What To Look For in a New Trailer

When you’re in the market for a new trailer, it’s important to know what you’re looking for.  You will likely have this trailer for years to come, so you want to make sure it meets your every want and need. The following is a reference guide of what to look for when buying a new trailer:

Frame

One of the most important considerations when buying a new trailer is the frame. The type of frame makes a difference in the overall integrity of the trailer. The three main shapes of steel used in the construction of a frame are Box Tubing, Channel Iron, and Angle Iron. Box Tubing is the best choice for a trailer frame, because it resists flexing and twisting better than any other frame material. It is also the most expensive. Angle Iron is the cheapest choice but will be quick to fatigue and crack due to flexing. Channel Iron is somewhere between Box Tubing and Angle Iron, so to save on money you could get a frame construction with a combination of Box Tubing and Channel Iron frame. We recommend skipping the Angle Iron frame altogether, because the upfront cost savings does not outweigh the lesser integrity of the frame.

Tires

It’s important to keep in mind that a trailer’s towing rating is different than the tire capacity. Make sure that the wheels and tires are rated at a combined capacity that is equal to or greater than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) - the maximum permissible weight of the vehicle or trailer when fully loaded for travel - of the trailer.

Tongue Length

Tongue length matters when it comes to stability. The longer the tongue, the easier time you’ll have maneuvering the trailer - including easier backing.

Tail Lights

When looking at new trailers, check out the tail lights. Ideally you’ll want LED tail lights, which are far superior to incandescent. LED tail lights are twice as bright while using half the power, are maintenance free, and generally will last the life of the trailer.

Warranty

New trailers usually come with a warranty from the manufacturer. Make sure when purchasing a new trailer that you get a written warranty.

If you are in the market for a new trailer, whether it be cargo, utility, flat deck or hauler, come to Terry’s Auto Body & Trailer Sales! We sell PJ Trailers and American Hauler trailers, as well as sell trailer parts and offer trailer services and repair. Contact us today!

Winter Driving Tips in Iowa

Every year, the first snow reveals the craziest of drivers, as if they don’t remember the previous winter! With avoidance and a few simple tips, you and YOUR car will survive the snow. Prepare yourself and your vehicle, for good measure, and your overall safety. During the winter, the risk factor of getting in an accident increases on the roads. Inexperienced drivers will soon learn what it’s like to drive in icy conditions. Anticipate that you will have bad weather by preparing and properly equipping your car.

Preparing Your Vehicle

• Keep a windshield scraper in your car to clear ice and snow off your windshield
• Evaluate your car's battery and ignition systems to make sure they are clean, along with identifying the + and - battery terminals
• Wiper, defroster, windshield washer fluid, lights, and hazard lights should all be double checked. You don’t want to be caught in a blizzard without hazard lights.
• Change the oil to a winter grade oil
• Check the exhaust system, heater, and breaks
• Make sure your tires are sufficient. You might want to consider purchasing snow tires if your car doesn’t drive the best in snowy and icy conditions

Winter Driving Tips

If there is a storm and you have to drive somewhere, make sure you have at least half a tank of gas. Double check the weather conditions and listen to the radio in case of severe weather warnings. It’s best to travel in the daylight, because it’s easier to see, especially if there is a heavy snow fall. All in all, you can prevent being in an accident based off of your actions and how you anticipate other drivers. Drive slow and don’t take turns too quickly or with aggression. Driving defensively and slowly, without rapid movement will prepare you for other driver’s mistakes.

Tips

• Remove snow and ice from windows, headlights, and taillights
• Bridges tend to freeze quicker and are more dangerous to drive on, proceed with caution
• Drive slow and with gentle movements, especially on black ice
• Don’t drive too closely behind other cars
• Start braking earlier, quick stops will cause your car to slip and skid

Terry’s Auto Body and Trailer Sales wants to help you prepare and be safe for the winter! If you need any updates on your trailer for winter, we will accommodate to your needs. Our trained automotive technicians can guarantee 100% satisfaction. For more information, visit our website at www.ricevilletrailers.com or give us a call at 641-985-2536!

What to Consider When Transporting Your Classic Vehicle

Fall is the perfect time of year to squeeze in a few more weekend getaways before the harsh, frigid conditions of winter arrive. But planning a mini-vacation doesn’t necessarily mean you have to leave everything you love behind. That includes your most prized possession: your classic vehicle.

It’s something that you are proud to own, and it shouldn’t be wasting away in your garage, even when you do go on vacation. While there’s no reason why you shouldn’t take your car with you, you do have to know that it is being transported to your final destination securely. Here are a few ways you can make sure your vehicle is properly transported on your upcoming get-away.

Decide the Best Type of Trailer for Transport

When it comes to transporting your classic vehicle, there can be a wrong choice. This is a decision that will greatly impact the condition of your car upon arriving to your destination. That’s why it’s so important that when it comes to trailers, one size does not fit all.

You’ll need to decide if your classic car is going to be carried in an open trailer or a closed one. While an open trailer transport might be the more budget-friendly option, the risk of damage on the open road is greater. On top of that, open trailers may not be properly equipped with a winch for non-running vehicles. That’s why, unless you are planning on having your car specially restored, we recommend investing in a closed trailer.

Properly Prepare for the Trip Ahead

Any well-organized trip centers around one very important element—a complete to-do list. When it comes to planning a vacation that involves transporting your classic vehicle, you must be especially prepared.

Every time you plan on using a trailer to transport your car, take a few minutes to carefully check the lights, brakes, wiring, and tires for wear and pressure on your trailer. It’s also recommended that you examine the hitch, chains, the breakaway wire, and the tightness of the lug nuts before departure. Once you are confident that those elements are secure, you are all set for your journey!

Don’t just Focus on the Dollar Sign

You may decide it is best to hire a professional service to transport your car. How you choose to transport your beloved classic vehicle should never be based solely on price. In fact, if a carrier service offers you an exceptionally low deal, that may indicate that that their service is poor or at the very least, unreliable.

Obviously, find out as much about a potential carrying service as you can before hiring them—we recommend you visit the Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website to look up a company’s insurance status and safety record. But no matter what professional carrier you decide to go with,  factor the cost out of your decision as much as possible. Keep in mind that most reputable carriers have similar cost structures.

Terry’s Auto Body and Trailer Sales cares just as much about your classic vehicle as you do. We would be proud to help you transport your beloved car as safely and conveniently as possible with our wide array of trailer options. Call us today at 641-985-2536 or visit us in person off of Hwy 9 in Riceville.

Driving During Deer Season? Learn How to Stay Safe

The change in landscape during the fall season is famous for its vibrant colors and incredible scenery.  While you are driving and enjoying the beautiful fall foliage, keep in mind that it is prime deer season. Educate yourself so that you stay safe on the road.

Knowing where deer live will help you know when to be more alert. At times, deer may wander into suburban neighborhoods. They are most frequently found on the outskirts of towns and in heavily wooded areas. They also will be seen near farms that grow fruits and vegetables.

DEER FACTS

• Deer are herd animals and travel together.
• During the fall harvest season, deer will be searching for food and not watching for vehicles.
• It is mating season, bucks will be chasing does across roadways.
• Hunters will be clearing deer out of the woods.
• They are most active at dawn & dusk.
• They are mesmerized by lights.
• They are unpredictable, especially when frightened.
  
  

DRIVER SAFETY

• Always wear your seatbelt.

• Look for Deer Crossing signs.
• Slow down if  you are driving through an area known for high deer populations.
• Use your high beams when there is no oncoming traffic.
• If you see one frozen on the road, slow down and flash your lights.
• One long blast of the horn will scare deer out of the road.
• When you notice a deer, tap on the brakes and slow down to alert drivers behind you that you are slowing down.
• If you do strike a deer, don’t approach it. Stay in your vehicle and call 911.

DID YOU KNOW?

• 60% of fatal animal crashes occurred when the driver was not wearing a seatbelt.
• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large animal-vehicle collisions resulted in an average of 187 fatalities in recent years.
• Deer whistles that you can mount to your car have not been proven to work.

Accidents can still happen, even though you know about deer and what to look for. If you need body work please call Terry's Auto Body and Trailer Sales at 641-985-2536 or visit us at  413 E Main St in Riceville.

Sources:

www.afgroup.com

www.schaeferinsurance.com

www.geico.com

Inspecting Your Trailer Before a Road Trip: What to Look For

The last thing you want on your scenic road trip to your vacation destination is car problems. A flat tire, mechanical issues or even a burnt out light bulb can mean hours or even days of lost vacation time. Like all vehicles, It’s important to check up on your car’s maintenance and the preventive care you could be doing before a road trip.

1. First things first, check your tires for splitting, flation, and dry rot. And of course, use your own judgement if your tires will be able to make the trip or not.

2. If your trailer has brakes, get a brake inspection beforehand so your trailer can stop safely.You don’t want a locked wheel bearing!

3. Along with your car lights, make sure your trailer’s lights are working. No lights could wind up in a costly ticket!

4.  Whatever vehicle you choose to tow your trailer, make sure it has enough strength and power. The ball on the hitch needs to be the right size. In case your ball hitch fails, double check that chains are able to catch to the trailer. Packing your trailer could change that, but it’s also important to remember equal weight distribution when comes to packing.

In the end, it’s a whole lot of double checking, but it's necessary when it comes to having a stress free road trip!

Since 1986, Terry’s Auto Body & Trailer Sales has been servicing vehicles and trailers across northeast Iowa and southeastern Minnesota. We offer a variety of trailers and parts for all of your auto needs! With our wide trailer part selection and repair experts, we can get your trailer into tip top condition before your road trip!

Located off Highway 9 in Riceville, we are proud to offer trailers and parts from name brands including PJ Trailers, American Hauler, RoadRunner Manufacturing and Zimmerman Trailers. Stop into Terry’s Auto Body & Trailer Sales and choose from our selection of dump trailers, utility trailers, tilt trailers, car haulers, cargo trailers, snowmobile trailers, car trailers, and truck beds. Our shop also services a range of trailer needs including brake repair, wiring, wheel replacement, axle replacement and much more. With a large selection of trailer parts, we can supply you with brakes, lights, seals, trailer plugs, tarp kits, tires and batteries to keep your trailer up-to-date. If you’re ready to improve your trailer or vehicle, contact the professionals at Terry’s Auto Body & Trailer Sales! For more information, visit www.ricevilletrailers.com or call 641-985-2536.

What to Know About Towing a Trailer

Trailers come in handy for moving, heavy-work jobs, and leisure activities that require towing a boat, recreational gear, ATVs, bikes, or even a second vehicle. Towing a trailer takes practice, but luckily, part of it boils down to simple mathematical calculations and a few basic safety steps. While some aspects of towing may take trial and error to master, such as backing up and making a turn, others such as finding the right weight and hitch for your vehicle, as well as placing and securing the load strategically, will help avoid some of the most common problems on the road.  

Finding the Right Weight and Hitch 

Your vehicle’s towing capacity can be found in the owner’s manual. You will need to identify two different weight specifications for your vehicle:

• GTW (gross trailer weight): how much trailer weight your vehicle can tow, including the weight of the trailer’s contents when loaded.
• Tongue weight: the amount of stability provided in the hitch, which determines the class of hitch to be installed on the vehicle, as well as where the center of gravity in your trailer will lie. Swaying trailers result from insufficient tongue weight.   

After you position and secure your load will be the best time to check your trailer’s weight using the nearest truck scale or gravel lot. 

Positioning and Securing Load

Distribute the load evenly throughout the trailer so that it stays balanced, with a stable center of gravity. Fasten every object down, using tarps, bungee cords, and ties. Don’t forget moveable items like drawers. Even if you don’t think it will move, in all likelihood, it can, whether due to shifts in weight, wind, or stops. If an object flies from the trailer and causes damage to another vehicle, you can be held responsible.

Brake Light and Tire Checks

Check your trailer’s brake lights and tires before you drive, and whenever you make stops. An underinflated trailer tire quickly builds up too much heat. Turn on your vehicle’s emergency flashers and walk to the back of the trailer to make sure the brake lights are working.

Maneuvering in Traffic

Making turns, parking, changing lanes, and backing up all become more challenging with the extra weight and length of the trailer in tow. Practicing in an empty parking lot before towing the trailer in traffic can help you handle the vehicle better the first time on the road. Stay calm if you make too narrow of a turn, and have a passenger who can get out and spot you during backups and tight turns. For more trailer driving tips, visit here. 

Conveniently located on E. Main St/Highway 9, Terry's Autobody has been selling and servicing vehicles and trailers since 1986 in Riceville, Iowa. Please visit our site or call (641) 985-2536 to learn more about us! 

What Trailer Suits You Best?

If we learned anything from everyone’s favorite fairy tale, Cinderella, it’s that one shoe doesn’t always fit all! If a prince himself had to travel to every house in the kingdom, and have every girl try on a glass slipper, why should you be any different in your search for the perfect trailer? 

We at Terry’s Auto Body and Trailer know firsthand that one trailer does not fit all—every person who comes through our doors has different tastes, different needs, and specific requests for their ideal trailer. And we do everything we can to help them find the one that fits them just right. Now that’s a happily ever after!

In order to understand what trailer can work best for you, it’s crucial to understand what kinds of trailers are on the market today. Here are some of the most popular types of trailers we see here at Terry’s Auto Body and Trailer Sales and what they can do for you.

Short Roll-Off Trailers

People love this type of trailer because it is cost effective and easy to maneuver. For those in the market for a trailer, this would be a good option if you need to fit a trailer in a tight space; it allows you to carry more weight than a truck while still having great mobility.

Long Trailers

Consider a long trailer if you need to maximize payload and space is not an issue. According to Waste Advantage Magazine, these trailers can typically carry containers up to 38’ long! Not only that, but Waste Advantage Magazine also states that payloads can be more than 40,000 pounds with these types of trailers, oftentimes even operating at the 80,000 GVW maximum legal limit.

Oversize Trailers

For oversize containers or those where a lower center of gravity is required, we highly recommend you consider an oversize trailer. These can be anywhere in length from 32’ to 45’. Another advantage is that these trailers are lower to the ground than standard trailers or trucks. This allows haulers like you to carry taller containers that would be illegal on standard, smaller units.

Pup Trailers

Need to carry to containers at a time? Not a problem with a pup trailer! Pup trailers, when connected to a standard roll-off truck, allows one container to be carried on the truck, and another to be carried on the trailer.

Terry’s Auto Body and Trailer Sales wants to get you into the trailer that perfectly suits your unique wants and needs. Call us today at 641-985-2536 to discuss your ideal trailer—we’d be happy to guide you towards the trailer you’ve always envisioned! You can also stop in and visit us in person off of Highway 9 in Riceville, Iowa.

Keep Your Engine Cool in the Summer Heat

Summers can get pretty hot here in Iowa, and the last thing you want is to be that guy or girl parked on the side of the road, steam pouring out from under your vehicle’s hood, helplessly waiting for things to cool off so you can get back to your day. This is one situation where an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure, so we’ve compiled a list of tips for you to use to avoid an overheated car this summer.

 

1 - Check Your Coolant - Engine overheating is often caused by something completely avoidable - running out of antifreeze.  Make a point of checking your levels often, but especially as the outdoor temperatures start to climb. If you can’t remember when you last replaced your coolant, now is a good time to do just that. A great practice is to have your coolant checked when you get your oil changed. This is definitely a job for a trained mechanic, as most states have strict rules for disposal of used radiator fluid. 

 

2 - Check Your Drive Belt - The drive belt performs many functions, including driving the water pump for your alternator. If the belt breaks, your water pump stops functioning, your coolant stops circulating, and your vehicle will likely overheat within a matter of minutes. Next time you’re at your service station, have the technician check your drive belt for signs of wear and tear, including tears, nicks, or cracking. Catching and replacing a deteriorating belt before it fails will help keep your engine from overheating and leaving you stranded roadside. 

 

3 - Check Your Radiator - Dirt, leaves, and road debris can build up in front of your radiator, blocking air and increasing the chances of overheating. Your radiator cap, whose job it is to keep the pressure regulated, can crack or loosen, leading to possible overheating. Be sure to only check the radiator cap when the car is cool, never when the engine has been running. 

 

4 - What To Do If Your Vehicle Does Overheat - If, despite your best efforts, your vehicle overheats on the road, it’s important to pull over as soon as it is safe to do so, as driving an overheated engine can lead to very expensive repairs. Turn your engine off, open the hood, and allow the engine to cool off. Never try to take the radiator cap off while it is hot, as the sudden release of pressure and hot fluid can lead to some very nasty burns. 

 

Have fun on the road this summer! For more summer driving tips see the great information that AAA offers. If your trailers needs any servicing Terry’s Auto Body & Trailer Sales is here to help! Give is a call at 641-985-2536 and follow us on Facebook.

Protect Your Vehicle From Salt Damage This Spring

Each year, the Iowa Department of Transportation uses approximately 200,000 tons of rock salt to keep our highways clear of snow and ice. While some consider this to be necessary for our safety in winter driving conditions, all this rock salt is incredibly corrosive and can cause a lot of unsightly and expensive damage to your vehicle. One particularly frightening element of this damage is that the majority of it occurs where you can’t even see it - on your vehicle’s undercarriage. Left unattended, road salt can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your car or truck, but there is an easy fix that many owners overlook.

Hazards of Road Salt

The biggest threat posed to your vehicle by all this rock salt is rust. Your tires kick up salt and slush from the road, which creates rust spots on your vehicle. On an older vehicle, salt will cause further corrosion to the already rusted spots, especially on the undercarriage of your car or truck. Prolonged exposure to salt can cause damage to the car's exhaust and muffler systems, coil springs and even the frame and subframe of the car. And unfortunately, by the time many vehicle owners notice the damage, they may already have an expensive repair situation on their hands. 

Wash Your Car!

So, aside from keeping your car in the garage all winter, what is an Iowa driver to do?  Even though your car won’t stay nice and clean looking for long, it’s important to have your car washed at least a few times each winter. Make sure that you use a tunnel wash that includes undercarriage washing, as some regular car washes won’t have the water pressure necessary to get at the most at-risk spots. Even though these car washes may be a little more pricey than some others, making that $12 or $15 investment a few times over the course of the winter is a heck of a lot better than spending thousands repairing a rust-damaged vehicle. And, even though some states and municipalities use a brine mixture as a de-icer, it’s still a smart idea to give your vehicle a good washing, top to bottom, above and underneath, once winter is over. 

Here at Terry’s Auto Body & Trailer Sales, we see a lot of salt damage that could have been prevented. This spring, make a stop at your local car wash and prevent rust and salt damage before it can take a toll on your vehicle!

Decoding Your Dashboard

With vehicle computer systems rapidly evolving, if you’ve driven a newer vehicle lately, chances are there were unfamiliar icons and maybe even warning lights to decipher. The last thing you want is to be confronted with a strange dashboard alert just as you’re enjoying the open road with your trailer this summer. Taking a few moments to learn the various dashboard icons and their degree of urgency can help put your mind at ease on the road.

Color coding

The basic rule of thumb is that a red dashboard light means a critical warning. If possible, you should pull over before proceeding with your trip to resolve the issue. Orange or yellow icons can generally wait until your next planned stop before addressing.

Towing icons

Some vehicles are equipped with trailer indicators that appear when the vehicle is towing. These include:

• Trailer turn signals: when you connect your trailer’s signal lights to your vehicle, the dashboard may light up with an outlined trailer icon when you first start the ignition, and when you use your turn signals.
• Tow mode: If your vehicle has a “tow mode” option, it will switch to a shifting and driving method that is more efficient for heavy loads, and this light will indicate it’s on.

General system symbols

• When stability control is off, you’ll see an illuminated vehicle icon with skid marks behind it. You can drive normally with this alert on, but turning traction and balance may not be optimal.  
• When the vehicle’s system detects a change in tire pressure or a flat tire, a U-shaped icon with an exclamation point will come on. For those unacquainted with this icon, it often causes confusion, most likely because the image doesn’t resemble a tire. Seasonal temperature changes can affect tire pressure and cause this light to come on.
• Your grade and terrain assist icon, a green SUV depicted on a hill or rocky surface, will come on when your 4-wheel drive vehicle is registering throttle and braking control on hills and slippery terrain.

For a full list of icons and their meanings, click here.

Since 1986, Terry's Autobody has been selling and servicing vehicles and trailers in Riceville, Iowa. Conveniently located on E. Main St/Highway 9, Terry’s sells PJ Trailers, American Hauler, Zimmerman truck beds, and trailer parts, as well as services all your trailer repair needs. Please visit our site or call (641) 985-2536 to learn more!

What You Should Know About Height Clearance for Trucks & Trailers

Trucks, trailers, and commercial vehicles are essential to our economy, providing goods and services to billions of Americans every day. But “under blunders,” or low clearance accidents are still prevalent within the trucking community. Many truck and trailer drivers, after seeing the clearance measurements, still think their vehicle can fit underneath.  In order to maintain safety of all drivers and for this system to function efficiently, it is important that drivers observe the signs, rules, and regulations.

1. Knowing the Height of Your Truck

Sounds pretty simple, right? But these accidents are still happening. It’s important to know the height of the entire truck or trailer. Also, if traveling outside of the U.S., knowing the height in metric is key to a safe journey. To help American truckers who are traveling in Canada, and Canadian truckers who are traveling in the USA, a "Truck Height Feet to Meters Conversion Table" has been created. To get access to the printable PDF document, enter your name and email address in the form on this website.

2. Don’t Rely on GPS Alone

We have all had a problem with GPS at some point. Unfortunately, the GPS we use to navigate our way isn’t standardized for commercial truck and trailer use. Height regulations are rarely made apparent and could be a major cause of trucking accidents. This article by Fox News addresses this exact problem. FMCSA's information systems do not have crash statistics associated with the use of electronic navigation systems. However, even one truck or bus striking an overpass is one too many.

3. Pay Attention For Low Clearance Signs & Stay Alert for Temporary Ones

If your truck or trailer measures 13’6” in height and the clearance is 12’9”, simple math will tell you that you will not fit underneath. Knowing the height of your truck is the first step, but actually paying attention to the signs and understanding their significance, is another.

4. Unsure If You Will Fit?

Don’t try! Remember that you are a professional and are transporting something of value. Not to mention, you don’t want to put other drivers and passengers in harm’s way. It is always better to stop than risk having an accident.

Truck or trailer roof damage is more common than one might expect and can happen at the front or back. It is important that you take safety precautions and pay attentions to the road signs, especially those posted in regards to height clearance.

Learn more about trucks and trailers by visiting Terry’s Auto Body & Trailer Sales website or calling 641-985-2536.