Refrigerated trailer hire for the first time can feel daunting — what size do you need, where will it go, and what power supply does it require? This guide walks you through every practical step so you can book with confidence, whether you are planning a wedding, running an outdoor event, keeping stock cold during a kitchen refit or storing produce on the farm.
Key facts at a glance
- Refrigerated trailers can run as fridges (typically 0 °C to 5 °C) or freezers (down to around −20 °C or below), depending on the unit.
- Most trailers need a standard 13-amp or 16-amp electrical supply, or they run from an onboard diesel engine — ask your hire company which setup applies.
- You will need a firm, level surface and enough access width for delivery on a towing vehicle.
- Chilled Down delivers, sets up and collects every trailer — no towing licence needed on your part.
- GPS tracking and temperature monitoring give you peace of mind throughout the hire.
Step 1 — Work out what you are keeping cold
Before you pick up the phone, make a rough list of what needs to go in the trailer and at what temperature. A wedding caterer storing platters of canapés and desserts needs chilled storage at around 1 °C to 5 °C. A butcher bridging a shop refit needs the same, but may also want a separate freezer trailer for frozen stock. A farm storing freshly picked soft fruit might only need a few days of chilled holding.
Think about volume, too. Are you filling a trailer with pallets of stock or simply keeping a few hundred bottles cold for an afternoon drinks reception? This will determine whether you need a single small trailer or a larger unit. If you only need to chill drinks or display produce for guests, a glass-fronted display fridge or bottle cooler delivered to the venue may be a better fit than a full trailer — see our display fridge and chest freezer hire page for details.
Step 2 — Check your site access and power
Refrigerated trailers are delivered on the back of a vehicle, so you need a route wide enough for a van or truck and a flat, hard-standing area where the trailer will sit. Grass is usually fine for short hires in dry weather, but soft or sloping ground can cause problems. Measure any gates, archways or narrow lanes beforehand and pass those measurements on when you enquire.
Power is the other essential. Many hire trailers plug into a standard mains supply, while others have a self-contained diesel engine that runs independently. If you are hiring for a field event with no mains hookup, make sure you discuss power options when you get your quote. We always check access and power details before confirming a booking so there are no surprises on delivery day.
Step 3 — Choose the right refrigerated trailer hire size and type
Hire fleets typically offer a range of trailer sizes. For full details on the units we carry, take a look at our trailer specifications page. As a general rule:
- Smaller trailers suit weddings, private parties, pop-up bars and small catering jobs where you need reliable cold storage without taking up too much space.
- Larger trailers are better for festivals, multi-day events, commercial kitchens during refits, and farm or butchery cold-storage overflow.
- Freezer trailers hold temperatures well below zero and are essential if you are storing frozen meat, ice cream or any stock that must stay frozen throughout the hire.
If you are unsure, describe what you need to store and for how long — a good hire company will recommend the right unit rather than upselling you something bigger than necessary.
Step 4 — Book, prepare and receive your trailer
Once you have agreed a quote, confirm dates and delivery times as early as you can, especially during the busy summer season when trailers book up quickly. Before delivery day:
- Clear the delivery area and make sure the route is accessible.
- Have your power supply ready and tested.
- Plan how you will load the trailer — door access, shelving layout and which stock goes in first.
With Chilled Down, we deliver the trailer, position it, connect it and check it is running at the correct temperature before we leave. We also fit GPS tracking and remote temperature monitoring to every trailer, so you can be confident your stock is staying at the right temperature around the clock. When your hire ends, we collect the trailer from the same spot — you do not need to tow anything yourself.
Step 5 — Get the most from your hire
A few practical tips that make a real difference during your hire:
- Pre-chill where possible. If you are loading stock that is already at room temperature, it will take longer for the trailer to pull down to its target. Load chilled or frozen goods whenever you can.
- Minimise door openings. Every time the door opens, warm air rushes in. Organise your loading so you are not opening and closing the door repeatedly.
- Keep it tidy inside. Good airflow around stock helps the unit maintain an even temperature. Do not block the air vents or pack items too tightly against the walls.
- Check the temperature. Even with remote monitoring, it is good practice to glance at the display yourself, especially after a big load-in.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a towing licence or special vehicle to hire a refrigerated trailer?
No. We deliver and collect every trailer ourselves, so you do not need a tow bar, towing licence or large vehicle. The trailer stays on site for the duration of your hire.
Can a refrigerated trailer work as both a fridge and a freezer?
It depends on the unit. Some trailers have a wide enough temperature range to run as either a fridge or a freezer, while others are set up for one or the other. Tell us what temperature you need and we will match you with the right trailer.
What happens if the power goes off during my hire?
A well-insulated trailer will hold its temperature for a period even without power, but the length of time depends on the outside temperature and how full the trailer is. Our GPS tracking and temperature monitoring means we can spot any issues quickly and advise you on next steps.
How far in advance should I book a refrigerated trailer?
As early as you can, particularly between May and September when demand is highest. For emergency breakdowns or urgent cold-storage needs, we do our best to turn bookings around as quickly as possible — just call and ask.
If you need refrigerated trailer hire across East Anglia — whether it is a weekend wedding, a week-long festival or longer-term commercial cold storage — we are happy to talk through your requirements and put together a quote. Get in touch with Chilled Down by phone or through our contact page and we will take it from there.