A guide to finding the best trailer for your transport needs
A guide to finding the best trailer for your transport needs
Posted on September 28, 2020
When you're looking for a transport trailer in Edmonton, it's important to know exactly what to look for in order to ensure it matches your needs. The last thing you want is to purchase a trailer than can't handle everything you need it to, causing stress and more money being spent on another trailer. At Edmonton Trailer Sales & Leasing Ltd, we want you to find the best trailer for your needs the first time, so we've created this helpful guide to assist you.
Types of Trailers
Not all trailers are the same, obviously. Knowing what one is best for you really depends on how you intend to use it. There are all sorts of trailers out on the market for you to choose from. These include:
Utility Trailer
If you don't have a truck and are just trying to haul something smaller, use a utility trailer. It's a square or rectangular bed with four walls and no roof and is great for hauling firewood, bicycles, furniture, or camping equipment. You can install a ramp to make it easier.
Fully Enclosed Trailer
A fully enclosed trailer is typically used by builders and contractors and is great for moving as it has a similar capacity to a moving van. As an added bonus, it can be customized according to your needs.
Flatbed Trailer
Flatbed trailers are more frequently used to haul larger vehicles like motorbikes, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, golf carts, and even small cars.
Other types of specialized trailers:
• Boat trailer
• Pontoon trailer
• Snowmobile trailer
• Motorcycle trailer
• Dump trailer
• Bicycle trailer
• Kayak trailer
• Luggage trailer
• Horse trailer
• Tow dollies
Ensure you're choosing a trailer with the adequate load-bearing capacity and confirm the maximum weight that your vehicle can tow. Exceeding the maximum towing capacity of your vehicle can be dangerous and cause damage to your trailer or vehicle, not to mention it's an incredible safety hazard to yourself and others when you're on the road.
Towing Equipment
Depending on what you're hauling and how heavy it is, you may need to purchase additional parts and components with your trailer. These include:
• A trailer clip and ball attachment to hitch to your vehicle
• Towing and recovery straps
• Signal lights
• Reflective strips
• A padlock for the trailer
• A tarp
• A connector for the light signals
• Wheel chocks/blocks
• A spare tire
Bungee cords are about to become your best friend. Keep a bag of them inside your vehicle, you never know when you'll need them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Build Your Own Trailer?
Of course! If you're inclined to build something yourself or commission a builder to create something for you, go right ahead. Just be sure that it meets the conditions of your province's highway safety rules and that everything is secure. Ensure that it's legal for the road by visiting your province's transport minister website to find all the information you need on safety codes and roadworthiness.
Do You Have to Register a Trailer?
Yes. It still counts as a vehicle on the road and will require a registrations fee and it's own license plate and insurance. Usually you'll only be asked to pay the registration fee once and you can insure your trailer for however long you need it.