Your Trailer Buying Guide

While you’ve probably gotten by with your cargo hauling by using your car or truck, you may be looking to upgrade to a better and more efficient hauling solution. Enter the humble cargo trailer, which comes in many different styles to suit unique hauling purposes so you can carry anything from boxes to power tools to heavy equipment to furniture. Here are some tips on how to find the perfect trailer for your hauling needs.

Think About Your Cargo

First, you’ll want to consider what types of cargo you intend to haul and where it’s going. You may only require a flatbed trailer of a small size to haul certain items that are bulky, but not easily damaged or stolen. If your cargo is high-value or easy to grab off the back of a trailer when you’re not looking, an enclosed trailer is probably the best option. This type of trailer has the advantage of protecting your cargo from weather damage, too.

Make sure that the trailer you choose can also handle the weight of the cargo you intend to haul around in it. You should also check the ceiling clearance and the width of any trailer you choose so you know what dimensions it has.

Consider Your Towing Vehicle

Next, think about the type of towing vehicle you already have so that you can get a trailer with a suitable weight and hitch style. You don’t want to end up needing a whole new vehicle when you buy a trailer, after all, since that’s needlessly expensive. Most cars are capable of pulling a bumper-pull hitch trailer, although the weight limit will depend on how much your car can haul, which you’ll find in the owner’s manual or online. Pickup trucks that have a bed can handle a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch, which means you can carry bigger and heavier trailers and more cargo at a time.

Create a Budget

It’s always helpful to sit down with your finances to determine just how much you can afford to spend on a new trailer. If you’re going to use financing options, you’ll want to have enough money saved up for a down payment, which is typically 10% to 20% of the total sticker price. You’ll then need to have money every month to make a down payment. Don’t forget about additional costs, including insurance, maintenance, storage, and aftermarket accessories that make hauling easier, such as ropes and blankets to protect your cargo.

Ready to purchase your new trailer? Come see us at our dealership in Timmins, ON, to check out our fine selection of new and used trailers for sale. J&B Cycle and Marine proudly serves all of our Ontario customers.