There are a few important factors to consider when searching for the right trailer. First, you must decide what items you plan on transporting.
Guide to Picking the Best Trailer Dealer
You will also need to determine the size and weight of the trailer you need. Lastly, finding a trailer dealership that sells the right equipment would be best.
Financing
Choosing a dealer that offers easy financing is essential. Many trailer dealers have a salesperson who also handles finance, and they are often juggling several roles. At most companies, their finance person is an expert in financing only, and they can quickly align your credit application with the lender most likely to approve it for the best interest rate deal.
A loan from a non-profit lending institution like a credit union is ideal for people with poorer credit scores as they have fewer requirements. Sometimes, you can obtain a secured loan by putting up your trailer as collateral.
When purchasing a trailer, it’s important to consider the total cost and interest fees. Setting a maximum spending budget that ensures you can afford the monthly payments is also a good idea.
Size and Weight
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a trailer is its size and weight. You must be sure that the trailer is large enough to carry all your cargo and will not exceed the weight limits set by the manufacturer. You should also check your vehicle’s towing limits to make sure it can pull the trailer.
You can find a trailer’s dry or curb weight at many truck stops and other locations with a scale. To determine the load capacity, subtract the towing vehicle’s weight from the number listed on your vehicle’s placard. You can also ask your trailer dealer for this information. This will help you choose a trailer that is compatible with your vehicle.
Cargo and Weight Capacity
The size and weight of the cargo you’ll be hauling will affect what trailer size and type will work best for your needs. It’s also important to understand the difference between payload and towing capacity.
Generally, towing capacity is determined by subtracting the vehicle’s curb weight (weight without passengers and cargo) from its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or GVWR. This number may vary between manufacturers.
Too heavy cargo strains a truck’s suspension, transmission and engine, which can damage the vehicle. It also creates dangerous road debris and causes injuries to drivers and passengers. Staying within your trailer and truck’s load capacities is crucial. To do so, you can use a scale or find the data plate on your trailer.
Hitch Type
A trailer hitch is essential for hauling your gear, and many options exist. But the one you choose depends on the type of load and vehicle you need to tow it.
First, you need to know your truck or SUV’s towing capacity. This is typically published in the owner’s manual. It refers to the total weight of your vehicle and all its passengers, plus the maximum load it can safely pull.
Next, you need to understand how trailer hitch classes work. Each has a specific weight rating indicating maximum pulling and tongue weight capacities. You’ll find these ratings stamped on the hitch’s surface. A front mount hitch is mounted on the front of your vehicle and is useful for mounting things like a cargo carrier or snow plow.
Braking System
Regarding a trailer, the braking system is one of its most important features. A trailer without its brakes can strain the truck or SUV’s brakes, leading to unnecessary wear and tear and potentially dangerous accidents.
Most states have weight-limit regulations that require a trailer to have its braking system once it surpasses a certain amount of load weight. Brake systems also provide safety benefits when hauling heavy equipment in field conditions or climbing steep hills.
You can also choose between electric or surge brakes for more specialized applications. An electrical system utilizes electromagnets that are controlled by a controller in your cabin. It is best to test your gain setting by accelerating to about 25 mph and then applying the vehicle brakes.