Equipment trailers have many uses, and often landscapers or contractors use them to make it easier to get equipment to a job location. If you are considering an equipment trailer for your business, there are some things you need to think about before you make your choice.
Trailer Size
One of the first things you need to consider when shopping for a new equipment trailer is trailer size. If you are carrying something large, you may need specific dimensions. Additionally, if the equipment needs fuel or other accessories to work, you may need to leave room for tanks or racks on the trailer.
Often landscapers or law services will add custom mounts to secure their equipment on the trailer, and if you are planning something similar, be sure to account for the extra space you will need. Equipment trailers are available in many size variations. However, when they get too big, you may run into concerns about department of transportation (DOT) regulations or requirements for the trailer, the vehicle towing it, and the driver operating the truck.
Weight Capacity
Prioritizing the weight capacity of the trailer is essential if you need to put large equipment on it. Many equipment trailer dealers offer sizes with varying weight capacities, so talk to the dealer about your needs. Adding additional axles to the trailer will increase the weight capacity and make it more stable to tow.
Buying an equipment trailer with a gooseneck trailer hitch that requires a 5th wheel to tow it often increases the weight capacity of the trailer, but it can also make the trailer more expensive to register and insure. You may also find an equipment trailer that large requires a more powerful truck than you currently drive.
Trailer Maintenance
Once you find the right trailer for your business, you need to consider the maintenance to keep it in good working order. An equipment trailer needs to have good tires on it, the wheel bearings need regular greasing, and you may need to repaint it every year to keep it looking great and rust-free.
An aluminum equipment trailer typically requires lease maintenance because they do not need painting and the material is naturally corrosion resistant. However, you will still need to deal with tires, brakes, wheel bearings, and lighting the same as a steel trailer.
In addition, an aluminum trailer is lighter and nearly as strong as its steel counterparts, so sometimes changing to this option is enough to increase your load capacity and remain under the weight limit for the trailer. For more information about equipment trailers, contact a supplier.
