A First Time Buyer's Guide: Cargo Trailers

We see them everywhere, the multi-purpose cargo trailers that seem to serve every need under the sun. But what makes one cargo trailer better suited to your needs than another? What are some of the differences you want to look for; what size, materials, flooring, axle and door configuration etc makes a perfect match? Snowmobile, motorcycle, lawnmowers, tools & lumber, furniture moving, would all have different options.


A few of the available types of cargo trailers

While not the largest purchase you will make, incorrect choices will not make life easier, which is what a trailer should do, serve you. First things to consider are size, shape and enclosure. You want a trailer large enough to not only allow for the things you plan to haul, but a little growing room. Sizes range from 5'X8' to 8.5'X30' with the most popular sizes being 7'X17', 6'X15' and 7'X29'. There are many accessories that can be added to trailers to allow for more functionality and storage options. Shelving units, work spaces, specialized storage for those odds and ends. How nice it would be to store your helmets, snow mobile suits in the same place as the snow mobiles, saving you precious cargo room in your vehicle. Trailers also come in many different shapes and enclosures including v-nose, flat, in enclosed or open styles. The V-nose trailer style is more aero dynamic, saving fuel while also having less drift than the flat-nose trailers. You will want to examine your needs to determine which style will work best for you.


Interior options allow for complete customization to meet your unique needs


Regarding trailers and materials, no statement rings truer that not all trailers are created equal. If you plan on keeping your trailer for the long "haul", you will want a light-weight but durable material, and there isn't much better than aluminum. And don't just consider the outer shell…take into consideration the inner structure. Legend makes their trailers with all aluminum perimeter frame, tube wall standards and floor cross-members, virtually resistant to corrosion and other problems that steel can have (did we mention the weight of steel?). There are many ways to attach the outer walls and roof to a trailer, rivets, screws (and screw-less skin), single piece roofs, etc. There are advantages in all of the above. A screw-less skin will not corrode at the screw head while having a smooth surface that is easy to wash and apply graphics. A one piece roof will have a more solid barrier against the rain and elements with no seams to leak. Unless hauling air is the goal, an Advantech floor is not only durable but adds a bit of flexibility along with ease of cleaning.


Quality structure means a quality end product


The heart of your trailer will be the axles. They make moving heavy loads possible and the more axles there are, the heavier the loads. A couple of axle options are the torsion and spring axles. The torsion axles will make a big difference in handling and sway and preferable to spring axles. Another area you want to go over and above your original hauling needs to leave room for the extras. To determine how much GVW you want, determine the total weight of what you plan to haul and add GVW.


Axles determine the amount of weight you can haul and the stability of the load


"Monte, I'll take what's behind door #3". Endless possibilities exist in door configuration and options. Not only can you have doors that allow different types of access, including ramp style drive up doors, you can put them in front, back or the side. Add to that some single-width doors; you should never have a problem getting to what you need, when you need it. You may also add windows and screens, which will add to the look and comfort of your trailer.


Door placement and type give you quick access


You will not want to forget a good warranty. Look for a minimum of a 3-year warranty, but for more confidence in the product, look for a 5-15-25 year warranty.
To put finishing touches on your trailer, Kelly, our lead graphics designer at Large Car can help you design anything from a simple "I need my business name on the side" to "I want to show that hot muscle car sitting inside" and bring your imagination to life. Lettering to full wraps will definitely complete the look of your new trailer. Large Car Trailers is committed to providing the best trailers, accessories and graphics in Northern Illinois.
In my quest to find the perfect trailer, I have learned much and decided to put some of that experience and knowledge to use. Large Car Trailers is product of that experience. We don't do trailers on a grand scale, we keep it personal. We want to share that knowledge & experience to help our friends and future friends find that perfect trailer.

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