Archive for category General

What do you need to know before you tow?

If you ever plan to involve yourself in activities such as moving, hauling equipment, boating, camping or some sort of automotive pastime, such as auto crossing or drag racing, then chances are you’ll need to do some towing and you may need to rent a trailer to accomplish the task. At Rental Stop we carry a variety of trailers that our customers use to move all kinds of things. One of the most critical factors to consider will be the capability of your vehicle to tow the trailer you need to perform the job safely and with as little effort as possible. Must paaenger car bumpers are not able to tow a medium weight trailer woithout being re-enforced.

Make sure you truck, van or car is prepared to tow the rental trailer before you go and rent the item. Here at Rental Stop , we have had customers try to rent a tractor and pull it with a Toyota Camry. This will not turn out well for the customer or for Rental Stop. Two of the most important things to have when you tow are basic common sense and the ability to adjust your driving. In other words, when towing, everything you do while driving needs to be done at about half the speed when compared to driving without a trailer. When you turn, go much slower. When you accelerate, do it much easier. When you brake, allow yourself a great deal more space to stop. And when you change lanes, allow room for your vehicle and the trailer.

As far as cars go, a full-size body-on-frame, rear-wheel-drive car like a Ford Crown Victoria (rated to tow 2,000 pounds) or Chevy Caprice is a basic minimum for towing anything approaching the weight of a 2,000-pound trailer. For smaller trailers, a smaller car can work, but for hauling anything more than 2,000 pounds you’re going to need a truly tow-friendly vehicle. Ideally, a truck or an SUV is always a smart choice for towing a boat or camper. Even a compact pickup is going to be better than just about any car. For heavier loads (say more than 4,000 pounds) a half-ton truck like will meet the needs of just about any of the trailer-towing basics we’re discussing here. But even among half-ton trucks, towing ability can vary.

Besides the tow vehicle and the trailer, the other critical element is, of course, the hitch. Trailer hitches are rated according to capacity of the load weight and tongue weight. Load weight is referenced in terms of Gross Trailer Weight (GTW, see chart at the end of article). Tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the hitch ball. This is usually calculated at 10-15 percent of the maximum rated GTW. The tongue is usually formed from the V-shaped merging of the trailer framerails at the front of the trailer. The coupler of the trailer is what accepts the hitch ball. At Rental Stop, we use a 2″ ball which is the most common size in use today. Also, be very concious of the air pressure in your trailers tires. A blowout there can create real handling and braking problems for the most experienced driver. So, ask that the tires be checked before you leave the rental facility.

As we mentioned at the beginning, your driving style when towing a trailer needs to change dramatically. If you’ve never towed a trailer before and you’re nervous about it, we’d strongly recommend seeking out someone who has had experience with towing. In general, you need to remember that when you are towing, you have considerably less room for margin of error. Your vehicle and trailer are much less maneuverable and nimble than your car or truck is without a trailer, and it’s critical that you always compensate for the added length the trailer adds when you change lanes so that you don’t run anyone off the road.

If you are unsure of what you need to safely complete your towing task, call us at 972-336-0059 and our expert Rental Stop staff will assist you in making a great decision.

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3 Questions to ask before your next Kitchen Remodel

Thinking about renovating your kitchen? You’re not alone. The kitchen is one of the most popular rooms of any house to remodel. Whether you’re updating you kitchen with a fresh coat of paint, adding more storage or doing a complete overhaul, here are three questions to ask before you go and rent that air hammer. I suggest that you rent the heavy equipment needed for the job, so that you can make the job easier in the long run.

1. What does your dream kitchen look like? Make a list of everything you want in your ideal kitchen, including floors, countertops, appliances, fixtures, backsplash and the equipment you will need to do the demolition, clean-up and installation. Most of the items you need can be rented from your neighborhood Rental Stop store. Look through magazines to get some ideas.

2. How much of your dream kitchen can you afford? A basic upgrade would keep the same floor plan and some DIY cosmetic makeover with new paint, new appliances, new fixtures and cabinet hardware. You can rent a paint sprayer to save a lot of time or just use a brush and roller. The appliances will determine the major cost of this kind of project, so the average budget is between $5000 to $10,000. A midsized renovation usually includes new floors, cabinets and countertops and those items in the basic upgrade. If you want to do some of  work yourself, be sure to checkout what items you can rent from Rental Stop. You should budget around $10,000 to $35,000. A major remodel includes all of the above aspects and involves changing the footprint of the room or adding additional space. You could end up tearing down walls and relocating plumbing which could require larger and more equipment to do the work. Remember your local Rental Stop store will have everything you need to get the job done quickly and safely. The average cost of a major renovation is between $35,000 and $75,000.

3. Do you have to hire a professional? While most homeowners can do minor improvements themselves. It’s often best to leave the bigger jobs to the professionals.

Whatever you decide the investment can really payoff when you get ready to sell your home. Best wishes for a successful project no matter the size or budget.

 

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Why it is better to rent a tent?


The decision to buy or rent a tent has many variables. If the tent will be used for 3 or 4 times each year, it is probably better to rent the tent. The Rental Stop experts in your area will be better prepared with the necessary training and expertise to safely install the tent. The Rental Stop professionals also have the tools, washing facilities, and storage areas to maintain the tent when it is not in use. Your local Rental Stop professional often has long-standing relationships with the fire marshal, code enforcement officials, and other regulatory officials, which can make renting the preferred choice. Renting will also allow you to vary the size of tent according to your specific need. 

Many people rent tents for all kind of occasions. You might need to rent a tent for a wedding, an anniversary gathering, a birthday or even a graduation party. Rental Stop has been renting tents for  many of your favorite charities and  hospitals fund-raising events. Even churches and corporations will rent tents for special ceremonies such as ground breakings and grand openings.

A person must first determine tent usage. If a tent is being rented for dining purposes and round tables are being used allow 10-12 square feet per person. If banquet style rental tables are being used allow 8-10 square feet per person. If cathedral type seating is being used and there are rows of rental chairs, allow 6 square feet per person. If aisles and a speaker area are also needed allow 8 square feet per person. If renting the tent is for cocktail service allow five to six square feet per person. 

You will always get top quality rental products and great service from your neighborhood Rental Stop location. Be sure and call (972) 336-0059 or go online to www.rentalstops.com. They will be your Partner in the Planning.

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Tips for mulching and composting fresh wood chips.

If you have to remove a tree and have its stump ground up, you you will probably need to rent a stump grinder. After you finished with the stump, you may be left wondering what to do with all the leftover limbs and trunk. The Rental Stop in your area will have all the tools needed to make this tree removal a quick and efficient chore. You can rent a chain saw to cut the tree up and a log splitter to make it easier to put the residue into the rented chipper.  After the tree has been reduced to wood chips, the last thing you want to do is use this stuff directly in the garden as mulch.

That’s because as the wood chips decay, they absorb vast amounts of nitrogen from the soil. As a result, there’s little or no nitrogen left for the surrounding plants, and nitrogen is the most important element or nutrient required for plant growth.

So if you’ve got an out-of-the-way spot that’s at least four feet away from any plants in your yard, you can create a makeshift compost pile and just let the stuff sit for as long as you like — at least six months or so. I would suggest you rent a material mover such as a bobcat or wheel barrow to move the wood chips to the proper location. To speed up the process, add a few pounds of blood meal (which is essentially pure nitrogen) or add fresh grass clippings each time you mow.

You can put some wood chips in an existing compost pile, but do so sparingly. Ideally, it should make up no more than a quarter of the pile. It’s a good idea to blend some sort of nitrogen-based-material into the pile, whether in the form of grass clippings, kitchen scraps or plant refuse from the garden. What you want to keep in mind is the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, or the ratio of brown stuff to green stuff. Brown stuff is carbon, while green stuff is nitrogen. The ratio of the two should be relatively close to 50-50.

Keep the material slightly moist and well aerated. After all, the more often you turn the pile with your rented pitchfork or rake, and provided you supply the right moisture content — slightly damp, but not moist — the faster you get finished compost.

Another great spot to use the “green” wood chips is in pathways or other areas where you don’t plan on planting anything. In this situation, it serves a twofold purpose: it’s a great mulching material for starters, and because plants can’t grow in the mix, it serves as an herbicide of sorts, preventing weeds from sprouting.

Remember the Rental Stop has all of your lawn and garden equipment rental items to make your job much easier, and don’t forget they can help with your party and event rental planning. Call one of their rental experts for advice and availability of products for your project.

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Power for all Occassions-Generators

Generator Rentals

RENTAL STOP can solve your power generation challenges with our generator rentals – whether you are facing an emergency outage, a planned project, or a temporary surge in demand.

Our generators range in size from 2kW to 60kW. We have the rental power you need to get the job done and to keep your electricity flowing. If you need power for a home project to run the extra tools and lights, we have the right generator to get the job done. If you are having an outdoor event that will need electricity for the audio/video  rental equipment, we have you covered. We can also provide the heating or air conditioning rentals that you might need for your seasonal events.

Storms happen here, so renting a generator can save you a lot of money when you consider the loss of all the food stuffs in your refrigerator and freezer. If this happens in the summer when temperatures can rise to 100+ degrees in DFW, your generator and cooling rentals in the Dallas and Ft. Worth area are available at RENTAL STOP’s two convenient locations.

RENTAL STOP is the only place you need to call for all of your generator, equipment or party rental needs even in an emergency. Call us at (972 or 817) 336-0059 or go to our website, www.rentalstops,com.

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How to celebrate Easter?

 

Easter dinner is considered a time when friends and family gather at the table to celebrate the Easter holiday. Easter is a traditional Christian holiday. People of all faiths do celebrate it today. Easter dinner consists of a variety of foods that can be served to guests and enjoyed while celebrating the holiday. Extra family and friends may necessitate the need for rental items such as tables, chairs, china, serving pieces and linens. If you can’t get them all in the house, you can always rent a tent for the festivities. I have always found that you can find everything you need at Rental Stop.

Easter dinner has been a symbolic way for loved ones to come together in unity and peace. Easter can also symbolize the Easter Bunny and has become a commercialized holiday. Most areas of the world, especially the United States and Canada, combine Easter dinner with gift giving and an Easter egg hunt. If you need to make the Easter event more festive, you can always rent a cotton candy machine or popcorn machine for everyone to enjoy. Your convenient RENTAL STOP location can offer the machines plus quality concession items. Give them a call or go online to www.rentalstops.com.

Easter Dinner is often times an occasion where extended families come together to eat and share a meal at the dinner table. Some family members come in from all over the country and world to share a feast with loved ones at Easter. Easter Dinner is also considered an indulgence for those who gave up certain foods and chocolates for Lent–allowing them to consume the sweets and fattening foods they may have given up for days. And if they are staying overnight you can rent roll-away beds for all you guests.

Make your Easter one to remember with help from your Partners in the Planning at RENTAL STOP. Call today and reserve your rental tables, chairs and dishes today at 817 or 972 336-0059, or go online at www.rentalstops.com.

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`Gather ‘Round – Ideas for the perfect Thanksgiving event

These crisp fall mornings herald the beginning of “family” season.  Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and Fort Worth Party Rentals can help you with the planning of your gathering, whether for just a few of you or a whole houseful!

Small house, big guest list?  We’ve got tents for rent!  If you went a little overboard with the invitations, don’t worry; a tent from Fort Worth Party Rentals will expand your space and keep raindrops off your feast!  Warm up that tent with heaters, and add some ambience with lighting; our professional staff can help you select just the items you need.

Big house, small table?  We’ve got tables to rent.  Choose rounds for optimum flexibility, add chairs, and you’ve just about got this event under control.

Long on menu items, short on serving pieces?  For those slices of turkey & mounds of yams, you’ll need platters, bowls, and china.  Brew a large pot of coffee so your guests can stay awake once the tryptophan effect sets in! These items and more are all available from us at competitive prices!

Check out our inventory online, or give us a call to talk about your particular party plan.  We’ll be happy to be a part of your Thanksgiving soiree!

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For our Ft. Worth Friends

Fort Worth Party Rentals, a division of Rental Stop, has launched a new website for our valued party & event rentals customers in Fort Worth metro area! We have years of experience in the event/party rental business, with both wedding/event planners and residential customers alike. Our new website is representative of our commitment to our customers in Ft. Worth and the western Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. From the smallest afternoon gathering to a full-blown week-end event for thousands, we can help you select the perfect party rentals to make your event memorable. And we offer delivery throughout the Ft. Worth area. You can now browse our online inventory of party rentals and submit quote requests, without ever leaving home. Visit us online at http://www.fort-worth-party-rentals.com or call us at 817-336-0059.

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We are Here, There and Everywhere ….to be YOUR Partner in the Planning!

old-radio

We are gladly serving our great customers throughout Dallas and Fort Worth and the surrounding areas from our brick and mortar retail stores. You can find us ready to serve, either in person or on the internet (www.rentalstops.com). You can “Like” us on Facebook . And now you can even find us on the radio!

radio on the goCheck out our latest connection with you – the best customers in DFW!

CLICK here: Radio Ad

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I Scream, You Scream, We All Have Fun – at Your Awesome Halloween Party!

Many of our great customers tell us that Halloween is one of their favorite celebrations of the year. This holiday is spooky and fun for kids of all ages. All sorts and sizes of Halloween Parties and Haunted Houses will be happening all over the Dallas and Fort Worth area. If you are planning a Halloween Party, be sure to use RentalStop.com as your one stop place for any Party Equipment  rentals you may need.

If you’re planning or hosting a Halloween party, you may find yourself needing some Party Equipment rentals to make your party a success. RentalStop.com is here to help you. Rent all your basic party equipment that makes every party complete, including tents, tables, chairs, decorations, dance floor lighting, and sound equipment. Rent a popcorn machine, chairs, glasses, a punch bowl, and even a punch fountain for serving drinks at your party.

Here’s a few reminders to make your Halloween event successful:

About 1 Week Before the Event

About a week before the party, you’ll want to start working on your “scary” area, if you plan to have one, as well as completing your shopping. We have tents and lighting that would be perfect. This is also a great time to send out a reminder to your invitation list (which is something you can set up automatically if you use an email invitation service) and to gather the final RSVP’s. Begin working on non-perishable props such as scary table tent cards for menu items and props for the party area, etc. Ensure you’ve got everything you need for your own costume!

Two Days Beforehand

Complete your grocery shopping, decorate the house, run through a final checklist to ensure you’ve got everything you need, and prep whatever food or make-ahead dishes you can (trail mix, dry goods, etc.).

The Day Before

Your rental items will most likely arrive today, so you can set them up and test them out to ensure you’re ready for the party tomorrow. Finalize your decorations, and handle whatever food prep you can (marinating meat, preparing desserts, ice down the drinks, cleaning the house, setting up outdoor decorations, finalizing your costume, making sure the cameras are charged or have fresh batteries, etc.) One of the most important things you can do today to prepare for your party is to get a good night’s sleep. There will be lots to accomplish tomorrow, and if you are well-rested and well-organized, you’ll breeze right through it and be able to relax and enjoy yourself during the party – which is the way it should be!

The Day of your Event

The only tasks you should have left for today are the ones that cannot be handled any earlier (for example, mixing the punch, making finger sandwiches, last-minute touches, etc.) Today is about setup and final touches – putting out the food and drinks, lighting the candles, putting on the music, turning on the rental smoke machine and lights, etc.

Have fun on the day of your big event and be sure to come back and post a comment here or on our Facebook Page to let us know how it all turned out!

Halloween is a lot of fun no matter what age you are. We love to get a little bit scared, and people love to take a step away from reality, and become another being or character for a night. Let your imagination run wild this Halloween, with fabulously frightening party rentals, and create a ghoulishly fun party that everyone will find spooktacular.

Let the Rental Stop Team make your Halloween Party  simpler in the Dallas Fort Worth area.  Give us a call today and one of our experts will be glad to guide you to success! You can also join us online at www.rentalstops.com. or call 972-336-0059.

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