Exploring 7 Varieties of Trailers

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When it comes to road safety and durability, these are paramount. Whether you’re assisting a friend in their move or transporting materials for your business, it's crucial to ensure you have the right equipment for the job. You might not realize it, but a variety of trailers are available to help you achieve your transportation needs. So how do you choose the appropriate one? It essentially boils down to a fundamental question:

• What items are you transporting?

Clearly, a trailer designed for moving appliances might not be ideal for transporting a vehicle. While an enclosed trailer provides security, you may find that larger loads exceed the dimensions of your trailer. After addressing that primary question, we will delve into secondary considerations that can guide your trailer purchase as we discuss in this article.

Once you identify what needs transport and what might need moving in the future, you can evaluate the preferences, features, and costs associated with various trailer types!

There are numerous options available when it comes to hauling items from one location to another. We hope this guide will enhance your understanding of different types of trailers, enabling you to make an informed choice!

Varieties of Trailers: Overview

1. Enclosed Trailers

The enclosed trailer is fully enclosed on all sides, which ensures the safety of your cargo. This enclosure prevents items such as appliances, tools, or furniture from falling out during transport. Available in various sizes, these trailers are well-suited for small to medium loads. They can be customized with additional features, making them an ideal choice for long-distance travel, especially for accommodating items like dirt bikes.

Advantages:

1. Enhanced safety for cargo

2. Durable construction with optional doors

3. Rear ramp for easy loading

4. Available LED light options

5. Variety of colors

6. V-nose option for reduced wind resistance

7. Significant weight capacity

Disadvantages:

1. Limited interior space

2. Higher price point

3. Obstructed views when towing

Cost:

Pricing varies based on size and axles, typically:

• $3,000-$5,000 for small size (6’x12’)
• $6,000-$8,000 for medium size (7’x16’)
• $8,500+ for large size (8’x32’)

2. Utility Trailers

Flatbed utility trailers are some of the most common types you will encounter. They are versatile enough to carry various personal items or larger equipment and are easy to maneuver. The two main categories include:

1. Tube Utility Trailers
2. Angle Utility Trailers

The significant difference is in their construction: angle trailers are suitable for loads under 2,000 lbs, while tube trailers can handle up to 7,000 lbs but at a higher cost. For more assistance on choosing, check out this buying guide!

Advantages:

1. Various gate sizes with assist options

2. Can be towed by some vehicles

3. Spare parts and mount options available

4. Wood or metal flooring options

5. Cost-effective based on size and type

6. Lightweight, offering better fuel efficiency

7. Open design for odd-shaped materials

Disadvantages:

1. Requires user to secure belongings

2. Items exposed to weather conditions

3. Less durability than other styles

Cost:

Prices largely depend on size and load capacity:

• $1,400-$1,900 for a small angle utility trailer
• $1,900-$2,500 for a medium angle utility trailer
• $2,500-$3,100 for a small tube utility trailer
• $3,100-$4,100 for a medium-large tube utility trailer

3. Car Haulers

Car haulers fulfill a straightforward purpose: transporting vehicles. The primary benefit is the independence from towing services, so you can manage transport on your schedule. These trailers are particularly useful for those with larger vehicles that can provide the necessary towing torque, allowing for long-distance transport without worry.

Advantages:

1. Lighting options (box or LED)

2. Braking systems on both axles

3. Variety of jack options

4. Capability to transport multiple vehicles

5. 7,000 lb hauling capacity

6. Freedom from towing companies

Disadvantages:

1. Exposed to weather conditions

2. May not justify the investment if infrequent use

3. Higher cost than tow dollies

Cost:

Similar to previous trailer types, pricing depends on size:

• $3,500-$4,200 for a standard single car hauler
• $4,200-$5,000 for an upgraded single car hauler
• $8,000+ for a double car hauler

4. Equipment Trailers

Heavy equipment trailers, also known as loader toters, are designed for transporting the heaviest loads. They can often handle weight capacities double that of typical trailers and are widely utilized by businesses for hauling construction materials, farm equipment, or inventory.

Advantages:

1. High weight capacity (14,000+ lbs)

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2. Robust and durable structure

3. Foldable or spring ramps for easy access

4. Wooden or metal flooring options

5. Lighting choices, including LED

6. Optional electric brake upgrades available

7. Toolboxes included with most models

Disadvantages:

1. Heavy loads may not be frequent enough to warrant the purchase

2. Higher costs than other types

3. Can be bulky and difficult to maneuver

Cost:

Pricing tends to be more fixed compared to other types:

• $5,200-$6,200 for a regular-sized equipment trailer (81’x18’)
• $6,200-$7,000 for a larger equipment trailer (83’x20’)
• $7,000-$7,800 for an ultra-sized equipment trailer (83’x24’)

5. Tow Dollies

For those seeking a budget-friendly option, car tow dollies present an excellent choice. This design permits a single vehicle to be towed behind while utilizing minimal space, with the front wheels resting on the dolly and the rear wheels rolling behind it, making it cheaper than many other types.

Advantages:

1. Compatible with most front-wheel-drive vehicles

2. No excessive attachments needed

3. Custom paint options for aesthetics

4. Safety chains for added security

5. Optional upgrades for tires and lights

6. Compact size

Disadvantages:

1. Not suitable for rear-wheel-drive vehicles

2. Generally less durable than traditional trailers

3. Vehicle size can affect functionality

Cost:

Prices are primarily influenced by style and additional features:

• $1,100-$1,600 for a standard tow dolly
• $1,600-$2,000 for an upgraded version
• $2,000+ for additional customizations

6. Gooseneck Trailers

Gooseneck flatbed trailers are distinctive for their hitch design, which sits in the bed of a truck. This setup allows for heavier loads compared to utility trailers and is highly favored for transporting substantial cargo.

Advantages:

1. Designed for heavy loads

2. Enhanced stability due to truck attachment

3. Dovetail design for convenient loading

4. Includes toolbox

5. Multiple customization options

6. Significant hauling capacity (7,000 lbs+)

Disadvantages:

1. Costlier than equipment trailers with similar capacity

2. Requires a pickup truck for towing

3. Size can be challenging

Cost:

Gooseneck trailer prices can vary widely based on customization:

• $7,500-$8,500 for 7,000-8,000 lbs
• $8,500-$10,000 for 8,000-9,500 lbs
• $10,000-$12,000 for 9,500-10,500 lbs
• $12,000+ for higher capacities

7. Dump Trailers

Hydraulic dump trailers are known for their ability to offload cargo using a hydraulic lift mechanism. These trailers have a high weight capacity, providing a practical solution for large scale discharges.

Advantages:

1. Impressive weight capacity (14,000+ lbs)

2. Superior braking systems

3. Hydraulic lifting system

4. Robust metal frames

5. Various models to choose from

6. Upgradable light, wheel, and body options

7. Excellent for transporting skids

Disadvantages:

1. Specialized usage scenarios

2. Generally more expensive than others

3. Maintenance for hydraulic systems can require attention

Cost:

• $9,000-$11,000 for an 8-foot dump trailer
• $11,000-$12,500 for a standard 14-foot model
• $12,500+ for trailers over 14 feet

Bonus:

It is also possible for trailers to combine various styles! For instance, consider a dump trailer that also functions as a gooseneck.

Wrapping Up

Navigating the various types of trailers can be daunting without knowing what to keep in mind. It's vital to reflect on the questions we shared earlier before you make a purchase.

1. What are you transporting?
2. How often will you transport this?
3. What matters most in your transport choice (price, safety, speed, durability, etc.)?
4. Do you have the necessary storage space and skills to operate?

If you can answer these questions confidently, then you’re ready to buy a trailer. For more information, Home Stratosphere delves into additional trailer options. If starting out, this inventory list might be a valuable tool for sorting through various types of trailers. We also offer rent-to-own solutions for trailers! Best of luck with your purchase and happy hauling!

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Hydraulic Modular Trailer Specifications.