| is a lot of information to compare when buying a new | | | | The running gear limits the trailer to 14,000 lbs. 8" |
| trailer, but its easy to miss one of the biggest factors: | | | | channel is more than enough that handle a 14,000 |
| buying an overloaded trailer. An overloaded equipment | | | | GVWR so anything more is just overloading the trailer |
| trailer is one that is manufactured with more steel than | | | | and giving no benefit. To the novice purchaser, a larger |
| is needed. This results in a trailer that weighs too much | | | | frame means more trailer while in reality it means |
| and takes away from the overall GVWR. Overloaded | | | | buying too much steel and reducing the payload you |
| trailers also consume more fuel because of the extra | | | | can haul. |
| weight. It can also lead to bearing wearing out quicker | | | | To make the issue more complicated, salesman will |
| than usual, and other axle issues long-term. And | | | | use heavier, overloaded frames as selling points and |
| perhaps the worse problem is an overloaded trailer will | | | | suggest that a smaller channel will not last as long, |
| cost you more money. | | | | creating a fear in the purchaser's mind. Good salesman |
| I am writing this article after talking to a fiend. He | | | | can leverage overloaded trailers as being ones that |
| mentioned one of his biggest reasons for choosing a | | | | are a better quality trailer. |
| certain trailer manufacturer was because it used a | | | | So how does the average buyer know what a good, |
| bigger channel for the main frame. The first trailer he | | | | balanced trailer is? The easiest answer is to get |
| was looking at used an 8" channel, while another | | | | several quotes and compare. If one trailer has a |
| company used 12" channel, both trailers used 2- 7000 | | | | certain component that is more heavy duty, odds are |
| lb. EZ lube braking axles. So is the larger frame really a | | | | it's too much for the trailer. |
| benefit? | | | | When buying a trailer, you should look for a balanced |
| No, and here's why. The trailer can only haul what the | | | | trailer throughout. If a certain trailer uses larger channel |
| running gear will allow. So if your trailer weighs more, it | | | | for the frame, see if their axles, tires, etc conform with |
| will take away from your overall hauling capacity. | | | | the frame upgrade. If all the trailer components can't |
| For example, lets look at Appalachian Trailer's 24 ft. | | | | handle a larger hauling capacity, it's overloaded. You |
| Contractor Grade Trailer. This trailer has 8" Channel | | | | should use this same consideration if you are looking |
| mainframe and a GVWR of 14,000, and it uses 2-7k | | | | for a dump trailer, equipment trailer, car hauler trailer, or |
| EZ Lube braking axles. The empty weight of this trailer | | | | even a landscape trailer. |
| is roughly 4,400lbs. If this same trailer was built using 12" | | | | After talking to my friend and explaining what an |
| channel, it will substantially increase the empty weight | | | | overloaded trailer was, he decided to purchase a |
| of the trailer and decrease the amount of weight you | | | | balanced trailer and has experienced nothing but |
| can haul. | | | | satisfaction. |