Buying a New Cargo Trailer for Summer

So you are ready to buy a new enclosed cargo trailer for your summer escapades, but what do you get? While there is a lot online about which trailer is best, there is very little to actually help you evaluate your purchase. Well, that is exactly what we are going to do here. Keep reading so you will know when you finally make your decision that you have made the best one possible.

Size Matters

While this may seem like a cliche joke, the size of a cargo trailer does matter. You do not necessarily want the largest trailer you can get if you do not need that much space. Doing so may make it difficult to balance the load and cause the trailer to move all over the road. However, on the other end, if you go too small, you may not have the room you end up needing.

So when you are considering what size to get, plan for all the things you will take with you, and then shop accordingly. This is especially easy if you are using your trailer for a business. Chances are you will likely take most of your equipment with you all the time.

In addition to the physical dimensions of the trailer, consider the weight capacity. Be sure it can carry the weight of your load.

Do You Double It Up?

One of the things that will determine the weight capacity of the trailer is going to be the axle. The question you will need to ask is if you need a single axle or a double axle trailer, called a tandem axle. If you are carrying a heavier load, then you may want to consider a tandem axle. These help to distribute the weight to keep the load more stable.

Road & Elements Ready

Next, you want to be sure your cargo trailer is ready for the road and whatever you may encounter. First, consider ensuring your new trailer has stone guards. These are metal plates along the front and sides of the trailer. These prevent stones from kicking up off the road and damaging the body of the trailer.

Are you going to apply an undercoating to the bottom of the trailer? This is a great idea if you are going to be driving through dirt and mud, when it is wet outside, or through construction zones. This will help save the bottom of your trailer from getting scratched and inhibit rust from developing.

Staying Legal With Lights

Your lights are critical to staying legal on the roads. When you are looking at the trailers, consider both the light configuration as well as the connector itself. Do you want backup lights, for instance? Do you want a flat connector or a round connector? Generally speaking, round connectors are considered to be a little more durable. Be sure whatever your vehicle already has in place, you are getting a match, or can easily adapt.

To Brake or Not to Brake

Along with lights are brakes, especially being electric brakes are controlled through the electrical connector. While smaller trailers may not require brakes, if you have a smaller vehicle you may still want to consider it. From a legal perspective, most states require brakes if the gross weight exceeds 3,000 lbs, though this does range depending on the state. Additionally, in some areas brakes are required if the gross weight of the trailer is 40% or more that of the towing vehicle. Work with the dealer to know the laws in your area and if brakes are required.

Consider Your Entries

One of the most important parts of the enclosed cargo trailer is how you will load and unload it. In the rear, there is the ramp style door, which comes down and acts as a ramp to help load and unload equipment. There is also the swinging style door, both single and dual. These swing out to the side instead of lowering. Consider what you are planning to load, as well as how much room you will have to open the trailer as you consider this feature.

Think about side entries as well. These allow you to access the interior of the trailer without having to open the back. This particular feature is especially handy if you are in a place that inhibits your ability to open the back.

Where Will You Drop It?

Finally, think about where you will be dropping your trailer and the kind of foot you will need. Will you always be on the pavement? Could you be dropping your trailer on soft ground, such as mud, sand, or even wet grass? If so, you may want to consider a sand foot on the jack.

Take your time to consider what you need from your trailer, and work closely with your dealer. You will find a great option you will love and that will do the job you need for a long time to come.