs upon payment of the Rental Fee or taking possession of the Hire Item, whichever occurs first.

14. DEFINITIONS

In these Rental Terms and Conditions:

Collection Location means the location specified in the Rental Agreement or agreed between Us and You for collection of the Hire Item.

Damage means:

(a) Any damage to the Hire Item including parts, components and accessories;

(b) Towing, recovery and assessment costs; and

and any damage rendering the Hire Item unsafe or unusable is not considered fair wear and tear.

Equipment means machinery or plant supplied by Us, including excavators, firewood processors and attachments.

Hire Item means any trailer, equipment, or combination supplied under this agreement.

Hitch and Go Trailer Hire means Hitch and Go Trailer Hire ABN 45 098 953 445.

Invoice means the document issued showing amounts payable for hire.

Jockey Wheel Assembly means the trailer jockey wheel, wheel, handle, shaft and clamp components, but excludes the trailer drawbar, A-frame, chassis and mounting structure.

Loss of Use means loss incurred while the Hire Item is unavailable due to damage or theft, calculated at the daily hire rate.

Rental Agreement means this document and associated invoices outlining the hire details.

Rental Fee means all charges payable under the Rental Agreement, including optional Trailer Damage Cover fees where selected.

Rental Period means the agreed hire duration.

Rental Terms and Conditions means this document.

Return Location means the agreed location for return of the Hire Item.

Trailer means a Hire Item designed to be towed, including trailer-mounted accessories permanently fitted or supplied with it, but excluding goods carried, towing vehicles, Equipment, plant, machinery and any non-trailer Hire Item.

Trailer Class means the class allocated by Us for the purpose of Trailer Damage Cover limits and excesses.

Trailer Damage Cover means the optional contractual damage waiver offered by Us under the name Hitch, Protect & Go, including Oops Cover or Big Oops Cover where selected and paid for.

Us / We means Hitch and Go Trailer Hire.

You means the person hiring the Hire Item.