Buy a Trailer
You might find yourself thinking you need to buy a trailer, especially if you constantly haul things from one place to another. When you think about it, if you've been renting trailers, you have the tow vehicle already set up, so it makes sense to buy one. You will be surprised at how often the need for a trailer arises.
Steps
- Check out expert advice on the type you need.
- Trailer rental stores can be a good source for getting advice on purchasing a trailer. And, when you're ready to make a purchase, many will take an existing trailer out of their lineup and sell it to you. These used trailers can often be had at significant discounts.
- Seek out other retail suppliers for advice, such as the large DIY or home improvement stores that carry a selection of trailers at a variety of prices.
- Look at your surroundings. Do you live in a rural community or know someone who does? If you do, then you know that trailers are a necessary tool in these areas.
- Trailers are used for a variety of purposes and some people may own more than one type of trailer.
- People may often have a trailer custom made to fit their needs.
- Find that source of custom trailers. Buying a custom-made trailer may be your best option rather than trying to make a standard trailer fit your needs.
- Think about your past rentals. Choose a trailer that best fits your needs. Did you use a small enclosed trailer for hauling that rocking chair to Grandma's? Did you rent an open-bed trailer to move a garden tractor or motorcycle.
- Buy the trailer once you find one that fits all of your needs.
Tips
- Customized trailer manufacturers can be found on the Internet and in specialized publications. The benefit of a customized trailer is not just size, but also color and accessories such as custom built tool boxes, wheel spares and ramps.
- Make sure that your vehicle has a tow package as a part of its equipment. Tow packages will include heavier suspension components, lower gearing and larger engine and transmission cooling capacities. All of this is necessary if you are planning on frequent use.
- When deciding on a trailer, don't just make the decision based on what is cheapest. That is the quickest way to regret the purchase. Rather, choose one based on the largest size that fits your needs and that your tow vehicle can handle (based on tongue weight and tow capacity).
- Consider your tow vehicle when you begin to think about buying that trailer. You may have rented that large dual axle enclosed trailer and pulled it behind your compact car for a short haul. However, if you plan on using the trailer more extensively, then you need to think about the hauling capacity of your vehicle.
