Trailer Buying Guide

A trailer is one of the most efficient ways to transport cargo when you have got a lot that you need to move from one place to another, but nowhere to put it. Cargo trailers are versatile and affordable. Not to mention, they are capable of hauling heavy equipment safely. Whether you have personal or commercial applications in mind, you’ll be in good hands with a trailer. 

Keep reading to learn more and when you are ready to check out the models, visit Western Slope Trailer & RV in Rifle, CO.

Determine What You Want

Before you look at any trailers, you will want an idea of what you are looking for. This will help you narrow your search to a more manageable number of options. Start by consulting your tow vehicle’s restrictions. Make sure you know what kind of hitch it uses and how much weight it can handle. You don’t want to purchase a trailer that weighs more than your vehicle can tow.

Open or Enclosed

The next decision you’ll have to make is whether you need an open or enclosed trailer. The biggest perk of choosing an open trailer is that they are less expensive overall. This is mainly because less material is required for their construction, which also means reduced maintenance needs.

A closed model will provide your cargo protection from the elements during transportation and storage. It will also protect your cargo from thieves. But it will cost more money and can be harder to load. An open model won't offer as great of protection, but it will usually be more budget-friendly and easier to load.

Construction Material

You’ll also want to consider the material used for the construction of your trailer. Steel trailers are the more durable option and they are cheaper than their aluminum counterparts. However, they require more maintenance, are much heavier, and can suffer damage from rust.

Aluminum trailers are a great choice, especially because they are less prone to damage. They are easier to maintain as they are rustproof and resistant to other corrosive forces, like water, dirt, and mud. These trailers are lightweight as well, so they are more fuel-efficient and easy to tow.

Axles

The rule of thumb most people are familiar with is that the more axles your trailer has, the more weight it can haul. You’ll want to consider the types of axles. Leaf spring axles are less expensive and rely on metal bars to cushion the trailer’s ride. These axles have a higher ride height and ride smoothly when loaded. Torsion axles have a lower ride height but allow for independent wheel movement.

We hope our trailer buying guide has been helpful to you. If you have any additional questions, make sure to contact us at Western Slope Trailer & RV. If you are looking for some quality trailers for sale near Grand Junction or Rifle, CO, our friendly staff will be happy to help you find the right unit for your needs.