October 20, 2022 Last updated on June 16, 2023 by Bob Fisher Bob Fisher Utility Trailers
For hauling goods and materials, there’s nothing better than a good trailer to get the job done. Whether you’re looking for trailer solutions for your business or for your own personal projects, landscape trailers and utility trailers are some of the most robust that you can find, being able to haul just about anything from heavy-duty landscaping equipment to ATVs and other vehicles.
Purchasing such an essential tool calls for preparation, because if you get the wrong trailer you might run into problems down the road. Here are four tips for buying the right landscape or utility trailer for you.
First, you have to know what you’ll be using the trailer for in order to look for the right payload capacity. Different trailers are made for different weights, and the spectrum of payload capacities for landscape trailers and other types can range from 2,000 pounds or less on the low end all the way up to 16,000 pounds or more. If you know you won’t ever need to haul more than 7,000 pounds, then, a small to medium trailer may be the right pick for you. You must also know what your hauling vehicle is able to pull, as you won’t be able to exceed its capacity just because you have a trailer with a higher payload capacity.
Before you buy any particular trailer, you need to be sure to inspect it thoroughly. Things to check for on trailers are general wear and tear, the quality of the hitch and other hardware on the trailer, the tire quality (making sure there aren’t any holes or tears), and the function of any and all doors and ramps. It’s also a good idea to get a good look at the trailer from multiple angles to make sure that it sits squarely without any balance issues. And while you should also inspect the appearance of the trailer to some extent, it’s best to put more stock in the overall durability and functionality of the trailer than its aesthetic value.
The hitch setup you have for your trailer is an all-important aspect of maintaining safety and taking care of your equipment. Check the owner’s manual for your vehicle to get to know its towing capability and connections. Make sure the hitch connection on the trailer is solid and intact and that the precautionary chain connections are in place and usable on it. Do your research to be sure that your vehicle can tow the trailer you’re looking to buy.
Finally, determine your budget for your trailer purchase. Having a budget ceiling in place can help you narrow your search down, as there are many different models at varying price points. This is another reason to know what you really need, because you don’t want to overspend on a trailer that exceeds what you are looking for. If your budget is on the lower side, consider looking for a good used utility trailer. There are plenty of used trailers on the market in good to great shape, and you might stumble upon a great deal that will work well for you on the cheap.
Even with these considerations in mind, you might find yourself uncertain of what kind of trailer to choose and how to get it. At Millroad Manufacturing, we craft a wide variety of high-quality trailers fit for any job. If you’re looking for a new or used trailer to get things done, reach out to us and we’ll connect you to the right trailer for you.