| What to Look for When Buying a Trailer Find Your Tow Capacity Research the maximum towing capacity of your vehicle. This data is inside the driver's door or in the owner's Manual. Calculate Load Calculate the maximum load that will be hauled and check the unloaded weight of any trailer you are considering. This should be stamped on the trailer. The unloaded weight plus maximum load is the total weight that you will tow. If that load surpasses your vehicle's maximum towing capacity, you need to either adjust your plans or get a larger vehicle. Open or Enclosed Trailers The next step in choosing a trailer is figuring out whether you will need an open or enclosed trailer. Open utility trailers: Pros: A) Well suited for many applications including small landscaping businesses that are just starting out and need a way to haul their landscape equipment B) Weight. Open utility trailers tend to be lighter and provide less aerodynamic drag than enclosed trailers. C) Price. Open utility trailers tend to be less expensive. Cons: A) They do not provide the protection from the outside environment that an enclosed trailer will. B) They are less secure then enclosed trailers. Enclosed utility trailers: Pros: A) Enclosed trailers also offer an added measure of security because the trailer functions as a portable, lockable storage building. B) Enclosed trailers also offer protection from the elements. Cons: A) Weight. Enclosed utility trailers tend to be heavier and cause more aerodynamic drag. B) Price. Enclosed utility trailers tend to be more expensive.
C) Storage. Enclosed trailers have limited storage because of the walls and ceiling. Single or Tandem Axle Once you've decided on either an open utility trailer or an enclosed cargo trailer, you'll need to decide whether the trailer should have a single axle, dual axle or possibly even three to four axles. Single axle: Single trailers have just one load bearing axle. They come with and without brakes, but if you plan on hauling more than 3000 lbs., tandem axles and trailer brakes are a good idea. Tandem axle: Dual axle trailers use two load bearing axles and usually feature either leaf springs or independent torsion bar suspensions. Anything heavier than 3000 lbs. should be hauled on a dual axle. Brakes are recommended for dual axle trailers and may be required depending upon where you live. Hitch Tag-along trailers: A) Bumper hitch: A ball is installed directly to the bumper. Most of the time trucks come with these standard. Most cars do not use bumper hitches. Only a tiny trailer can connect solely to a bumper. B) Most tag-alongs require a hitch that mounts to the vehicle frame. This is the best way to pull a tag-along and the only way most cars can pull a trailer. Fifth-wheel or Gooseneck: Larger trailers use a fifth-wheel or gooseneck mount that can be used only with a pickup truck that has a permanent hitch mount installed. These trailers ride more smoothly than tag-alongs. Design and Construction One of the most important aspects to buying a trailer is the design and construction. The thickness of the metal goes a long way in determining how strong the trailer is. Are the corners square? Does the company building your trailer take the time to guarantee the trailer is square. This will affect how the trailer will ride, which in turn will affect safety and tire wear. Are the welds strong? Does the company create cookie cutter trailers or do they make each trailer one at a time to ensure quality control. Spending a few dollars more up front for a custom trailer will go a long way later. Informed Buying The most important aspect of buying a trailer is to be an informed buyer. Ask lots of questions. Any reputable dealer will be glad to answer your questions and in fact, should ask you a lot of questions regarding your intended cargo load. Ask Contact the warranty. Does the manufacturer stand behind its work? TIP: For times when you need to be able to carry more, its cheaper to buy a trailer than buying a larger vehicle and lose fuel economy. | 
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