What to Consider When You Buy a Utility Trailer
Utility Trailer Buying Guide
Once you’ve made the decision to buy a utility trailer, you come to a long list of questions and considerations regarding your purchase. You expect your new utility trailer to last for years to come. Sometimes the trailer may need to carry many different cargo types and tow in many different environments. Your cargo and your tow vehicle are the two biggest considerations when you plan to buy a utility trailer. M&G is here to help make your decision easier.
Utility trailers are known mainly for their versatility. These open trailers are made in hundreds of different shapes and sizes. Though this makes it possible to find the perfect trailer, it also creates an overwhelming number of choices. Whether you plan to use your trailer for work, play, or both, the team at M&G will help you choose the perfect trailer. We have new and used utility trailers for sale at our Minnesota trailer dealership.
Consider Your Cargo
This is a good first concern for any trailer purchase. Your usual cargo’s weight, dimensions and type will quickly help you begin to narrow down your trailer choices. Though they’re known for their versatility, it’s a good idea to let your cargo expectations help you make decisions when you buy a utility trailer.
The first consideration here is the type of cargo you expect to haul. If you need the trailer to tow your ATV on weekend trips, you’ll need to know the size and weight of that ATV. Similarly, if you have a load of landscaping equipment for your business, you will want a trailer that can fit everything you need.
Next, you’ll need to consider the weight of your cargo. If you expect your new trailer to haul heavy lawn equipment, for example, you’ll want to find a trailer with a high payload capacity. On the other hand, if you need to carry a light load around town, you’ll probably be okay with a small single axle trailer. No matter what, you should always overestimate your average cargo weight when you buy a utility trailer.
The last cargo consideration is the cargo’s dimensions. Of course, your load needs to fit inside the walls of the trailer. The first step is to find out the dimensions of any machinery you plan to haul, like the dimensions of your lawn mower, snowmobile or ATV. Once you know that, you have a good idea of the trailer size you’re aiming for. If you plan to add a few extra items to the trailer, add a few more inches to your expected trailer size.
Your Vehicle’s Tow Rating
The final item to check is the capacity of your tow vehicle. It’s essential that you know your truck’s limits before you buy a utility trailer. A quick online search will tell you your tow vehicle’s GVWR, tow capacity, GAWR and payload capacity. You need to ensure that the combined weight of your trailer and your cargo don’t exceed your vehicle’s limitations.
An overweight trailer is extremely dangerous as it’s difficult to control on the road. Add an overextended vehicle’s axle will add another level of peril on top of that. You run the risk of wrecking everything from the chassis to the engine by putting all that extra stress on your vehicle.
Interested in an enclosed trailer or a snowmobile trailer? Check out our other buying guides!
Snowmobile Trailer Buying Guide
Visit our Anoka, Minnesota, trailer dealership when you’re ready to buy a utility trailer. We keep anywhere from 100 to 200 new and used utility trailers for sale on our lot! You can browse all the best brands on our online inventory. If you don’t know where to start, just stop in and let our experienced sales staff help you make a decision. We’ll get you hitched up to the perfect utility trailer.
In Need of a New Trailer?
Check out our full trailer inventory online today! We have tons of trailers in any model you need. Shop dump, enclosed, snowmobile, utility, fuel tank trailers, truck beds and more at M&G Trailers! Contact us online or stop by our Minnesota trailer dealership when you’re ready to make a purchase.