You can hire a ute for a day in Melbourne from Turbofleet, from $100 a day, at depots in Craigieburn and Ravenhall. For a renovation, the 1 tonne dual cab tray ute is the pick, because its open tray handles building materials, tools, and waste without any worry about the interior. Both utes drive on a standard car licence and come with a tow bar, so you can add a trailer for bigger loads. A single day is usually all you need for a supply run, a tip run, or a weekend job, and you collect the ute close to your renovation from whichever depot is nearest.
Where to hire a ute for a day in Melbourne
Turbofleet hires utes from two Melbourne depots, Craigieburn in the north and Ravenhall in the west, both covering the surrounding suburbs. That makes it easy to collect a ute near your renovation, whether you are working on a home in the northern suburbs or out west, and to keep the trip between the depot, the hardware store, and the site short. You can book directly online or over the phone, with no booking fees, and pick the ute up on the morning of your reno day. See the range and dates on the ute hire Melbourne page.
Which ute is best for a renovation?
Turbofleet has two utes, and for renovation work the choice is clear. The 1 tonne dual cab tray ute is the better tool for a reno, since the open tray takes timber, plasterboard, tiles, bags of cement, and renovation waste that you would never want inside a car, and it hoses out easily at the end of the day. It carries up to a tonne, which covers most home renovation loads.
The dual cab ute suits a renovation where you also need to carry passengers, since it has four doors and back seats along with a load area. If you are shuttling a couple of tradies or helpers as well as materials, it is the more comfortable option. Both drive like a normal automatic and both have a tow bar, so either can pull a trailer when you need more capacity.
What you can do with a ute on a renovation day
A day ute earns its keep on a renovation because it covers so many jobs in one hire:
- Supply runs to Bunnings or a trade supplier for timber, sheeting, tiles, paint, and fixings
- Picking up bulky items like a vanity, benchtop, or flat-pack cabinetry
- Hauling renovation waste, offcuts, and old fittings to the tip or transfer station
- Clearing a garden or yard as part of an outdoor reno
- Moving tools, a mixer, or trestles between home and the site
The trick with a single day is to plan every run into it, so one hire covers the supply pickup, the work on site, and the tip run rather than spilling into a second day. A common reno-day pattern is to collect the ute early, do a materials run first, work through the day, then finish with a load of waste to the tip before you drop the ute back. If your load is enclosed or needs to stay dry, a cargo van can be an alternative, and for a very large clear-out a truck may suit better.
What a day ute costs and what is included
Both utes start from $100 a day, and a single day rate covers you from pickup to return. Included as standard are automatic transmission, power steering, and a tow bar for a box or plant trailer. Fuel is your own cost, and a refundable bond applies at pickup, returned once the ute comes back in good order. It is worth confirming the kilometre allowance when you book, since a day of running between the site, the hardware store, and the tip can add up. If you think the job might stretch beyond a day, compare car hire by the day so you know the daily rate either way.
Tips for a renovation ute day
A little planning makes a reno day run smoothly. Book the earliest pickup you can, so you have the full day for supply runs and a tip run before closing. Line up your shopping list and your tip or transfer station hours in advance, since many close mid afternoon on weekends. Lay an old sheet or a tarp in the tray if you are carrying anything that might mark it, and use the tie down points to secure timber, sheeting, and loose waste so nothing shifts or blows out on the drive. Load long items along the tray and flag anything that overhangs. Return the ute to the same depot on the same day to keep it to the single day rate.
Where to pick up near your renovation
The two depots cover a wide stretch of Melbourne. Craigieburn in the north is handy for Broadmeadows, Epping, Roxburgh Park, and the surrounding northern suburbs, while Ravenhall in the west covers Melton, Sunshine, and nearby areas. Collecting from the depot closest to your renovation keeps your first and last trip short, which matters when you are running back and forth to the hardware store through the day. You can see the utes and check availability on the Craigieburn fleet page.
How to book a ute for your reno day
Booking is quick. Pick your date, choose the depot nearest your site, and select the tray ute for materials and waste or the dual cab if you also need to carry people. Weekends are the busiest time for renovations, so reserve a few days ahead and take an early slot. When you collect the ute, staff check your licence and set up the refundable bond, and you are on your way. Contact the Turbofleet team if you want help choosing the right ute for your job.
Frequently asked questions
Where can you hire a ute for a day in Melbourne?
Turbofleet hires utes for the day from depots in Craigieburn in the north and Ravenhall in the west, from $100 a day, on a standard car licence, so you can collect one near your renovation.
Which ute is best for renovation loads?
The 1 tonne dual cab tray ute, since its open tray carries timber, sheeting, tiles, and renovation waste and hoses out easily. The dual cab ute suits a job where you also need to carry passengers.
Can I take renovation waste to the tip in a hire ute?
Yes. A tray ute is ideal for tip and transfer station runs. Tie the load down, check the tip’s hours and fees, and lay a sheet in the tray for messy waste.
Can I tow a trailer for renovation debris?
Yes. Both utes have a tow bar, so you can add a box or plant trailer for larger loads of materials or waste. Check the towing limit and any trailer hire when you book.
