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The Best Features To Look For When Selecting An Enclosed Car Trailer

  • Wednesday, February 4th, 2015
  • By admin
  • In Blog
  • Comments Off on The Best Features To Look For When Selecting An Enclosed Car Trailer

When shopping for a trailer, you should think about the features that you need from your purchase. Knowing the features will help you to choose wisely because you can compare the different models in the market. It is important to know that the features available will determine the cost of the unit. Decide what you really need to ensure that you reap optimum benefits from your purchase. Knowing how you intend to use the trailer will help you when choosing the best option. Following are just some of the wide range of features available.

Flat front or V-nose

When choosing the trailer, determine whether you want a flat front that offers more clearance or the more aerodynamic V-nose front with the extra space. If you are choosing a flat front purely for the room to turn, you need to know that you still have to deal with the trailer’s tongue. If you require a tongue with a generator box, you will need an extension in order to accommodate the frame or box while still being able to get the jack to turn. If you are buying your first trailer, talk to an expert before making the purchase. Experience is the best teacher when it comes to choosing the best trailer.

The trailer axles

When thinking about the trailer size section, you may need to increase the axles on the trailer that you choose. The industry standard may not be adequate for your needs especially if you want to get maximum value. You may also want to consider torsion axles instead of leaf spring axles. You need to know that the axles you choose will determine how high the trailer sits. Think about the total trailer weight and the anticipated trailer load when trying to size the axles. It is a good idea to ensure that you have 10 to 20% extra capacity. Going over 20% will cause stiff suspension and abnormal tire wear.

Ramp or barn door

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You need to determine whether you want a single ramp or barn style double doors. Think about what you will be hauling and whether you will be using a forklift or a ramp to roll items into the trailer. Barn doors are usually more desirable when you have a confined space. If you choose a Ramp, you need to consider the weight limitations. The ramps come in light, medium and heavy-duty options. You should also consider whether you want a top or bottom flap extension to make it easy to roll wheel items on the ramp. Ramps and doors are available for all the sides of the trailer but placement may be an issue.

Brakes or no brakes

A single axle trailer for non-commercial use does not typically require brakes. On the other hand, double and triple axle trailers need brakes. It is a good idea to find out your state requirements before making the purchase. A trailer with brakes can stop at half the distance of one without. This helps to save on the wear of your car brakes. It also makes it easier to control the swaying of the vehicle and it usually comes with a brake- away kit. You need to know that adding electric brakes will ultimately increase the price of the trailer. In some cases, the car pulling the trailer will need a brake controller to operate the brakes!

The tires and treads

When choosing tires for enclosed car trailers, you should look for ST on the tire side. This indicates that the tires are “Special Trailer” and they are specifically designed for this purpose. Avoid tires designed for passenger vehicles (P) or light trucks (LT). Look for different features such as the width of the tire and look for those with a higher number denoting a wider tire. Other tire designations include the sidewall height, Bias Ply or radial tire and the rim or diameter of the wheel. Trailer tires have stiff sidewalls and the load range specifies how long the tire can last at specific inflation pressure.

Trailer ventilation

Trailers usually seal up very tight and the smaller ones do not normally have ventilation. This is, however, an option that you can consider depending on the load you are hauling. Some trailers have manual crank roof vents or passive side ventilation. The manual crank roof vents are great when you need airflow. On the other hand, passive vents are great for trailers that have fumes or vehicles because the air is forced out of the trailer as it moves. You can mount air conditioners as an option but remember that you need a metal frame and wire to hook up the A/C. Another option is using windows that can be added to the walls or doors of a custom trailer.

There are other features to consider including the exteriors or the colors on the trailer and the interiors, which usually involves a plywood deck, insulation, cabinets, finished ceilings and other extras. If you want to be greedy and wish to get all the features that you need, you should then consider getting a customized trailer.

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