Essential Features to Look for When Buying a New Trailer

No matter what you are buying a trailer for, you need to ensure that you choose the right one so that it meets your needs and provides you with value for money.

Whether you need it for recreational use, transporting goods, or any other purpose, there is bound to be a trailer that meets your needs as there is a wide variety of trailers available on the market.

Be sure to have a good understanding of the essential features that you need to look for as this will help you make an informed decision, discover more about the essential features here.

Here are the key aspects to consider when buying a new trailer:

1. Trailer Type and Purpose

The first step in selecting a trailer is to look at what you need to use it for and understand which type of trailer will be best suited to the task. Trailers come in various designs and each one is tailored to specific functions.

Here is a list of the different types of trailers and their purposes:

Utility Trailers: Ideal for general-purpose hauling, utility trailers are versatile and can be used to transport anything from gardening tools to homeware items or refuse.
Enclosed Trailers: These trailers are fully covered, meaning that they provide protection from weather and security for your cargo. They are perfect for transporting valuable items or items that need to be kept dry. For example, transporting extra goods to a holiday destination or when moving house.
Travel Trailers: For those that are interested in camping or long road trips, travel trailers offer living accommodations and are available in various sizes and layouts.
Car Haulers: Specifically designed to transport vehicles, car haulers come with ramps and secure tie-down points to ensure safe transportation.

2. Weight Capacity

The trailer’s weight capacity is another critical feature to consider. It determines how much weight the trailer can safely carry. Overloading a trailer can be very dangerous and can lead to trailer instability, tire blowouts, and potential damage to your towing vehicle.

Check for the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the trailer. This is the maximum total weight that the trailer can handle, including its own weight (known as the curb weight) and the weight of the cargo.

To determine what maximum amount of weight the trailer can carry is, subtract the curb weight from the GVWR. This is known as the payload capacity.

Be sure to choose a trailer with a weight capacity that exceeds the total weight of the items you plan to transport to ensure safety and longevity.

3. Size and Dimensions

As with weight, you need to think about what size and dimensions the trailer needs to be to enable it to safely and securely hold all of the items you wish to transport. However, take note that a trailer’s size will have as significant impact on its maneuverability and storage when not in use so be realistic.

First, you’ll want to ensure the trailer is long and wide enough to accommodate your cargo. For example, if you’re transporting a car, the trailer should be wide enough to fit the vehicle and provide room for securing it properly.

If you are looking at an enclosed trailer, consider the interior height. If you’re planning to stand inside or transport tall items, make sure the trailer offers adequate headroom.

4. Towing Vehicle Compatibility

Your towing vehicle’s capacity plays a significant role in determining the appropriate trailer. The vehicle must be able to tow the trailer safely without straining the engine or compromising handling. Having a trailer that is too heavy for your car or unable to hitch correctly is a safety hazard.

Be sure to check your vehicle’s towing capacity in the owner’s manual or from the manufacturer before you buy or rent a trailer. The trailer’s GVWR should not exceed this capacity.

You then need to check whether your vehicle’s hitch is compatible with the trailer. Different trailers require different types of hitches, such as ball hitches or gooseneck hitches.

5. Construction Quality and Materials

You get what you pay for. If you are buying a trailer, get one that will last you a long time, protect your cargo and ensure that it is safe to haul.

Here are three important things to look at when:

Frame Material: Typically trailers are made from steel or aluminum. Steel frames are strong and durable, but they can rust over time if not properly maintained. Aluminum is lightweight and resistant to rust, making it ideal for trailers used in wet or coastal environments. Be sure to factor your environment and climate into your decision.
Flooring: Consider the flooring material inside the trailer. Plywood and treated lumber are common choices for utility and enclosed trailers as they provide a sturdy surface for heavy loads. In travel trailers, you will want to look for durable flooring materials that can withstand wear and tear.
Exterior Finish: For enclosed trailers, the exterior finish should be resistant to the elements. Powder-coated finishes and anodized aluminum are popular choices for their durability and low maintenance.

6. Braking System

A reliable braking system plays an incredibly important part in ensuring that a trailer is safely stowed, especially when carrying heavy loads.

There are two main types of trailer brakes:

Electric Brakes: These are the most common type and probably your best bet. Here, the tailer’s brakes are activated by a controller in the towing vehicle. They offer excellent stopping power and are adjustable to suit different load weights.
Surge Brakes: These brakes are activated by the trailer’s momentum. As the towing vehicle slows down, the trailer pushes against a hydraulic cylinder, which applies the brakes. Surge brakes are self-contained and require less maintenance, but they can be less responsive than electric brakes.