| ng for the right trailer for your needs can be tough, but | | | | good equipment trailer factory-direct resource is some |
| following these simple tips will help assure that your | | | | claim to be factory-direct, but in fact, are still a dealer. |
| next trailer will not only meet your needs, but also be | | | | A few recommended Factory-Direct Manufacturers |
| affordable and long-lasting. | | | | are and |
| 1. Have a clear understanding of what your intending to | | | | 4. Radial Tires - Get radial tires if possible. They may |
| haul - Make sure you know the weight as well as the | | | | cost a little more but they are worth the cost. There |
| length and width of what your intending to haul. The | | | | are some trailer manufacturers to claim bias is better, |
| weight is imperative because trailers are rated in terms | | | | but simply put bias tires are a cheaper grade tire. |
| of GVWR (or gross vehicle rate ratio). This simply | | | | 5. Look for Standard Options - A common ploy by |
| means that the weight of what your hauling + the | | | | equipment trailer manufacturers is to offer a cheap |
| weight of the trailer needs to be less than the GVWR | | | | price, but not include features such as a lockable |
| the trailer is rated. When you consider what your | | | | toolbox. By the time their adding in all the options that |
| hauling be sure to include options with the equipment | | | | are standard on their competitors trailers, they are |
| your hauling, such as different buckets, etc. | | | | much more expensive. This again, is why I got back to |
| The width of your equipment is important because | | | | Kaufman and Appalachian Trailers. Their products |
| usually equipment trailers are manufacturered with 1 of | | | | include all the good options you would want as |
| 2 types of deck styles; a deckover and low profile | | | | standard option. |
| (lowboy). A deckover trailer has the bed of the trailer | | | | 6. Never Trust the Trailer Dealer or Manufacturer to |
| built above the wheels while a low profile has the bed | | | | do the Work for You - I know its easier to call and ask |
| manufacturered between the wheels. | | | | the dealer to put together a quote for you, but if you |
| The maximum width an equipment trailer can be safely | | | | don't research your truck's towing capacities and |
| manufacturered at is 102" (legal tolerences), so the | | | | verify your equipments weight, length and width, you |
| deck can be much wider on a deckover while a low | | | | could end up buying more trailer than you need or |
| profile deck is narrower but is built lower to the ground | | | | worse, less than you need. |
| for easier loading/unloading plus the low deck height | | | | 7. Compare "Apples to Apples" - Sometimes |
| makes for a more stable load. | | | | manufacturers will use cheaper tires, suspension or |
| The usual width for a low profile deck is somewhere | | | | wood decking to make their equipment trailers seem |
| between 77" and 83". Then the fenders use the | | | | like a better deal. Make sure to compare the following |
| remaining 102" width and of course, the deckover is | | | | for similar quality: |
| built at 102" for optimal use of available space. | | | | * Suspension - Slipper spring is better than double eye. |
| 2. How are you going to haul your trailer? Different | | | | * Tires - Radial tires are better |
| trucks have different towing capacities. To towing | | | | * Decking - treated hard woods are better |
| capacity for your truck is usually included in the | | | | * Hitch - I personally recommend an adjustable couple. |
| documentation when you purchase a truck, but if your | | | | Fixed couplers can be troublesome. |
| using an older truck, call the manufacturer to find out | | | | * GVWR - Make sure the rating is what you need. |
| what your towing capacity is. When calling be sure to | | | | * Options are similar |
| let them know if you have a towing package and | | | | * Jacks - Drop Foot better than top wind |
| what size engine you have. | | | | * Fenders - fenders are a big problem and some |
| 3. Look for Factory-Direct Manufacturers- There are | | | | collapse very easy. Fenders are best made with |
| two basic ways to purchase a new trailer: A dealer or | | | | Channel or diamond plate. |
| the manufacturer. The dealer is a person who | | | | * Welding - Make sure the welding is strong. Some |
| purchases equipment trailers at a discounted rate, then | | | | manufacturers don't regulate this enough. |
| marks the price up and sells them. Depending on the | | | | * Frame - Make sure the frame is made from similar |
| dealer you may be paying a lot more for the trailer | | | | size steel. |
| and you essentially have to trust the dealer to charge | | | | Using these simple tips will help you find the best trailer |
| a fair price. | | | | for your needs. There are a couple of new sites being |
| Factory-Direct means you buy the trailer straight from | | | | developed as well to help consumer pick the right |
| the manufacturer, which eliminates the middle man, and | | | | trailer for their needs: and Good luck on looking for |
| can save you money. The only problem with finding a | | | | your new trailer. |