What Makes A Good Trailer?

Look For This When Buying or Building

There are three general categories of “Good” trailer design:  Strength, Stability, and Versatility.  The parts of this article discuss each of these topics on the following pages as they relate to trailers in general, and to utility trailers in specific.

Generally, a utility trailer is simple — perhaps a flat bed, or flat bed with sides — that rides behind a vehicle and carries all sorts of “stuff”.  Sometimes they will have options like tall sides, a tailgate, built-in ramps, or a top — thus adding Versatility.  That’s important, but first, there are a lot of basics that make the trailer pull well and behave well on the road.

The best trailers carry the required “stuff”, and they have good towing manners, and last for years.  That’s what these pages are about.

It is key to note that not all items discussed on these pages will, or even can, be present in every trailer.  Also, some of the items discussed are not applicable in every application.  This article is not the end-all in trailer design, nor is it super technical.  The intent is to give a better understanding of some of the things that make a difference in the pleasure of ownership, longevity, and usefulness of your trailer.

Main Article Topics:

Follow these links (and in the sidebar menu) to join the conversation on these good trailer design topics.

1. Trailer Strength   –  Factors in determining a sufficiently strong design.
2. Dynamic Stability   –  Why are some trailers stable, while others wander all over the road?
3. How much Versatility?   –  A look at trailer function and some optional features.

After learning about things that make a “Good” trailer, you may also like to read the guide to Choosing The Right Trailer.  For even more, read the many trailer design and building tips at the Mechanics Post.

Fun photo from www.custom-choppers-guide.com

Concluding Thoughts …

Trailer design includes much more than just the cool options you want.  A “Good” trailer includes more than nice looks.  Check out the following pages, then you’ll know a lot more when you go to build or buy your next trailer.

Next Up:  Trailer Strength  –  Factors in a sufficient design.