Trailers can help you carry heavy industrial cargo as well as light equipment. If you are planning to buy or hire a trailer, you should know your requirements well.
Are you wondering how to buy a trailer as a beginner? Do not worry, we have a quick trailer buying guide that will give you the right direction.
Choosing the right trailer can get tricky, especially if you have multiple options with similar features. In such cases, you should clearly define your purpose and seek professional help.
If you are still making searches like “the best trailer hire near me” or “buy a trailer near me,” here are the steps you can follow while choosing the right trailer:
Understand Your Requirements
The process starts when you define your requirements. Do you need a trailer for commercial purposes? How often will you use the trailer? What will your trailer carry? How big is your towing vehicle?
Ask such questions and narrow down your requirements. This is important for buying the right trailer.
This is also the stage where you should decide whether you want to buy or rent a trailer. It is best to buy a trailer if you want to customise it. You should also buy it if you will use it regularly. If you do not have the budget to spend a lot upfront, you can always hire a suitable trailer. Hiring a trailer is also advisable if you need different trailers for different purposes.
Explore Available Trailer Options
Once you finalise your requirements, you can look for the right trailer options. Buying the right trailer involves exploring different trailers and choosing the one that best suits your needs. Local trailer professionals will help you how to choose a trailer based on available options.
Here are some of the most common trailers and their uses:
- Box Trailers: These general-purpose trailers are used to carry appliances, furniture, garden waste, and other lighter loads.
- Cage Trailers: Cage trailers can carry lighter and heavier loads while protecting them. You can use them to carry camping gear, garden waste, cartons, and much more.
- Tandem Trailers: These double-axle trailers can carry heavy equipment. They are commonly used in industries like construction, agriculture, automotive, and more.
- Tipper Trailers: A tipper trailer is commonly used to carry and easily unload sand, gravel, coal, and similar materials.
- Flat-top Trailers: These open trailers can carry vehicles, heavy machinery, and equipment over longer distances.
- Car/Bike Trailers: As the name suggests, these trailers are designed to carry one or more cars or bikes as per your requirements.
Consult local trailer experts before buying the right trailer. They will recommend trailers that best suit your requirements.
Finalise Size And Capacity
Always choose a trailer that is big enough to carry your cargo. It should also have the capacity to transport the load easily. You will need to consider three key terms while determining your trailer’s capacity: aggregate trailer mass (ATM), tare weight, and payload.
ATM refers to the maximum legal weight of your trailer when loaded fully. It includes the weight of your trailer and its cargo. Tare weight is the weight of an empty trailer. When you deduct your trailer’s tare weight from its ATM, you get its payload. This is the maximum weight of the cargo your trailer can carry legally.
Work with experienced trailer experts to determine your trailer’s size and capacity. If you are buying a trailer, use size-related details to customise it. Your trailer’s size and capacity will determine your registration and license needs.
Understand Your Towing Vehicle’s Capacity
Along with the trailer, its towing vehicle’s capacity also matters while choosing the right trailer. Buy a trailer that can be easily towed by your vehicle. Your trailer’s ATM should never exceed its towing vehicle’s weight.
The braking system you use also depends on your trailer’s size and capacity. In Australia, you can buy trailers with an ATM under 750 kg with unbraked towing capacity. Trailers exceeding 750 kg will need braking systems depending on their specific size and capacity.
Determine Additional Components
Especially if you are buying a trailer, you can customise it using additional components. Local trailer experts will help you choose, build, and fit these components according to your requirements.
Here are some of the most popular components trailer buyers choose while customising their trailers:
- Lockable toolboxes
- LED lighting kits
- Electric or hydraulic braking systems
- Spare wheels
- Mounts
- Ramps and tailgates
- Cages
- Side extensions
- Racks
- Power systems
Choose the components that suit your trailer and increase its overall functionality. Always focus on smooth and convenient transportation.
Registration, Compliance, And Legalities
Trailers with a tare weight of more than 200 kg require registration. While a trusted trailer professional will help you with registration, you should know the basics before buying a trailer.
You will also need to comply with the national and local road laws to ensure seamless transportation with your trailer. Here are the most important aspects you should focus on:
- Trailer registration with a plate and sticker
- Reflectors, indicators, and lights
- A suitable braking system (if the ATM exceeds 750 kg)
- Safety chains
- Safe coupling
- Compliance plate (showing tare weight and ATM)
If you are hiring a trailer, check all these aspects before closing your deal.
Conclusion
If you keep the basic and systematic process in mind, choosing the right trailer won’t be difficult. Just ensure that your requirements are clear and you analyse all available options before finalising the best one. Always consult local trailer experts to guide you throughout your journey. If you want to buy a trailer, customise it according to your requirements. If you are renting it, ensure that it complies with all applicable laws and regulations.
Ultimately, choose a trailer that makes your work easier and serves its purpose in the best way possible.
