What You Need to Know Before Buying a Trailer

If you’re buying a trailer for the first time, you want to make sure you end up with something safe, efficient and affordable. With so many different options on the market and custom trailer companies competing for your business, it can be difficult to figure out exactly what it is you need.

Whether you’re buying a trailer for your business or for personal use, they can offer a spacious, private and economical solution to your problems. In this article, we will discuss what you need to know before buying a trailer so you can make the best decision possible for your needs.

What type of trailer do you need?

The type and size of the trailer that you need will depend on what you’ll be using it for. There are plenty of different options on the market, such as plant trailers, box trailers, camper trailers and more.

If you plan on moving furniture or equipment that needs to be kept safe, perhaps you’ll need a cage trailer. On the other hand, if you need something that can easily dump disposables, garden materials or rubble then you should opt for a tipper trailer. You should also consider the load capacity that you’ll need, as there’s no use purchasing something that can’t support the weight of whatever it is you need to transport.

Is it compatible with your car?

Every vehicle has a towing capacity, so you’ll need to make sure that the trailer you purchase does not exceed the limits of your vehicle. You should be able to find this information online or from your vehicle handbook.

Using a trailer that exceeds your car’s towing capacity is illegal and can result in serious accidents, posing a risk to yourself and those around you on the road.

How does the braking system work?

To safely tow your trailer, you need to ensure that its braking system is up to par. Depending on the weight of the load you’re transporting, it may not even need to have brakes. Trailers with a gross trailer mass (GTM) of less than 750 kilograms do not need brakes, however, if the GTM is between 750 and 2000 kilograms then at least one axle will need to be fitted with brakes.

If the GTM is over 2000 kilograms, the trailer must have an electric brake system that operates on all wheels and can be activated if it becomes detached from your vehicle.

What are the characteristics of a high-quality trailer?

Even after asking yourself all of the above, you’ll still have an overwhelming amount of options that seemingly meet your needs. Luckily, there are certain features to look for that can help you differentiate between the good and the bad. This includes:

• LED lighting: Trailers fitted with LED lights will last longer, and are more resistant to rough terrain and shocks
• Brand new tyres: Many manufacturers will try and sell you trailers with second-hand tyres that will quickly fall apart. Always make sure the tyres you’re getting are brand new.
• Customisation: The best trailer suppliers will offer completely customisable options, giving you control over its features and specifications