5 Things to Consider When Buying a Trailer

Utility Trailers- 5 Things to Consider Before Buying

Utility Trailers are useful 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 specs that are best for you are determined based on what type 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.

Buying a Utility trailer or open trailer

The Utility Trailers/Landscape Trailers are made without walls or ceilings. The open trailers have low railings or solid sides to help contain your cargo and slats or d-rings to secure your equipment. A Utility trailer is most ideal for hauling landscaping equipment, garden equipment, lawn mowers, camping gear, and much more.

Enclosed trailers

Whereas the utility trailer is open, Enclosed Trailers are closed by four walls and a ceiling. The trailer gives you the ability to protect your cargo from the elements. Also, the Enclosed Trailers can be locked and secured when you leave it unattended. They’re most ideal for hauling equipment, atvs, cars, bikes, and more.

Utility TrailerSingle Axel  Acme Tools

Single Axle trailers have one set of wheels. They can haul small business-related cargo or everyday household items. These trailers are easier to maneuver due to their lightweight.

Tandem Axel Trailer Acme

Tandem Axle Trailers have two sets of wheels. The two axles are placed close together at the center of the trailer, dispersing the weight of the cargo to provide shock absorption and increased maneuverability. Tandem Axle trailers are perfect for hauling heavy loads.

Can My Vehicle Tow the Utility Trailer?

Can my vehicle tow my trailer

The weight of both the load and the vehicle is another primary deciding factor. To make sure a trailer is compatible, check the gross combined weight rating, or GCWR. This stat is the maximum towing capacity weight of the trailer. To protect the towing vehicle’s engine, locate the maximum towing weight, found in the owner’s manual. Once you know the maximum load that your vehicle can tow, subtract the weight of the trailer. That is the maximum load that your vehicle 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 need to consider a few things before deciding a used trailer is for 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 mention inspection? If not, then a new trailer is probably better suited for you. 

3. Bigger Picture

Is the used trailer in a condition to last for many years to come without requiring constant repair? If a significant amount is needed, it may be better to pay more upfront for a new trailer.

4. Warranty

Do you require a warranty? If so, you will want to buy new because you won’t receive a warranty with a used trailer.

ACME Rents

Acme Rental Grand Forks

Not ready to buy? Did you know that you can rent with Acme? When you only need the tool one time, save the expense of ownership and rent it from us. Acme Rents has the equipment and tools you need to complete your project in a timely manner 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 have a strong understanding of what to look for in a trailer, searching should be a bit less challenging! Remember to stay informed and get shopping (or renting)!

4 Comments

  • Franklin White

    August 12, 2020 at 12:53 pm

    Thanks 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.

    Reply
  • Megan Alder

    August 17, 2020 at 11:59 am

    My 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.

    Reply
  • Levi Armstrong

    February 17, 2021 at 10:13 pm

    You 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.

    Reply
  • Tammie Houston

    November 12, 2021 at 9:53 am

    Thanks 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.

    Reply

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