Trailer Type FAQs
Whether you're buying a trailer for personal use or purchasing for a large company, there are many factors to weigh before making your purchase. An utility trailer may be the perfect fit for some, others may have completely different requirements.
Before you buy a trailer, consider the following questions:
- What is the size and weight of the load you need to carry?
- What will the trailer be used for?
- What is the maximum weight your vehicle can tow?
Types of Trailers
Gooseneck Trailer
Utility Trailer
Dump Trailer
Equipment Trailer
Car/Racing Trailer
Flatbed Trailer
Cargo Trailer
Tank Trailer
Landscape Trailer
Livestock Trailer
Trailer Axles
There are two main axle options when choosing a trailer - axle and tandem axle. A single axle trailer has two wheels while a tandem has four. Deciding between an axle type comes down to weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each against what you need in a trailer.
Single Axle - 2 Wheel
There are many advantages to a Single Axle Trailer:
- They Cost Less
- They are Lighter
- They are Easier to Maneuver
- They are Easier to Park
The disadvantages are
- They have payload limitations
- Their tires experience more wear and tear due to the weight being distributed on two tires
Tandem Axle - 4 Wheels
The advantages of a Tandem Axle Trailer are:
- They are more stable at highway speeds
- They are less prone to sway
- They have a better return on investment
- They do not require a jack to change a tire changing tire easier
- They have a larger payload capacity
The disadvantages are
- They are heavier and cost more
- They require level towing
Pull Type
Choosing between a Bumper Pull Trailer and a Gooseneck Trailer comes down to what your vehicle's towing capacity and your towing needs. If you have an SUV and need to tow something on the lighter side, then a bumper pull trailer may be the better choice. These trailers are typically smaller and much lighter, which leads to being less expensive. However, if you need a larger payload capacity, then you'll want to consider a gooseneck trailer.
Gooseneck Trailer
Gooseneck trailers are more commonly owned by experienced livestock trailer owners. Gooseneck trailers are larger than bumper pulls and require a special hitching system, installed in the bed of a pickup truck.
Bumper Pull Trailer
Bumper Pull is the most common type of hitch. The name can be a little confusing as the trailer doesn’t actually connect to the tow vehicle’s bumper. In reality, the trailer’s tongue fits over a ball hitch that juts out from the vehicle’s frame at the rear of the vehicle.
Trailer Condition - Should I Buy New or Used?
When deciding between purchasing a new or used trailer, there are a handful of factors to consider.
What are the potential Repair Costs?
Like with any product that has prior use, there will be differing levels of wear and tear. Depending on the circumstance, a used trailer may require repairs sooner than a new trailer.
What's the Cost?
Often a used trailer will be half or even less of the sticker price of a new trailer.
What is the Long-Term Practicality?
While the upfront cost of a new trailer is higher, you could go years without needing any major repairs or replacements. This may not be the case for a used trailer. The initial difference may be several thousands of dollars between a new and used trailer. However, after a few years, that difference could easily even out with the repair or replacements costs of a used trailer.
