
What is Your Budget?
As we mentioned above, another major factor in the decision-making process is your budget. While trailers can certainly get expensive, you’ll also find plenty in your price range. Decide what you want to spend as you look for your ideal trailer.
Do You Have the Storage Capacity for this Trailer?
Many people don’t think about the fact that they have to store the trailer when they’re not using it. Depending on the size trailer you get, you’re going to need to have the space to dedicate to storing it. Consider where you’re going to store your trailer and if that space is large enough. If you don’t have the room, you may want to consider a smaller trailer.
What Type of Braking Power Do You Want?
Some trailers have electronic braking systems that can detect when you are putting pressure on the brake pedal. This signals the brakes to engage and helps to reduce the wear and tear on your vehicle. You want to check the braking power on any trailer you are considering, especially if you are transporting liquids because your trailer will need to brake quickly and safely when necessary.
What Will the Trailer be Used For?
The answer to this question lets the salesperson know which type of trailer to look at first: car hauler, equipment, or landscape. Most trailers are designed for a specific job, and while some may seem multi-purpose, this is not always the case. Some trailers are designed for heavy equipment, or lawn care equipment, while others are best suited for furniture, multiple vehicles, and more.
What Can be Loaded Onto a Car Trailer?
If you’re looking for a car trailer, certain types of equipment should not be loaded onto a car trailer. Some vehicles may also be too long to fit on an equipment trailer. This is due to the ramp system each trailer has. A heavy skid loader may bend the slide-in ramps used on a car hauler, while the equipment-style stand-up ramps will not allow a long vehicle to extend past the back of the equipment trailer.
What Type of Towing Vehicle Do You Have?
When choosing your trailer, you should keep in mind the type of tow vehicle you have (i.e. standard pickup truck, an SUV, etc.) or intend to rent. It is important to choose a trailer that is compatible with your tow vehicle.
As a general rule of thumb, most full-size ½ ton pickup trucks are capable of pulling a one-car trailer. Most ¾ ton pickups can pull two cars. A 1 ½ ton truck is typically able to tow a full load on our five-car double-deck trailer. As mentioned above, the Max six-car trailer typically required a Class 8 or a tandem full-size road tractor.
Above all, selecting a trailer that fits your towing capacity ensures you and your load will make it to your destination safely.