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Eight Tips That Will Help You Choose the Right Equipment Trailer
Copyright (c) 2008-2023 Jim Farmer
Don't Purchase a Trailer Before Reading This Article
1. Have a clear understanding of what you are going to haul - Make sure you know:
The weight is imperative because trailers are rated in terms of GVWR (or gross vehicle rate ratio). This simply means that the weight of what you are hauling + the weight of the trailer needs to be less than the GVWR the trailer is rated. Be sure to include options with the equipment your hauling, such as different buckets, etc.
The width of your equipment is important because equipment trailers are manufactured with 1 of 2 types of decks; a deck over and low profile (lowboy). A deck over trailer has the bed of the trailer built above the wheels while a low profile has the bed manufactured between the wheels. The maximum width an equipment trailer can be safely manufactured at is 102" (legal tolerances). The deck can be much wider on a deck over while a low profile deck is narrower but is built lower to the ground for easier loading/unloading plus the low deck height makes for a more stable load. The usual width for a low profile deck is somewhere between 77" and 83". The fenders use the remaining 102" width and, of course, the deck over is built at 102" for optimal use of available space.
Also knowing the length is useful information to have so you are assured to trailer is long enough.The manufacturer of the equipment you are hauling.
2. Know the truck your going to use for hauling - Different trucks have different towing capacities. The towing capacity for your truck is usually included in the documentation when you purchase a truck. If your using an older truck, call the manufacturer to find out what your towing capacity is. When calling be sure have readily available what size engine you have and if you have a towing package.
3. Look for Factory-Direct Manufacturers - There are two basic ways to purchase a new trailer: A dealer or the manufacturer. A dealer is a person who purchases equipment trailers at a discounted rate from the manufacturer, then marks the price up and resells it. Factory-Direct means you buy the trailer straight from the manufacturer, which eliminates the "middle man", and can save you money. The only problem with finding a good equipment trailer factory-direct resource is some claim to be factory-direct, but in fact, are still a dealer.
Two true factory direct facilities are http://www.kaufmantrailers.com and www.appalachiantrailers.com. Appalachian Trailers has two locations: One in Manheim, PA and the other in Salem, OH. The Second true factory-direct manufacturer is Kaufman Trailers. Kaufman Trailers has two locations, one in Lexington, NC and the second in Beaver City, NE. They also have numerous freight options to ship your equipment trailer to you no matter where you are located. Kaufman Trailers is famous for building rugged equipment trailers that last.
SIDE NOTE: Kaufman also has a nice car hauler site for their Mini-5 Car Hauler Trailer at www.mini5trailer.com.
4. Radial Tires - Get radial tires if possible. They may cost a little more but they are worth the cost. There are some trailer manufacturers claim bias tires are better but bias tires are a cheaper grade tire.
5. Look for Standard Options - A common ploy by equipment trailer manufacturers is to offer a cheap price, but not include features such as a lockable toolbox. By the time some add all the options that are standard on other trailers they are much more expensive.
6. Never Trust the Trailer Dealer or Manufacturer to do the Work for You - I know its easier to call and ask the dealer to put together a quote for you, but if you don't research your truck's towing capacities and verify your equipments weight, length and width, you could end up buying more trailer than you need, or worse, less than you need.
7. Price is important but not the biggest factor - Looking for a manufacturer with experience will prevent common issues such as poor welding, not painting underneath the trailer, overloading a trailer (like adding more cross members than what's needed), and inferior decking. To avoid these problems, look for a company that has been around 10 years or more. This not only assures their manufacturing processes have worked out any bugs, but also helps assure they are stable enough to not go out of business (parts and warranty).
8. Compare "Apples to Apples" - Make sure to compare the following:
Suspension - Slipper spring is better than double eye.Tires - Radial tires are betterDecking - treated hardwoods are betterHitch - I personally recommend an adjustable couple. Fixed couplers can be troublesome.GVWR - Make sure the rating is what you need.Options are similarJacks - Drop Foot better than top windFenders - fenders are a big problem and some collapse very easy. Fenders are best made with Channel or diamond plate.Welding - Make sure the welding is strong. Some manufacturers don't regulate this enough.Frame - Make sure the frame is made from similar size steel.
Using these simple tips will help you find the best trailer for your needs. There are a couple of new sites being developed as well to help consumer pick the right trailer for their needs: GooseneckFlatBedTrailer.com and EquipmentProTrailers.com. Good luck on looking for your new trailer.
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ad ran in the local paper: Get your oil changed by a friend.
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