How to Buy a Trailer
There are plenty of options of trailers you’ll find today. How do you know which one is the best for you? First of all, consider your needs. Do you have many or few? Open trailer or enclosed?
If it’s important to have extra space for your items, go for an open trailer. Sizes can range from 4 feet x 6 feet to 6 feet x 12 feet, or up to as long as 30 feet. There are even 9-inch to 24-inch steel rails that surround the edge. This works to keep your equipment in position during traveling.
On the other hand, enclosed trailers allow you to lock up your equipment. If you want additional storage, this is a good option. Another benefit of using an enclosed trailer is that you know the trailer has your equipment during a load shift. Additionally, the size of an enclosed trailer can vary widely, just like open-style units. Some are 4 feet by 6 feet with a single axle, going up to 8 feet by 25 feet with two axles.
Another thing you should consider is the type of hitch you’ll need. Many trailers use the popular ball hitch attached to the frame.
Inspecting Trailer Tires
The tires of a trailer are, of course, important too. They are usually in 6, 8 or 10 ply. Needless to say, each of your tires must be able to handle the load you need to carry and have the right amount of air pressure.
Trailer Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
Using a calculator, determine the trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). This is simply the weight of the trailer on top of the payload capacity. It’s best to select a trailer with a higher GVWR than what you actually have to carry.
Maximum Towing Weight
To know the trailer’s maximum towing weight, look in the owner’s manual or contact your dealer.
Loading/Unloading
Some small trailers have ramp gates that are lowered by hand, while others have side ramp gates that flip up or fold.
Licensing and Registration
Compliance with state licensing and registration regulations Is a must. Upon buying your trailer you will get a manufacturer certificate of origin (MCO), which you need to take, together with your bill of sale, to your local license bureau before you can receive your title. Remember though that laws can vary from one state to the next.
Buying a used trailer, you should get a bill of sale, along with a statement of origin or a title that is now in your name. Otherwise, you can’t register the trailer or use it legally.
How I Achieved Maximum Success with Trailers