How To Pick The Right Trailer For Your Needs

Trailers have come a long way since the days of simple four-wheel wagons that were pulled by a horse. Nowadays, a trailer is made from steel with a specific design in order to achieve its purpose. 

In this article, we’re going to look into trailer manufacturing and how to choose the right trailer to meet your requirements…

If You Are Buying A Trailer

Historically a trailer was manufactured with a tongue and front axle system. Present trailer manufacturing has abandoned this method and instead modern trailers are affixed directly to a pivot at the rear of the pulling unit.

What Will Be The Maximum Load Required Of The Trailer?

A trailer gets its strength from the frame. Generally, a lightweight trailer, with the purpose of shifting small tools, is made from angle iron or channel iron. While these are strong components, they do not match the strength of box tubing and I-beams, which resist distortion – and heavy loads require maximum rigidity. 

In some cases, a trailer is constructed from aluminium with the intent of prioritising lightness and rust resistance. However, if strength is the main objective, then steel is the optimal choice. 

It is important to know the load capacity of the tires, axles and suspension system (if any) when purchasing a trailer. Ensure that the trailer that you choose is more than capable of 

What Features Will You Require For Efficient Use?

A lightweight flatbed trailer most often is loaded by hand. If it is to carry a small machine, there needs to be a way to load and unload the machine using either fold up or detachable ramps.

 A larger trailer for heavy equipment-hauling can be equipped with hydraulic mechanisms that lower a deck to ground level. Alternatively, they can come with tippable decks that become ramps. Choose a trailer manufacturing configuration that will best fit your particular project needs. 

Consider Buying An Auctioned Trailer

A trailer is a pretty simple piece of equipment, even the ones with hydraulic functions. They have fewer moving parts than powered pieces of equipment, which results in trailers having a long working life. 

A second-hand trailer is a viable option that should be explored. Because of the long working life, there is a market for used trailers available on dealer lots and at auction. A trailer on the sales block can be thoroughly inspected before the auction day and maintenance records are often available for online auctions. 

An auction can be a good place to source a trailer if you know your requirements for the trailer before entering an auction and taking the time to evaluate its condition. Trailer manufacturing can be costly and choosing a second-hand trailer can save money for a business. 

If You’re Renting/Leasing A Trailer

Occasionally a task requires infrequent use of a trailer of a particular size or feature. In these circumstances, purchasing a trailer can be the opportunity cost of renting or leasing the trailer. 

Know The Specifics Of Your Task

Ask yourself questions before inquiring about renting a trailer: How heavy a machine can the rented trailer handle? How much can the intended power unit pull? Can you shovel the amount of dirt to be loaded, or is the volume sufficient to justify an end-dump trailer solution? Can you fit all your tools into the enclosed trailer? Know your needs.

Make Yourself Aware Of A Leasing Company’s Record Of Service

A good dealership won’t try to rent a trailer that won’t fulfil a customer’s needs. However, renting a trailer isn’t always about getting the cheapest rates possible. How well do you know store management? Do they stand behind their equipment? What is the service reputation of the dealer compared with another? Do they regularly service and check their trailers? Will they show up promptly in the emergency of a breakdown? 

Features and Specs to consider

Aluminium Or Steel?

Aluminium framed trailers are manufactured to be lighter which can be an advantage. This is due to the less strain enforced onto the pulling unit, resulting in lower fuel consumption. Less weight also has a benefit on the braking systems and the undercarriage. A positive about aluminium is that it is rust-resistant compared to a steel-framed trailer. However, trailer manufacturing of steel trailers is welded together tighter, making them more rigid and generally a stronger alternative. In short, steel trailers can carry heavier loads.

Loadability

Enclosed trailers have ramps for machinery loading and convenient doors for hand-loading. Whereas, open trailers offer more complex loading and unloading solutions. Simple ramp extensions are a basic option and sufficient in most cases. However, some flatbeds are hydraulically converted into ramps which are more technical. Some trailers are manufactured to have moving axles that let a deck drop to accept a machine. Others have rear sections that transform into ramps.

Summary 

Trailers are an essential part of any contractor’s projects, without the machinery and other equipment and tools cannot reach the job site. Trailer manufacturing is important because of getting the right specifications you require. Choose a trailer that has the strength and functional components for efficient loading and safe transportation. Purchase a trailer from a leading trailer manufacturer for design and innovation in Australia, or New Zealand. Alternatively, hire a trailer from a trusted company.