Renting a walk-in refrigerated trailer can be a lifesaver for catering jobs, restaurants, events, or emergencies…but it’s easy to overlook key details that can cause headaches later. At Refrig-A-Rent, we’ve delivered trailers across Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Florida for everything from weddings and tailgates to restaurant walk-in failures. And over the years, we’ve seen a few common missteps repeat themselves.
Here are the biggest mistakes to avoid when renting a walk-in refrigerated trailer and how to make sure your rental goes smoothly from start to finish.
1. Underestimating the Size You’ll Need
One of the most common problems is renting a unit that’s too small. If you’re running out of room halfway through setup, your operation is already behind.
What to do instead:
Think through not just what you’re bringing initially, but what will need to stay cold throughout your event or storage period. Refrig-A-Rent offers sizes from compact 6’x8’ units to spacious 6’x16’ trailers. If you’re unsure, our team is happy to help you match your inventory size to the right trailer.
2. Not Planning for Power Access
All Refrig-A-Rent walk-in refrigerated trailers are designed to be plug-and-play using a standard 110V outlet. But not every location, especially outdoor events or remote areas, has reliable access to one.
What to do instead:
Check power availability before your trailer arrives. If there’s no outlet nearby, make sure you have a generator on site that can handle the electrical load. We can advise on power requirements and setup options during booking.
3. Booking Too Late
Especially during busy seasons- think summer events, fall sports, and holiday catering—availability gets tight. Waiting until the last minute could mean limited size options or missing out altogether.
What to do instead:
Book early to lock in the right size and ensure on-time delivery. Refrig-A-Rent offers both short-term and long-term rentals, and we can often accommodate urgent need… but the earlier you call, the more options we can offer.
4. Forgetting About Placement Access
You might have the perfect event location or loading dock—until you realize the trailer can’t be parked where you thought. Tight driveways, muddy fields, or steep grades can turn delivery into a real challenge.
What to do instead:
When scheduling your trailer, let us know about site conditions: narrow roads, soft ground, gates, fences, etc. Our drivers are experienced, but we always appreciate a heads-up to make delivery and pickup smooth.
5. Not Considering Temperature Range
Not all refrigerated trailers are created equal. Some units only cool down to refrigerator temps. Refrig-A-Rent trailers maintain a range of 0° to 50°F, so they can be used as either freezers or refrigerators.
What to do instead:
Tell us exactly what you’re storing—meat, dairy, beverages, produce, even pharmaceuticals—and we’ll confirm if freezer-level temps are needed. Our adjustable temperature controls let you fine-tune your setup.
6. Ignoring Local Health or Safety Codes
If you’re storing food, alcohol, or medical supplies, local regulations may require specific storage conditions or documentation.
What to do instead:
Our trailers meet food-safe and medical-compliant standards, but be sure to check your local regulations. Need a printout of temp control capabilities or delivery specs? Just ask—we’ve got you covered.
7. Skipping the Layout Plan
A common oversight when renting a walk-in refrigerated trailer is failing to plan how you’ll organize the interior space. It might seem easy to just load everything in and go, but without a clear layout, you’ll quickly end up with stacked boxes, poor airflow, and hard-to-reach items.
Tip: Think through how your items will be stored and accessed. Use stackable bins, coolers, or labeled boxes to keep things organized and easy to find. Place the most frequently accessed items near the entrance and avoid overloading the floor space, which can restrict air circulation and lead to uneven cooling. Taking a few minutes to plan your layout can make a huge difference during a busy event or shift.
Keep It Cool and Stress-Free
Renting a walk-in refrigerated trailer doesn’t have to be complicated—as long as you know what to look for and what pitfalls to avoid. At Refrig-A-Rent, we’re here to make the process simple, fast, and hassle-free. Whether you’re planning a seasonal event, managing inventory overflow, or dealing with an unexpected refrigeration emergency, our walk-in refrigerated trailers are ready to roll across Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Florida. Get a free a quote today. Need help figuring out the right size or setup? Give us a call—we’re happy to talk through your needs and help you find the right fit.
