Utility Trailers are helpful for homeowners, professionals, and everyone in between. But shopping for the right trailer can be challenging, so we put together a few questions to ask yourself to help match you with your perfect trailer.
What is my Intended Use?
How you plan to use the utility trailer is a major deciding factor in the type of trailer you buy. The best specs for you are determined based on what kind of cargo you plan to haul and how frequently you plan to haul it.
What Type of Utility Trailer Do I Require?
Be familiar with the different types of trailers offered.
Can My Vehicle Tow the Utility Trailer?
The weight of the load and the vehicle are other primary deciding factors. Check the gross combined weight rating or GCWR to ensure a trailer is compatible. This stat is the maximum towing capacity weight of the trailer. To protect the towing vehicle’s engine, locate the maximum towing weight in the owner’s manual. Once you know the maximum load your vehicle can tow, subtract the trailer’s weight.
- That is the maximum load that your car can handle.
Does the Trailer Pass Inspection?
It is essential to inspect a trailer before buying. Check the below areas to guarantee that you are getting the best trailer.
| Item: | What To Check For: |
| Tires | -No cracks or plugged holes -Even wear -Able to carry the intended load |
| Bearings | -Lubricated and properly seated -No side-by-side or up-and-down |
| Brakes | -Ask about the break functions -Inspect pads, shoes, drums, rotors, and magnets |
| Suspension | -No cracks in the leaf springs or spring hangers |
| Ramps | -Straightness -No Cracks -Level of strength |
| Hitch | -Latches and unlatches properly -No missing parts |
What About A Used Utility Trailer?
You may be able to cut costs by buying a used trailer. However, you must consider a few things before deciding whether a used trailer suits you.
1. Repairs Costs
What kind of investment is it? Is it ready to haul heavy equipment frequently?
2. Inspection
Does the used trailer pass the previously mentioned inspection? If not, then a new trailer is probably better suited for you.
3. Bigger Picture
Is the used trailer in a condition that allows it to last many years without requiring constant repair? If a significant amount is needed, paying more upfront for a new trailer may be better.
4. Warranty
Do you require a warranty? If so, you will want to buy a new one because you won’t receive a warranty with a used trailer.
ACME Rents
Not ready to buy? Did you know that you can rent with Acme?
When you only need the tool once, save the expense of ownership and rent it from us. Acme Rents has the equipment and tools to complete your project promptly and efficiently. From ‘150’ aerial lifts to various tools and equipment, we can help you select the right tool to complete your important project, and we carry the latest models of the top brands in the industry.
Final Thoughts
Now that you understand what to look for in a trailer searching should be less challenging! Remember to stay informed and get shopping (or renting)!
4 Comments
Franklin White
August 12, 2020 at 12:53 pmThanks for bringing the weight of both the load and the trailer to my attention. I need a trailer that can carry a lot of stuff but is easy to dump off. First, I’ll look up how much weight my truck can pull and get a trailer that can carry a lot of weight without being too much for my truck.
Megan Alder
August 17, 2020 at 11:59 amMy husband is thinking about buying an equipment trailer, and he’s unsure of which type he should buy. I like that you recommend making sure that the trailer you buy is the perfect size for your car, since you want to make sure you can properly tow it. I will definitely let him know that he need s to consider the size before taking the next step.
Levi Armstrong
February 17, 2021 at 10:13 pmYou made a good point when you said that I should consider my vehicle when choosing a utility trailer to ensure that my vehicle could tow it. My dad plans to buy a utility trailer for his ranch soon. I’ll tell him about this advice to ensure he’d check the towing ability of his pick-up truck first. Thanks.
Tammie Houston
November 12, 2021 at 9:53 amThanks for letting me know about the things I’ll need to check for when buying a trailer. My husband is in need of an equipment trailer since he plans on starting a welding service, so he’ll need something to store his equipment in. He often just buys the first thing he sees so I want to avoid that and tell him to follow your list. It’ll be important that he find one whose ramp is in good condition. With how heavy his tools are, I wouldn’t want it breaking while he’s using it and cost us a fortune to repair his gear.