How To Choose The Right Trailer For Your Vehicle and Needs
As one of the leading providers and installers of Tow Bars in the North West, we also have a keen interest in ensuring that our customers have access to high-quality trailers that are appropriate for their specific needs and requirements.
For anyone purchasing a trailer for the first time, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the variety of choices available, which is why we have written this post to help people make the right choice.
There is a list of things to take into consideration before investing in a trailer so let's look at them closely.
What Do You Want To Use The Trailer For?
Trailers can be used for many different purposes, and indeed certain trailers are built with a specific task in mind. The majority of trailers that we will be talking about in this article are what are known as utility trailers. These trailers are suitable for most tasks, whether transporting a child's bicycle, picking up a batch of cement and the DIY store, or taking excess rubbish to the tip. If, on the other hand, you want to transport an expensive JetSki or canoe, then you may want to consider more specific types of trailers.
What Size of Trailer Do You Need?
It can be tempting to go for the largest trailer possible, as obviously, you will then be able to carry even more items on each journey. However, it is important to also consider things such as storage; the larger a trailer, the more space you will require to store it. Also, think about the height of the base of the trailer; the higher the base, the most difficult it could be to load it with heavy items.
The Load Capacity of The Trailer
Trailers typically come with one set or two sets of wheels. Each trailer will have a maximum weight capacity that it can carry, so this is also something that is worth considering when purchasing. You do not want to buy a trailer that is only meant for light to moderate work when its primary purpose is to carry extremely heavy loads.
Additional Features
In addition to the trailer, consider additional items or adds on that you may find necessary. For instance, is it beneficial to have trailer ramps, tailgates, or a lid to protect the items you are carrying from the weather? It is always best to consider these items prior to purchase rather than try to buy accessories afterwards.
How Do You Intend To Tow The Trailer?
Before investing in a trailer, it is essential to consider the type of vehicle you intend to tow the trailer with. Do you have a small car or a four-by-four? Do you plan on towing the trailer over short distances or taking long trips all over the country? The type and size of the vehicle you intend to tow with will directly affect the size and weight of the trailer you can tow. Think about the manoeuvrability of the trailer you choose; essentially, you want it to be easy to maintain and tow because your primary focus should always be on driving safely. Towing a trailer while not had does involve an element of additional skill, and so you want to choose a trailer that will help rather than hinder your driving prowess.
The cost of fuel seems to be increasing almost by the day, and like it or not, towing a trailer is going to have a negative impact on your fuel economy. That is why it is vital to choose a trailer with that in mind. Certain trailers are built to deliver higher fuel efficiency; essentially, this will be a smaller trailer that naturally has less air resistance. Our team is always on hand to answer any questions and guide you towards making an informed decision when the time comes to purchase a trailer.
Where and How Do You Intend to Store Your Trailer?
Purchasing a trailer comes with many benefits and offers most users significant flexibility in how they are able to transport their equipment. However, as with virtually every purchase, there are some aspects of owning a trailer that you need to resolve before making the investment.
Perhaps the biggest one of those issues is where you plan on storing your shiny new trailer when you are not using it. Not only do you want to ensure that it is protected from the elements, but you also want to ensure that it is secure and does not get stolen.
Before purchasing a trailer, try to work out exactly where you plan to store it. Carefully measure the length, width and height of the available space, but do not forget to add in some wiggle room, so that you can manoeuvre it when pushing it back or pulling it out of the space. Then think about how you plan to store the trailer in terms of security. Are you planning on securing it to a wall, and if so, how? The good news is that in the United Kingdom, you do not need planning permission to keep a trailer anywhere within your garden or drive. However, should you decide to store it elsewhere on your property, you may need to secure planning permission then planning permission may be a legal requirement.
If you have read this far, then it is clear that you are committed to purchasing a trailer, and while we have done our best to provide you with the key factors to consider in this article, every individual has specific requirements unique to their situation. That is why we love people to come and see our full range of trailers for themselves. Northwest Towbars sell unbraked trailers with a maximum load capacity of 750kg. If you require a larger or heavier load capacity we will happily advise on alternative suppliers.
Our friendly and relaxed staff like nothing more than talking to potential clients, so give us a call today on 0161 474 7474 or come and visit us.