How to Choose the Right Cargo Trailer
If you need to haul heavy cargo from one point to the next and find your car or truck way too small for the job, you should consider getting a cargo trailer to safely haul your payload. Whether you’re hauling machines or livestock, you’ll find cargo trailers that are designed to suit your particular purposes. With so much variety on the market, it can get difficult to decide which type of right for you!
Your leading cargo trailer dealer in Schriever, LA, Southern Trailer Works has rounded up some information about selecting the right model below. If you’re looking for cargo trailers for sale near Thibodaux or New Orleans, our sales staff is always ready to help you get the right deal for your needs.
What Are You Hauling?
The first and most important thing to think of when browsing cargo trailers is what do you need from the vehicle. If you’ve got simple cargo that only needs something to securely hold it to the platform, a flatbed will be fine. If you’ve got goods that need to be protected from the elements, you’ll prefer an enclosed trailer.
The type of items or material you’re hauling will also play a part in deciding the size of the cargo trailer. A small open trailer will be good for transporting vehicles like quads and very heavy cargo that’s hard to steal and doesn’t need protection from the elements. Larger trailers suit cars and boats, with ways to secure them so they don’t shift around.
If you’ve got livestock, enclosed trailers can come with stalls as well as space for tack and feed. They will also offer different types of vents. You can get temperature controls for sensitive cargo that needs to be kept cool or warm compared to the outside temperature.
Then there are dump trailers specifically for large payloads of loose material like dirt, gravel or landscaping compost, and there are equipment trailers with shelving and ways to secure farm tools. Determine how you’ll be using your trailer and look for one that provides you with the space and security your cargo needs.
How Far Are You Going?
Another important consideration during the buying process, is how far you’re going to be traveling. If you plan to haul goods within your city or town, don’t look at anything too heavy-duty or any unnecessary features. But if you’re taking cargo across the country, you want a trailer capable of handling the long haul, so you may go with a stronger and more durable option.
If you’re going to be covering long distances and stopping frequently in new places, you will also want to ensure the safety and security of your cargo. This could mean considering upgrades such as lights, stabilizers, spare tires and stronger door latches.
What's Your Budget?
Of course, no purchasing decision should be made without having a budget in mind. Think of how much you can spend on a cargo trailer and still find the right size and features. You’ll have to strike a balance between getting what you want and using your resources wisely.
One way to cut down costs is to look at more compact cargo trailers that offer good fuel economy. Larger trailers aren’t as aerodynamic as small ones and facing drag can further reduce the gas mileage. Buying a used trailer can also save you hundreds of dollars while still ensuring you get a useful trailer in good condition that will serve you for years to come.
You should also consider whether you’ll need to pay for storage for your trailer or if you have a place to keep it already, as a rented storage place will increase your costs. Don’t pay for accessories or options you don’t need, but don’t skimp on quality just to save money, since a trailer breakdown could be costly later on.
We hope this information will make the purchasing process easier for you! For more assistance or if you’re ready to check out cargo trailers for sale in Schriever, LA, contact the sales department at Southern Trailer Works and have a talk with one of our expert staff members! We’re proud to be the leading cargo trailer dealer for Thibodaux and New Orleans!