Choosing the Best Trailer for Your Needs

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Farmhands, landscapers, agricultural, small business owners, and consumers at large often find business or life can be improved if they purchase a trailer. The next step is researching different types of trailers, consumers are finding they are overwhelmed at the array of choices.

One way to narrow down the trailer process decision is to start thinking about how you will use the trailer. Do you own a landscape business and know that you’ll be hauling a lot of brush?  Is this a trailer that you think you’ll be bringing to job sites and then closing safely? With you be hauling other vehicles, like an ATM?

Are you thinking you may want to lock up your trailer and not have to think about it or worry about theft, weather damage or another hazard? if that is the case then you’ll need an enclosed trailer which is different from an open application trailer.    

Before choosing a trailer, give some time and thought to how you will use different types of trailers available on the market.

Open Application Trailer:  Sometimes you just need an open application trailer, for hauling things like landscape brush, or perhaps supplies like bags of seed corn or potting soil. If this is the case, you are likely looking for an open trailer. There is a lot of flexibility in it, for example, you can buy optional side wall kits for hauling things like trees and branches, and ramps for loading the ATV.  

Enclosed Trailer:  Enclosed Trailers are widely used for purposes that can range from car haulers, bike trailers, to farm equipment trailers, utility trailers, motorcycle trailers, and more.  Many consumers appreciate enclosed trailers because they provide protection of the cargo, outfitted with track, rings, tie-down, shelving or floor to accommodate any time a cargo that needs hauling.

Special Considerations with an Enclosed Trailer:  Consider how far you will be traveling.  If you are only going a few miles or across town, an enclosed trailer with the standard features will suffice.  However, if you are traveling far, with something special (like a collector item or vintage car) you will want to purchase upgrades, enhancing the safety of the trailer.  Consider a mounted spare tire, stabilizers and tie-downs, and LED tail lights.

Finally, think about weight.  Be mindful of the weight of the trailer and the towing capacity of your vehicle. If you're hauling more than 3,000 pounds, the trailer you purchase should have its own braking system.

Contact Terry's Auto Body & Trailer Sales for all your trailer needs, repairs, and maintenance. Avoid disaster and keep your family safe while driving. Call 641-985-2536 or visit our website.

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Sources:

http://www.livingthecountrylife.com/machinery/choosing-utility-trailer/

Hauling Multiple Motorcycles: Finding The Right Trailer Option For You

Whether you’re hauling multiple motorcycles cross-country or just across town, using the right trailer ensures your precious cargo will arrive safely. So when looking for a trailer, consider the following factors.

Trailer Size

Trailer size depends on how many motorcycles you will be towing. It might be tempting to load as many bikes that will physically fit on a trailer, but there needs to be plenty of space left to securely strap them down. If there isn’t enough room for you to reach a strap, you will need a bigger trailer.

Loading motorcycles too close together could result in damage if they sway on the trailer. Luckily, there are a variety of trailer sizes and styles to choose from.

Trailer Styles

Dedicated motorcycle trailers are a great choice because they’re designed specifically to safely carry your bikes. They come in one, two, and three place configurations, and are easy to load. The drawbacks are that your motorcycles are exposed to the elements and the trailer isn’t useful for towing other equipment.

If you’re looking for versatility, check out a utility trailer. These come in a wide range of sizes and can be outfitted with E-Track for extra assurance that your bike is strapped down securely. Larger utility trailers are a great choice for hauling multiple motorcycles, three-wheel motorcycles, or motorcycles with sidecars. Utility trailers can also be used for other things besides hauling motorcycles, but they’re still open-air.

For the ultimate in security, an enclosed cargo trailer is the best way to transport your motorcycles. Like utility trailers, enclosed trailers come in a range of sizes to fit your needs, but have the added benefits of keeping your motorcycles covered from the weather and prying eyes. If you’re towing your bikes a long distance, enclosed trailers are your best option.

Weight

To avoid damaging your tow vehicle, you’ll also have to keep the trailer’s weight in mind. The lightest option is a motorcycle trailer, which is perfect for towing behind a car or smaller SUV. Utility trailer weight depends on size, so don’t go too large unless you’ve got a big enough truck. Enclosed trailers are the most aerodynamic option, but also the heaviest so make sure your vehicle can handle the weight.

Ultimately, the best way to haul multiple motorcycles depends on the number of bikes you’re transporting, the style you prefer, and the towing capacity of your vehicle. Regardless of which choice you make, Terry’s Autobody and Trailer Sales has the perfect trailer for you. Search our brand selection at ricevilletrailers.com or call 641-985-2536 to speak with our helpful staff.