Seven Tips That Will Help You Choose the Right Equipment Trailer
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 rating). 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.
- 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. Appalachian Trailers sells direct to customers.
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
6. 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. 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).
7. Compare “Apples to Apples” - Make sure to compare the following:
- Suspension - Slipper spring is better than double eye.
- Tires - Radial tires are better
- Decking - treated hardwoods are better
- Hitch - I personally recommend an adjustable couple. Fixed couplers can be troublesome.
- GVWR - Make sure the rating is what you need.
Options are similar
- Jacks - Drop Foot better than top wind
- Fenders - 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.