Buying a Trailer: Your Comprehensive Guide to Purchase and Maintenance

Buying a trailer is not just about choosing a unit that meets your immediate needs, it’s about considering its long-term utility and understanding the importance of regular maintenance to ensure your trailer remains in optimal condition. In this guide, we delve deep into the intricacies of buying a trailer and offer some guidance on how to maintain it to ensure years of service.

Determining the Purpose of Buying a Trailer

Before you invest in a trailer, it’s essential to define its primary use. Are you looking to shift furniture, haul landscaping and building materials, or transport vehicles? Whatever it is, the frequency and nature of your intended use will significantly influence your choice.

Exploring Different Types of Trailers

What you want to haul will of course determine the type of trailer you need. At Big Man Trailer Co, we have several different types of trailers available.

Flatbed Trailers: These are versatile open platforms suitable for transporting varied loads.
Box Trailers: Enclosed units offering added security, ideal for sensitive or loose cargo. At Big Man Trailer Co, we offer both single-axle and tandem-axle box trailers.
Car Trailers: Specifically designed for moving vehicles.
Tipper Trailers: Best for materials like stone, with hydraulic unloading mechanisms.

Key Factors to Consider While Buying a Trailer

Budget: Quality comes at a price. If you’re planning to buy, make sure to set aside between $1,500 – $2,000 for a reliable, durable trailer.
Build and Weld Quality: Ensure the trailer has a robust construction and is welded meticulously. At Big Man Trailer Co, every one of our trailers features a fully welded frame for strength that you can trust.
Galvanizing: A galvanized trailer is weather-resistant, protecting against rust and corrosion. Every Big Man Trailer Co trailer is hot-dip galvanised throughout, including inside the rails, to offer lasting protection.
Axles & Weight Bearing: Consider the number of axles as this is directly linked to the trailer’s load-bearing capacity. Heavy-duty applications will require a heavy-duty trailer with at least two axles.
Size & Shape: Reflect on the type of cargo you’ll be transporting. Whether it’s lawnmower equipment or heavy-duty power tools, the shape and size of your trailer matter.
Coverage: For weather-sensitive cargo, a trailer with adequate coverage is essential. Our tradesman and luggage trailers feature a lockable aluminium canopy to keep your tools and equipment protected against weather and would-be thieves.

Maintaining Your Trailer for Longevity

Regular Checkups: Just as with vehicles, routine checks on lights, brakes, and tyres are crucial to prolonging your trailer’s service life.
Lubrication: Keeping your trailer’s bearings lubricated ensures smooth operation and extends the trailer’s lifespan.
Annual Inspections:A thorough yearly check can help identify and rectify issues before they escalate.
Cleaning & Protection: Shield your trailer from harsh weather conditions and clean it regularly.
Internal Care: Especially for travel trailers, ensure internal spaces are clean, dry, and free from moisture.

Prioritising Safety

From ensuring proper weight distribution to regularly checking for wear and tear, safety should always be at the forefront of your trailer usage. Ensure that the hitching is secure and that worn-out parts are promptly replaced.

Making an Informed Purchase

While online purchases offer convenience, inspecting the trailer in person allows you to gauge its build quality and dimensions to ensure that it meets your needs. Always aim for a trailer that can endure diverse weather conditions and is versatile enough for your intended use, both now and in the future.

The Big Man Trailer Co – For Trailers You Can Trust

Buying a trailer is a significant investment that requires careful consideration and informed choices. However, by taking the time to consider what you need from your trailer, and with the right approach to buying and upkeep, your trailer can be a reliable asset for years to come.

For trailers you can trust for home and professional use, choose Big Man Trailer Co. Explore our range and find the trailer that’s right for you!