Should You Lease or Buy a Mobile Security Trailer?

With businesses facing threats such as repeated instances of theft and trespassing, mobile security trailers have become one of the most valuable assets for security directors and asset protection leaders. They’re particularly valuable in parking lots, event venues, and construction sites due to their rapid deployment (as little as a couple of weeks with a provider like Flock Safety) and their ability to operate without relying on access to power. 

If you have a temporary location to secure or need a fast security solution, using mobile security trailers can be a great move. And like many security experts, you’ll need to answer one crucial question: “Do I lease, or do I buy?” Your decision will impact everything from security costs to your level of control. 

Here, we break down the pros and cons of leasing vs. buying to help you make the best choice. 

When mobile security trailers make sense

Businesses face many security risks, ranging from vandalism to robbery. While hiring security guards and installing surveillance cameras can help minimize these threats, these solutions aren’t always feasible, as they can be costly and require extensive installation work. 

That’s where a flexible solution like mobile security trailers steps in. Trailers can help secure:

• Large sites like parking lots, docking areas, and external business premises 
• Soft targets like street festival venues or concert locations 
• Temporary locations like construction sites
• Remote sites with limited infrastructure 

Mobile security trailers can also help fill gaps in after-hours coverage by monitoring locations during guard shift changes or after guards clock out. Solutions like Flock Safety’s mobile security trailers have AI-powered cameras that can detect movement and send real-time alerts to response teams, giving businesses around-the-clock coverage. 

What to look for in a high-quality security trailer

Mobile security trailers provide significant value, especially for teams looking for flexible solutions that offer 24/7 coverage. 

Here are some top mobile security trailer features to consider to optimize your security:

Camera specs and real-time video access

High-resolution cameras make it easy for security teams to remotely monitor sites and suspicious activities. Choose a trailer with 360-degree panoramic view cameras for wide-area coverage and Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras to allow security teams to monitor moving subjects. This facilitates well-informed incident response and streamlines evidence gathering by providing high-quality footage.

Video cameras are even more effective when used alongside flashing lights and talk-down speakers. The cameras provide live feeds of suspicious activities, after which you can flash your lights and issue warnings (via your system’s loudspeakers) to deter would-be criminals. 

Power, connectivity, and remote monitoring

Solar panels and battery backups are essential for uninterrupted trailer operation. With these measures in place, security teams can continually monitor sites and collect evidence, even in the event of a power outage or limited infrastructure. 

Cloud-based video storage and automated real-time alerts are also valuable features, as they allow for remote monitoring and rapid response in case of suspicious activity. 

Optional connected security solutions

Depending on your vendor, you can further enhance security by adding other integrated tools. For example, with Flock Safety, you can:

• Strengthen your site security by integrating license plate reader (LPR) cameras: This enhances your trailer’s capabilities by allowing it to log vehicles that access your premises and collect license plate data. The information can be handy in monitoring suspects’ movements and gathering evidence in case of criminal activity. 
• Include audio detection tools: These tools can detect sounds on your property, filter them based on their threat (e.g., gunshots vs. fireworks), and alert law enforcement directly when necessary. 
• Access third-party response teams: Flock Safety can connect you to trained professionals who assess alerts and contact your security team or escalate issues to law enforcement. 

Book a demo today to see how Flock Safety’s tools and services work together to enhance your security. 

Pros of leasing a mobile security trailer

Leasing a mobile trailer has pros that include:

• Lower upfront costs: Vendors lease mobile trailers at a fraction of the buying price, so you don’t need a large initial capital investment. 
• Simplified maintenance: Some vendors may cover service and repairs, eliminating the need to hire dedicated staff to keep up with maintenance schedules. 
• Easy and quick upgrades: You can upgrade your trailer to a newer model when your lease term ends without the hassle of reselling your current unit. 
• Flexibility: Leasing makes it easy to meet short-term or seasonal project needs, like providing security for events or pop-ups. 
• Scalability: Because it requires a lower upfront investment than outright buying, leasing can make adding more trailers during periods of high demand more feasible. 

Cons of leasing a mobile security trailer to consider

While leasing can be more affordable, convenient, and flexible than buying, it isn’t without tradeoffs. Some potential cons include:

• Long-term cost accumulation: Leasing can cost more than buying in the long run. 
• No asset ownership: Your trailer ultimately belongs to the vendor, so you’ll need to return it once your lease period ends. 
• Limited customization capabilities: The vendor may limit the modifications you can make to your trailer.
• Dependence on vendor availability: Leasing ties your operation to the vendor’s inventory, scheduling, and service response times. If they can’t provide a trailer when you need it, or if maintenance is delayed, it could leave gaps in your security coverage. 

Pros of buying a mobile security trailer outright

Some organizations prefer to buy mobile security trailers outright. Here’s why:

• Customization freedom: You can install additional features like LPR cameras or change existing elements without seeking approval from the vendor. 
• Long-term use: Buying means you’ll always have your trailer on hand to meet any security needs that arise. 
• Integration freedom: You can connect your trailer with existing security software without consulting your provider. 

Cons to watch out for when buying a trailer

As with leasing, buying has a few drawbacks:

• High upfront capital: Purchasing requires a higher initial investment than leasing.
• More maintenance responsibilities: As the owner, the responsibility for maintaining and repairing your unit falls solely on you. 
• Risk of obsolescence: Your trailer could become outdated as security systems evolve. 
• Significant continued costs: You may incur storage expenses (when your unit is not in use), insurance costs, and modification costs (to align your unit with evolving security needs). 

Financial comparison: Leasing vs. buying

One of the most significant deciding factors for leasing vs buying is the cost. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Consider your budget and security needs when choosing between leasing and buying. Here are some scenarios when each may be ideal:

1. If you have a limited budget, leasing could be a suitable alternative. 
2. If you have frequent vandalism or repeated theft incidents, buying may be a better move, as you’ll likely need the equipment in the long term. 
3. If you experience seasonal spikes in foot traffic or criminal activity, leasing when the need arises could be a more affordable option. 

Considerations for construction companies and temporary job sites

Construction and job sites are prime targets for criminal activity like theft because they contain high-value materials and machinery. This typically results in delayed projects and huge losses for businesses. For example, copper wire thefts cost organizations roughly $1 billion every year and cause issues like damaged drywall and electrical components, forcing contractors to redo their work. 

Mobile security trailers can help mitigate these risks by serving as visual deterrents. Features like flashing lights and video cameras let trespassers know that they’re being monitored, which can discourage them from stealing. Further, these trailers allow security teams to issue warnings and facilitate quick responses by sending real-time alerts when they detect suspicious activity. 

Of course, you’ll only see their value if you choose the right type of trailer and deploy it effectively. For maximum impact, go for a solar-powered solution with battery backups, night vision capabilities, a talk-down speaker, and PTZ and panoramic video cameras. 

When deciding between leasing and buying, consider your immediate risk and long-term usage needs. If your site is already running, go the leasing route, as it could mean a shorter deployment timeline. Leasing could also be ideal if you only need a trailer for short-term use. On the other hand, buying could be a suitable option if you expect to handle a lot of future construction sites or job sites. 

Questions to ask before signing a lease or purchase agreement

Asking the right questions can help you decide whether to lease or buy and promote effective internal planning. Here’s a checklist of the most crucial:

1. What is our budget? If you’re working with a limited budget, leasing is ideal. 
2. How many locations do we need to secure? If you have multiple sites, leasing may be a more cost-effective solution. 
3. Will we need to move the trailer to different locations? If yes, check whether your vendor has relocation restrictions. If they do, consider other providers or buy the trailer outright. 
4. Will we have an on-site monitoring team? If not, confirm that your trailer comes with cloud storage and remote monitoring capabilities. If you need help with monitoring, check to see if it’s included in your vendor’s services to determine whether you should hire your own team. 
5. Will our team need training? If it will, choose a provider who offers it.

The role of trailers in a broader business security strategy

Mobile security trailers don’t replace other security measures, such as surveillance cameras and security guards. Instead, they complement them by extending your security perimeter outdoors. If you have video cameras or security personnel inside your business to deter crime, security trailers will do the same outdoors. 

Flock’s mobile security trailers complement a connected security infrastructure. Here’s how:

• Their flashing lights and talk-down speaker help deter crime outside. 
• Their instant alerts can promote fast responses to minimize the risk of trespassers gaining access to your building. 
• When integrated with LPR cameras, they can help collect vehicle information of suspects who are fleeing your premises. 

See Flock’s mobile security trailer in action today. 

Use cases for mobile security trailers beyond construction

While construction sites are common locations for mobile security trailer placement, they’re not the only ones. Other applications include:

• Schools
• Public spaces 
• Car dealerships
• Retail parking lots
• Remote warehouses 

With Flock Safety, you can deploy your system in just a few weeks. You have control over your trailer’s placement, so you can position it wherever it best meets your security needs. 

Signs it might be time to switch models or vendors

With security threats constantly evolving, your trailer features and usage needs also evolve. Here are signs that you may need an upgrade:

• Your live feed is continually lagging. 
• Your current image or video quality is poor. 
• You’re experiencing slow solar recharge. 
• Your trailer is frequently breaking down. 

You may need a new vendor if:

• Your current one isn’t honoring contractual obligations, such as handling maintenance. 
• It takes them days to respond to equipment issues. 
• The one you’re working with has limited trailer options that don’t meet your current security needs. 
• You notice hidden costs. 
• They don’t provide high-quality training and support. 

Discover how Flock Safety’s mobile security trailer delivers lasting value

To buy or to lease? There’s no right or wrong answer — it depends on your budget and security needs. If you’re working with a limited budget or looking for a quick-to-deploy or short-term security solution, leasing could be the right move. If cost isn’t a concern and you want complete ownership over your trailer, buying may be the answer. 

 Flock Safety’s mobile security trailers are cost-effective, scalable, and built for rapid deployment and real-time visibility. They come with key features, including flashing blue lights, two PTZ cameras, one panoramic camera, a talk-down speaker, and AI-powered alerts to help with crime deterrence and evidence collection. 

Book your demo today to learn how Flock Safety’s mobile security trailer can elevate your security.r