Things To Consider in Trailer Buying

Things To Consider in Trailer Buying

Thinking about buying a cargo trailer, horse trailer or even a motorcycle trailer, but was not sure Trailer to buy? As you may have realized, choosing a trailer now-a-days can be confusing. This is not surprising given the amount of trailer manufacturers and different types of trailers available.

There are many factors to consider when buying a trailer. One of the first considerations is to choose a manufacturer of Trailer established. Like almost all, you usually get what you pay for, so try to choose the best trailer that you can afford.

Deciding on the type of trailer you need for your application will help in narrowing the manufacturer. There are trailers for almost every conceivable type of cargo, from motorcycles to horses to concessions. If you need to transport, then there is a trailer made to haul or at least one that can be easily converted to do the job.

After choosing a manufacturer, figure out what size trailer you need. Trailers come in several different widths and lengths. If you're considering a closed trailer, you also need to consider the height of the interior. If your trailer towing needs require that you spend a lot of time in the trailer, choose one with enough interior height to keep you from bending the neck or back when standing.

Open or closed Trailer

The next step in choosing a trailer is figuring out whether you will need an open or enclosed trailer. Open trailer is one that shows the cargo to the outside elements. If bad weather is not a factor for your cargo, then an open trailer may be the most economical choice. Open utility trailers can range in price from about $ 900 to $ 2,500 new.

Open utility trailer is suitable for a variety of applications including small landscaping businesses that are just starting out and need a way to haul their landscape equipment. As their business grows and they decided to go up to the enclosed trailer, the open utility trailer will still be very useful for transporting all kinds of material such as mulch, rock and plants.

Another plus for open trailers is their weight. Open utility trailers tend to be lighter and provide less aerodynamic drag than enclosed trailers.

While open trailers are economical and very useful, they do not provide protection from the outside environment that the trailer will be closed. Enclosed trailer also offers an additional measure of security because it functions as a trailer, portable lockable storage building.

Closed trailers tend to be heavier and less aerodynamic than open trailers. Closed trailers usually cost in the $ 1600 $ 5000 range new, but can be much higher.

Single or Tandem Axle

Once you decide on one of the open utility trailer or cargo trailer closed, you have to decide whether the trailer should have a single axle, dual axle or possibly even 3:57 axles.

Single axle trailer has only one load bearing shaft. Axle trailer with single comes with and without brakes, but as a general rule, most single axle open and enclosed trailers come without brakes. If you plan to transport more than 3000 lbs, trailer brakes need to be considered. In fact, it is a legal requirement in most states.

Anything heavier than 3000 pounds must be transported in double-axle trailer, the trailer either open or closed. Double axle trailers use two load bearing axles and usually has good leaf springs or independent torsion bar suspension. Brakes are recommended for dual axle trailers and again may be necessary depending on where you live. Also, dual axle trailers tend to track more accurately than single axle trailers over various road surfaces.

Rear Access

If you decide enclosed trailer, the next second you have to decide on the rear door, double rear doors or one single barn-type door. Choosing the type of rear access will greatly depend on the cargo you intend to haul. If you'll be hauling a motorcycle, race car or other vehicle types, then the back door road will provide the easiest method of loading and unloading.

Be sure though when purchasing a trailer with a street entrance road is spring assisted some way doors can be very heavy. Ramps are also nice for hauling furniture or other heavy items where you will use the trucks to load and unload them.

If you will be using the trailer quite often and going in and out of it, then the road can be a bit tricky. Enter the double trailer door. It is much easier to open the door, get in and get the tool or item you need and then stepped out and closed the door than to drop the road whenever you need access. Also, you must consider the required permissions to open a back door way.

One type of barn doors are usually found on the back of a smaller enclosed trailers and are comparable in convenience to double rear door.

Trailer manufacturers aware of the problems the road and most now add a side door for access to their enclosed trailers giving those who need the best of both worlds.

Trailer brake

In addition to various types of trailers, there are several types of trailer braking systems.

Electric braking system is the most common type of braking systems found on trailers today. This type of braking system connects the brake system on the tow vehicle to the brake system on the trailer. This is done by installing a brake controller in the tow vehicle. Controller felt braking force tow vehicle and in turn activates the brakes on the trailer.

A surge in the hydraulic brake system consists of a cylinder that is usually integrated with the drive assembly Trailer tongue. As the tow vehicle applies the brakes, the "surge" of the trailer to the tow vehicle slows down compresses the surge actuator. As the cylinder is compressed, the force applied to the master cylinder and from there to the brake cylinder.

Surge braking systems are more expensive and usually only needed if you are going to use several different tow vehicles, each of which will require a brake controller.

Electric brakes are usually preferred over surge brakes because their operation is independent of the tow vehicle. If for some reason the tow vehicle loses its brakes, there will not be enough deceleration surge to activate the surge brakes. However, with electric brakes, the driver can manually activate the brake controller thus allowing the trailer to slow the entire rig.

In some states, any trailer with brakes required to have a breakaway system. In the event that the trailer becomes disconnected from the tow vehicle, trailer brakes will apply automatically to stop the run Trailer. The trailer is equipped with electric brakes carry a separate battery to activate the breakaway systems. Surge brakes use a cable that locks the breaks in a breakaway situation.

Buying informed

The most important aspect of buying a trailer is to be the buyer information. Ask lots of questions. Any reputable dealer will be happy to answer your questions and in fact, should ask a lot of questions about your intended cargo load. Ask about the warranty. Does the manufacturer stand behind the work? Most established manufacturers offer excellent warranty program and will go out of their way to satisfy customers.