Whether it’s for private or business purposes, purchasing a trailer can be a great investment. They are relatively easy to use, relatively affordable and a great way to transport materials from one place to another.
However, everyone will have unique hauling needs, and thus, you’re required to figure out how to buy the right type of utility trailer that meets your needs. To help you out, we’ve rounded up a pile of questions that you need to ask yourself before buying one.
Different types of trailers
- Box Trailers: As the name implies, they come like a box that can store items. Whether you’re using it for private or business purposes, it can be used for transporting various materials like garden materials or rubbish.
- Camper Trailers: This is generally used by people who have wanderlust, people who are fond of adventures and trekking. It provides means for people to have their own living space during a vacation without having to worry about finding a hotel to stay in.
- Enclosed Trailers: Shaped like a giant box, this is well-suited for both domestic and trade use. You can even customise them based on your requirements. You can make them suitable for camping, furniture removal and so on.
- Off-road Trailers: Over the years, they are becoming increasingly popular due to their versatility and durability. It is available in various sizes and colors. The best thing is, it’s way more affordable than the rest of the trailers.
Questions to ask before buying a trailer
How much weight do I want to tow and what will it be used for?
The very first consideration is to determine how much weight you want to tow on average. To avoid unnecessary damage, check the payload. Payload means what and how much you can store in the trailer. For instance, if it is for gardening work that needs you to transport a few materials, then it’s best to get a conventional shape trailer. On the other hand, if you want to store tools and equipment, then a more square shape would be suitable.Do you want a powder-coated or a painted one?
After determining what it will be used for, you must decide between having it powder coated or painted. The former treatment can preserve the trailer’s life for a longer period and is often used in rural areas or in environments where corrosion and rusting can occur quickly. On the other hand, the latter one is usually used for marketing purposes.Should you get a new or a second-hand trailer?
This is a question people wrestle with before buying a trailer. The main intention behind purchasing a used trailer is simply to save money. However, you need to make sure that they should have correct information like aggregate trailer mass and have the trailer on a separate licensing plate. If you don’t follow the proper procedures, then you can fall in trouble with your state’s regulators.Should I buy, lease or hire a trailer?
The answer depends upon two main factors: What you want to do with it and how often you’re likely to use it. If your business requires a customised trailer for transportation or promotion purposes, then we would suggest buying a new one. If you need it for a few hours or a couple of days, then hiring would be your best bet. Lastly, if you’ve multiple jobs to do and need to customise the trailer, then opt for leasing.What about insurance for my trailer?
When you choose to buy a new trailer, then getting insurance for it should be relatively easy. On the other hand, second-hand trailers would be slightly harder to insure and will need more documentation. Generally, insurance covers damages due to accidental collisions and natural events like bushfires, storms, floods and so on. Additionally, if you buy box trailers and install a cage with them, then the insurance premium can be significantly less. However, be sure to check in with the insurance company for more information.What are the safety regulations that I need to meet?
While owning and driving a trailer, there are some set of rules that you need to follow. For example, while you’re driving, you need to maintain a speed limit over a certain weight in Australia. In all states, the limit is 80 kph, while restrictions on weight can vary. Additionally, the components like lighting and wiring need to meet the state standards.
Buying a trailer can be intimidating; however, with the right information, you can make an informed decision. So, ask yourself the questions above before getting into the buying process.
Also read 8 Essential Trailer Safety Checks
