If you have ever moved homes, you must know how difficult it is to transport bulky and heavy objects. While you can move your daily things in your car, you will need a trailer truck to move furniture. Industries also use them to move heavy objects, such as cars. Due to their importance, you can expect to see a wide variety of trailers on the road. A 2018 estimate puts around 1.3 million units of trailers being produced by 2024 worldwide.
With so many trailers on the road, choosing which one you should use can take time. Here we introduce you to types and help you choose the trailer for your needs.
Trailer vs. Truck
Trailers and trucks are often used interchangeably in our vernacular, but they refer to different things. A truck is an engine-powered vehicle that a trucker drives. It is a cargo space that another vehicle, such as a truck, pulls. It is not engine-powered and cannot run by itself. Depending upon the task, you can attach and detach different trailers to a truck. This complex of a detachable trailer and its truck is called a trailer truck. Some trucks have permanently attached to them and are referred to as lorries.
Factors That Affect Your Choice of Trailer
The trailer you will need depends upon the task you need it for. Here are some factors you should consider before hiring a trailer.
1. Objects to be Transported
The most crucial factor you should consider before getting a trailer is what you are transporting. You need a different trailer to transport cars than to transport livestock. You can transport most vehicles through an enclosed car trailer. An enclosed car trailer can haul around eight cars simultaneously, offering complete protection. It is surrounded from all sides, so your car wouldn’t get damaged or dirty. You wouldn’t use this for livestock, as they could suffocate in a closed space. Instead, you can use a pen system with pens for your animals to have a comfortable journey. Roof vents in a pen system ensure oxygen transfer. A pen system is also insulated, so the animals feel safe and cozy.
2. Size and Cost
The total weight of your transportable items will also determine which trailer you should use. Ensure you do not overload and exceed its maximum capacity, as it can cause accidents. Using it’s too large for your cargo will not be cost-effective. For example, a flatbed trailer can transport cars like an enclosed trailer. However, they can transport different numbers of vehicles; four for flatbed and eight for enclosed car trailers. It is far cheaper than an enclosed car trailer but does not have the same protection. If you are low on budget, consider getting a flatbed trailer instead of an enclosed one.
3. Towing Vehicle
The trailer you choose also depends upon the truck you use. Some trucks can tow large trailers, while others can only tow smaller vehicles. Consider what your vehicle’s towing capacity is and get it accordingly. If you try to attach that exceeds your truck’s towing capacity, you can damage your vehicle and increase the chances of a road accident. It is safer to keep your truck’s towing capacity in mind. If unsure about your vehicle’s towing capacity, ask your dealer, check it online, or consider your owner’s manual.
Types of Trailer
Depending upon your need, you can find several types of trailers. Get them from a reputable source, such as those from pennertrailersales.com. Some of these include:
1. Enclosed Trailers
Enclosed trailers are completely covered from all sides, which makes transporting cargo in them very safe. This type can protect your belongings from getting damaged on the journey or from the weather effects. They come in different sizes, and you can choose it according to the objects you need to transport. While they are an excellent option for transporting things safely, they come with a hefty price tag. They are expensive and typically start at around $4000.
2. Utility Trailers
Utility trailers are types that have an open-air design. Just like enclosed trailers, they come in different dimensions, and you can choose it according to your cargo. They are standard but do not offer complete protection against weather due to their open-air design. However, they are considerably cheaper than enclosed trailers. A typical costs around $2,000, about half what an enclosed costs.
3. Equipment Trailers
Consider an equipment trailer if you are a construction worker and must transport heavy materials. They are designed specifically for heavy equipment and are considerably larger than other ones. While they are similar to a car hauler, they have a heavier frame with running gear to ensure the safe transportation of bulky equipment. A car hauler is just like equipment specialized for towing cars over long distances. Car haulers vary in size according to the transporting vehicle.
4. Gooseneck Trailers
Gooseneck trailers derive their name from the long neck you attach to the back of the towing vehicle. They can carry larger loads and are stable on the road. They require a specialized hitching system installed in the truck’s bed, which increases the driver’s control of the vehicle. This stability makes it easier for the driver to maneuver the truck on the road when it is attached.
5. Dump Trailers
Dump trailers are a great option when you are hauling construction material. They have a hydraulic system that allows the smooth unloading of cargo. You can use them to transport construction materials like cement or sand or just dump waste in a landfill. Some of they have slide-in ramps, making it convenient to load and unload materials. You can find many dump trucks with different hydraulic modifications. You can use them to transfer heavy loads and for landscaping projects.
Endnote
Moving bulky material across a long distance is challenging. You can use them to move your cargo over a long distance with ease. However, you should choose them according to your needs. Get a cost-effective option in the dimensions you need according to your cargo. You can get different kinds of trailers, from enclosed to utility trailers, equipment, gooseneck or dump trailers. Ensure you get them from a reputable dealer.
