Industrial Truck and Trailer

Do you want to buy a trailer but cannot figure out which type of trailer to purchase? Are you concerned about buying a trailer of the wrong size at a wrong price? Are you confused about buying a trailer with or without brakes and the type of braking system to opt for? Do you want to know whether an open or enclosed trailer is best for your cargo?

Are you aware that there are state laws regarding use of braking systems and cargo weight? Do the number of trailer options, prices and manufacturers throw you in a jiffy? If yes, then consider the following to select the most appropriate trailer for your business and save yourself a lot of headaches.

Buying Considerations:

Manufacturer: Trailers are available for every type of cargo, motorcycles, horses, furniture, concessions and the like. Your type of cargo will help you narrow down the list of possible trailer manufacturers. Choose a reputed manufacturer experienced in selling and servicing the trailer best-suited for your cargo.

Size: Trailers are available in a wide range of sizes. Determine the size of trailer best-suited to your need. When buying an enclosed trailer, consider the interior height. In case of time-consuming towing needs, ensure that trailer interior is large enough to let you stand without bending your neck or back.

Open versus Enclosed Trailers: Open trailers expose your cargo to outside elements. They are a more economical option in case your cargo can sustain rough weather conditions. Open utility trailers are highly suitable for many applications such as landscaping and hauling different materials like mulch, rock and plants. They are lighter than enclosed trailers and provide less aerodynamic drag. Enclosed trainers are suitable for cargo that needs protection from outside elements. Additionally, they also provide you with a secure, lockable and portable storage space.

Trailer Price: The prices of open utility trailers vary from $1000-$2500 while prices for enclosed trailers lie in the range $1500-$5000 and above.

Axles: Trailers can have single, dual or three-four axles. Opt for single axles only if a single load bearing axle is enough to meet your requirement and when cargo to be hauled weighs less than 3000lbs. For cargo weights above 3000lbs, choose a dual axle trailer. Dual axles provide you with two load bearing axles and leaf springs or independent torsion bar suspensions. Dual axle trailers also have the advantage of better tracking on varying road surfaces than single axle trailers.

Rear Door: You can choose from single barn-type, double or ramp rear doors. Type of rear door most-suited for an enclosed trailer depends on the cargo you need to haul. Ramp doors are ideal for hauling vehicles such as motorcycles and race cars and furniture and other heavy items involving use of a dolly for loading and unloading. When purchasing a ramp door trailer, ensure the ramp is spring assisted, as they are extremely heavy. Further, you will need clearance to open ramp rear doors.

Opt for trailers with double rear doors if you need to leave the trailer frequently, as the weight of ramp doors can make it difficult for you to enter and leave the trailer quickly and easily. Single barn-type doors are most-suited for small enclosed trailers and provide the same level of convenience as double rear doors. You can also add a side door along with a ramp rear door to enjoy the benefits of both the ramp and the ease of swift entry and exit from the trailer.

Trailer Brakes: A variety of trailer braking systems are available in the market such as electrical and hydraulic surge braking systems. Electrical systems connect the brake systems of the tow vehicle and the trailer through installation of a brake controller inside the tow vehicle. The controller activates the trailer brakes upon sensing the brakes of the tow vehicle. Electrical systems are most commonly used for trailers, are less expensive than surge systems and operate independently of the tow vehicle allowing the driver to manually activate the brake controller in case of emergencies.

Hydraulic surge braking systems integrate an actuating cylinder with trailer tongue assembly, to allow the trailer surge to compress the actuator when the tow vehicle applies its brakes. Compression of the cylinder then applies a force on the master cylinder which then controls the braking cylinders. Surge systems are more suitable than electrical systems when you need to use several different tow vehicles, each with its own brake controller.

Single axle trailers are available with and without brakes. Double axel trailers usually come with brakes. Most states have a legal requirement of using trailers with brakes when your cargo size is over 3000lbs. Further, some states mandate inclusion of a breakaway system with trailer brakes to let you apply trailer brakes even when the trailer gets disconnected from the tow vehicle. Electric braking systems use separate battery to activate the breakaway systems while surge brakes rely on a cable to lock the breaks in breakaway situations.

Warranty: Inquire about warranty before buying a trailer. Most reputed manufacturers offer good warranty options with their trailers.

Carefully consider each of the above mentioned buying considerations before making a purchase. Inquire about the best trailer options for your intended cargo load from multiple manufacturers and don’t buy a trailer till you get answers to all your queries.