Start your own unmanned trailer rental business
- Jesper Cederholm
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
Are you interested in starting your own business? Or do you already have your own business and are looking for something to expand and complement your existing business?
Whether you're starting from scratch or adding to an existing setup, Rentalbuddy gives you the tools to turn trailers into passive income – 24/7, all year round.
How does an unmanned station work?
An unmanned station is a self-service rental setup where your customers handle everything – booking, payment, pickup, and return – without you needing to be there. With Rentalbuddy, you get the booking system and lock integration to make it happen.
Book online or via QR code
Straight from your website or on-site signage.
Pay and receive unique code
After payment, a unique unlock code is automatically sent to the customer.
Unlock and use the trailer
The customer unlocks the trailer with the code and uses it during their booked time.
Return and re-lock
When the customer is finished, the trailer is returned and locked. You see everything in real-time in your admin panel.
You see everything in real time – bookings, rentals and returns – via Rentalbuddy's admin tool.
How to launch your own unmanned trailer rental – step by step
With Rentalbuddy you get everything you need to rent out trailers – without being there. Here are the steps:
Choose a location and trailer
Set up outside a store, gas station or any visible, accessible location.
👉 Tip: Start with one or two trailers to test demand.
💡 Do you need help with financing? We or our partners can help you get started with smart financing solutions.
Create account & set up your rental
Register for free at app.rentalbuddy.io .
Connect a digital lock
Use our smart Igloo padlocks. They link directly to your booking system and generate unique access codes for every rental.
Add booking to your website
Add a booking button or QR code – customers can book, pay, and unlock trailers completely on their own.
Why choose Rentalbuddy?
✅ Keep 100% ownership – No franchise fees, no middlemen
✅ Low start-up cost – Easy to start, easy to scale
✅ All-in-one system – Booking + digital locks in one platform
✅ Flexible setup – Works with your existing website
✅ Full support – From onboarding to day-to-day operations
Financing a trailer? We'll help you
Want to get started but missing the upfront capital? We work with a network of trailer dealers and SVEA (Sweden only) to offer flexible financing packages that fit your business.
📞 Contact us or ask your local dealer for a quote.
Real example: Close-up trailer at ICA Höganäs
From key-kiosk solution to self-service success:
Easy booking – User-friendly interface that makes it easy to book online
Ready to grow – Scalable solution that works even when the business expands
Secure rental – Unique lock codes with every booking
Efficient operation – Smooth handling of both trailers and customers
Frequently asked questions
How many trailers do I need?
Just one! Many start small – and expand as demand grows.
How much does it cost?
It’s a low, fixed yearly cost per trailer. No lock-ins, no hidden fees.
Do I need an app or new website?
No! The booking flow can be easily added to your existing website. Customers book directly in the browser – no app needed.
Ready to get started?
🚀 Book a free demo today
Learn how easy it is to start your own unmanned trailer rental business with Rentalbuddy.
Are you a trailer dealer?
Demand for self-service trailer rentals is growing fast – and with Rentalbuddy, you can meet it.
Our platform gives your customers a seamless way to turn their trailer into a 24/7 rental service.
💡 Let your customers earn from day one – with the trailer they buy from you.
Interested in offering Rentalbuddy with your trailers? Let’s talk.
