Trailers probably don’t top many bucket lists. Let’s be honest: most people don’t fall in love at first sight. But you don’t know how useful they are until you’re up to your ankles in moving boxes and looking at your neighbor’s trailer with jealousy. Picking out a utility trailer is a bit like picking out a truck. You want something that is strong, dependable, and doesn’t cost too much. Shop trusted and durable solutions today with the best Utility trailer sales in town!
Begin with the bed. Open mesh? Solid bottom? There is a ramp gate or not? Most people don’t realize how important each detail is. If you have to load a riding mower over a soap-slick mesh fence with rain clouds above, it will really test your optimism. What you want to haul—soil, firewood, lawn equipment, or that kayak you bought during quarantine and now wish you hadn’t—will affect your choice of ramps and gates.
Weight is important. If you have too much, you’ll be burning gas and fighting every climb. Not enough, and good luck moving a cord of wood without pushing your trailer axles to their limits (and your patience). GVWR numbers aren’t simply random letters on a spec sheet; they’re your closest friend on the road. If you don’t pay attention to them, you could end up like my cousin Mike, stuck outside Peoria with a broken leaf spring, a kitchen hutch, and an irate call from his wife.
Axles. Some people swear by single, while others swear by tandem. Single-axle trailers are easy to turn and save you money. Tandem axles provide you more confidence when carrying heavy goods for a long time and help you feel safe. Have you ever gone over a pothole that was the size of a birthday cake? Tandem axles can handle it. One? You’ll feel every pebble, that’s for sure.
Brakes. Do you need them? Laws in different states are different, however most people would rather be comfortable than follow the law. Brakes are worth every penny if you anticipate you’ll be close to the limit. Imagine an abrupt stop behind a school bus. That’s not a good time for improv.
Let’s talk about hitches. Not everything goes together. After dinner with the family, there’s nothing like trying to juggle three different ball sizes at night while groaning, holding a flashlight between your teeth, and cursing quietly. Choose the hitch that works with your tow vehicle and stick with it. You’ll be glad you did it after the first time you successfully hitch up in less than three minutes.
It’s not a crime to use trailers that have already been used. A few dings and rust spots on the outside might be badges of honor. But make sure the tires, lights, floors, and, most importantly, the frame are all in good shape. If you don’t know how to use a new model, spending too much money on it can be a waste of money.
Don’t neglect the boring stuff at the dealership or on Craigslist, such wiring, spare tire mounting, and tie-down points. Sellers like to speak about glossy fenders, but a broken taillight or a missing VIN plate can ruin your day faster than you think.
The price can be the largest problem in the parking lot. It’s easy to cut corners, but what if you save a dollar and then have to eat ramen after your trailer breaks down a week later? That’s a hard lunch. Not everything that costs less is better. It’s acceptable to spend a little extra money on stress-free hauling sometimes.
The truth is that no one talks about how they bought a utility trailer during gatherings. But when spring cleaning comes around, you’ll be the best neighbor ever. That small trailer in your driveway could end up being the star of the show, and you? You’ll be in charge, sitting pretty, and in charge of the Saturday morning haul.