Let’s look at the different types of trailers:
Conventional trailers:
Conventional trailers, which are also known as recreational trailers, generally use a ball hitch. These include things such as cambers and boat trailers. In most cases, the ball is mounted to a drawbar receiver that is attached to the vehicle’s chassis. For certain lighter-weight trailers, the ball may be mounted on a step bumper. Conventional trailers can usually be towed with smaller vehicles such as an SUV, or mid-sized truck and the drivers should consider installing a weight-distribution hitch to prevent trailer sway. This type of trailer is generally easier to tow and maneuver than larger trailers, but is often not as durable and can handle max weight and capacity.
Utility trailers:
Although utility trailers use a ball-type hitch as well, they are designed and constructed relatively differently from conventional trailers. Their purpose is generally to move equipment, cargo, or other items so that they are usually lighter and smaller than conventional trailers. The handling and maneuvering of utility trailers can be tricky due to the fact that less weight is placed over the trailer tongue and hitch, therefore ensuring that there is a weight distribution hitch is key to prevent certain dangers from occurring, such as preventing a trailer that may sway. Loading a utility trailer property is also essential and ensuring that you keep them front-heavy in order to increase stability.
Gooseneck Trailers:
One cannot mistake a gooseneck trailer, they get their name from the tall, long trailer tongues that come up and extend into the truck bed. This long trailer neck couples to a hitch ball mounted in the middle of the truck bed. Gooseneck trailers are usually quite large and are capable of hauling heavier loads due to the placement of the hitch. With the hitch being placed in the bed of the truck, the tongue weight of the trailer is placed over the rear axle instead of the end of the vehicle. The placement of this helps to improve stability and handling, which would otherwise be relatively challenging. You will be able to take sharper turns with a gooseneck trailer as long as you maintain a relatively slow speed.
Fifth-wheel Trailers:
These trailers are designed to carry very heavy loads and additionally feature a hitch placement in the center of the pickup bed. Similar to a semi-truck, you will find a horseshow-shaped plate which is mounted within the bed. The kingpin on the trailer can then slide into the plate’s grooves and lock into place so that the trailer is able to rotate on the plate. Towing a fifth wheel requires a vehicle with a much higher towing capacity, but they can also be a little easier to maneuver than one would imagine, due to the style of hitch.
Enclosed vs Open Trailers:
An open trailer is more lightweight and doesn’t cost you fuel efficiency, while an enclosed trailer gives you the added benefit of utility and security. Enclosed trailers are often more beneficial for longer distances, especially if your schedule isn’t flexible and you will need to transport objects no matter what the weather is. If you need to lock everything up to be more secure, opting for an enclosed trailer will most likely suit your needs more. However, an open trailer will often be more beneficial with bigger, bulkier items that may not fit in an enclosed trailer.
Assessing your Business Needs:
Before choosing a trailer that is best suited for you, you need to know the nature and the volume of the items that you will be transporting. Whether you do residential moves or more commercial relocations will therefore impact the trailer that is best suited for your needs. These elements need to be considered:
- Frequency and distance of moves
- The weight of the items that you will be moving.
- Material and build quality
- Cost considerations,
- Initial purchase price
- Maintenance and repairs.
Choosing the correct and best-suited utility retailer for your moving business will require a careful assessment of your needs, understanding the different types of trailers that are available, and considering the key features that enhance safety and efficiency.