The Box Trailer Breakdown: A Guide to Box Trailers

Whether you’re a tradesperson who needs to cart and transport machinery or simply an individual that needs a little extra space while transporting items, the box trailer has become a ubiquitous staple over the decades. Their simple design allows box trailers a considerable amount of versatility against their comparable counterparts, and in both the single axle and tandem axle varieties, their high level of usage speaks for themselves.

Today, we’re going to take a closer look at box trailers, understand how they’re used, and touch on a few things you should look out for when buying one for yourself.

What is a Box Trailer?

Have you ever wanted to move something that was unusually sized, but your standard cage or enclosed trailer couldn’t fit it? Whilst these types of trailers are absolutely fantastic in their own rights and serve particular purposes, their designs come with limitations in terms of the height of an object that they can realistically carry. That’s where the box trailer shines. Given its relatively simple, open-top design, the box trailer gives you a lot more options for what you can carry and how you can carry it.

 

How Much Does a Box Trailer Weigh?

How much a box trailer weighs will be dependent on a few factors, including its size, the materials used to create it, and any additional accessories. For example, a 6×4 single axle trailer may have a net weight of 210kgs, whilst another 7×5 box trailer may have a net weight of 460kg. If you’re wondering how much a box trailer weighs, then it’s always best to speak directly to the manufacturer.

 

Can You Get Closed-Top Box Trailers?

Of course! Fully-enclosed box trailers are indeed available, as are variants that offer cages that will keep your items fully secured. However, these varieties tend to be less common for the aforementioned reason that they have limitations in the size of items they can carry. Each is going to have its own benefits and detriments, which is why it’s important to weigh your options and see which one is going to be the ideal choice for your specific box trailer needs.

 

Are There Downsides to an Open-Top Box Trailer?

The main downside of an open box trailer is that, naturally, anything that is placed in the trailer will need to be tied down securely to avoid it flying out of the top. Additionally, you are going to need a tarp or protective layer of some kind on hand whenever you’re using it. This is because the open-top design leaves your items open to the elements in a way that some other designs manage to avoid. However, these are minor issues in the grand scheme of things, and can easily be overcome with a little forethought in your packing process.

 

Things to Remember When Handling a Box Trailer

Naturally, when you’re using a box trailer, as with any trailer, you need to know what you’re doing to avoid damage and injury. So, speak with the seller, make sure to check for damage or degradation regularly, and avoid situations that are going to put your trailer under too much stress. Other factors to consider include:

 

Ensuring Weight Limits Are Adhered To

Box trailers, when made well, are incredibly durable, but even the best trailer is going to have its limits. Each box trailer will come with a maximum load weight which gives you an upper ceiling on how much weight your trailer setup can feasibly hold. Going over this limit will put you, your trailer, and other drives at risk, so pay attention and ensure you’re not going overboard.

 

Make Sure You Secure Your Trailer As Much As Possible

Things can look much different when you’re out on the road, and even if a small amount of securing seems good enough when you’re in a driveway, it may start to seem quite different by the time you’re on the freeway going 90mph. It’s always better to be overly cautious, so be sure to tie everything down and secure each item well to avoid any coming loose while driving.

 

Check Your Fittings

Even if your trailer is looking good and free from damage, the fittings within are still prone to wear and degradation. So, from the latches on your trailer to the wheels, make sure that you’re giving a relatively thorough check to your trailer’s fittings between trips. This is also why it’s good to have a toolbox attachment on your trailer if possible.

 

So, there we have it. Box trailers are but one of many trailer varieties available, but they definitely have their popularity for a reason. If you’ve found yourself in the market for a trailer but don’t know where to start, why not try checking out The Big Man Trailer Co’s range of high-quality galvanised trailers? With an expansive selection to choose from, you are sure to find something that suits your needs.