Choosing the right Utility Trailer for you




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... A Few Things to Consider

There is a lot to consider . . .
. . . when choosing a trailer -- especially a utility trailer. There are so many choices and options available. So many ways to customize them.
This guide is intended to help navigate the possibilities. Use these questions and thoughts to make a list of requirements for things you think are important. Then use the list to choose the right trailer for you.
You may also want to read our feature on "What makes a good trailer design."

First Step: Discover the need:

Obviously the trailer must first meet the need -- how will it be used? It's not enough to say "I need a trailer to haul building supplies."
Is that bricks? ... 10 Penny nails? ...
... Or 2 x 6 x 20's?
The truth is, if your situation is like most, the trailer will also be used for a lot of other things like moving furniture, hauling leaves, rocks and other equipment.
Think through your needs and all the possibilities (like your friends needs, your wife's needs, and your wife's friends needs - Yes, I've been there). Knowing how the trailer will be used can guide your decisions to the best trailer for you.

Consider the following questions about how the trailer will be used:

How big should it be?

Width: 4'? 5'? 6'? 8'?
(What are the legal limitations in your state or province?)

Length: 8'? 10'? 20'?
(Where will it be stored?)

What load capacity is required? 1000#? 2000#? 3500#? 6000#? More?

Is the bed height a factor?
(How will you be getting things on and off?)

Does it need sides?

Does it need a top?

Does it need ramps?

Step 2: Towing:

Is Your Trailer Hitch This Good?
A friend sent me this picture, I don't know where it came from.
Click on the image to see the full picture.
The second factor to consider is how the trailer will be towed.
- Is the trailer to be a truck replacement?
- Will it be towed by the family car?
- Maybe a mini-van? Or an SUV?
- Is the trailer to augment the capacity of your truck?
- Or haul specific equipment?
These questions are a good guide for trailer size. Each vehicle has a towing capacity. Check the owners manual to see that your needs can be met with the vehicle you have in mind.
The trailer must meet the needs, but it must also be sized for the vehicle that will pull it. If your vehicle does not have a receiver (ball to hitch the trailer to) make sure you can mount one. There are lots of places that specialize in hitches. www.etrailer.com or www.reese-hitches.com are good places to start.
Here are some more questions to think about with respect to towing:

What vehicle(s) will tow the trailer?

What is the towing capacity of the tow vehicle(s)?

Can a trailer hitch be mounted to the vehicle?

What is the height of the hitch point?

Will the trailer need brakes? Hydraulic? Electric?

Step 3: Storage:

A consideration which is often overlooked -- Where will the trailer be stored? The answers to these questions will help determine your needs for trailer finish and shelter. They may also impact your decisions on trailer size.

A trailer stored out under a tree.

Will the trailer be stored in a garage?

If in a garage, will it be tipped on it's side or end to make room for a car?

Will it be stored outside?

If outside, what shelter from the wind, moisture and sun are available?

How much space is available for storage?

Is the access convenient and easy? Or will it make the trailer difficult to use?

Whether you choose to build a trailer, or purchase something new, the investment is well worth protecting. On the other hand, if you can scrounge a cheap trailer to fill your need, shelter or protection may not be worth much.

Step 4: To Build, or to Buy?

This is a classic question, and the answer is: That depends.
From all the information above, you should have a pretty good idea of what you need. Next, find out if you can accomplish that with a purchased trailer. If not, consider building one.
In my mind, there are only a few good reasons to build your own trailer:

Do you want something special in the construction?

Do you want to add options or other customization?

Do you want a cool project to be really proud of?

It is not usually cheaper to build one yourself -- that is for something standard. Factories have economies of scale for purchasing raw materials and components. They have jigs to build them quickly and efficiently. However, if you need something special, or want something custom, it can be nearly impossible or very expensive to have a fab shop build it for you. So, if you have the skills, build it yourself to save money and get just what you want. It can be a fun project and you'll have something to be proud.

Now that you have a good idea of the requirements your new trailer -- and how you might acquire it -- it's time to examine What Makes a Good Trailer Design and our list of Trailer Towing Tips.