Buying Your First Cargo Trailer
Whether you are in the middle of a move, growing your business or hauling a toy, Cargo Trailers come in all shapes and sizes and can fit a variety of uses.
As you decide which trailer is right for you, there are a number of details you want to line up in your decision-making process. Some of those are:
Size - Width, Length and Height
Payload Capacity - Both Size and number of axles
Gross Weight - What can your vehicle safely tow?
V-Nose or Flat-Nose
Accessories - Color, wheels, cargo mounts
SIZE
The first and most obvious decision is SIZE. Some of the most popular Cargo trailer sizes for both Individual and Commercial use are 7x12 and 7x14 foot. However, sizes ranging from 5x8 to 8.5x 24 are commonly in stock at Trophy Trailers. Buyers with small to midsize vehicles like Toyota Tacomas, 4 Runners, Ford Rangers and most SUVs will feel most comfortable pulling 5 or 6 foot wide trailers. Full sized half ton pickups (F150, Silverado, Ram 1500 etc..) can more comfortably tow 7 foot wide and even up to 8.5 foot trailers that are usually more at home behind 3/4 and 1 Ton pickups (Ford SuperDuty, HD etc..).
As for length, various width and length combinations exist. 5 foot widths are commonly available in 8 to 12 foot lengths. 6 foot wide is most frequently 10 to 14 foot lengths and 7 foot widths are most commonly available in 12-18’ lengths. When you increase to 8.5 feet wide, you are often looking at enclosed car haulers or other special purpose applications and lengths can vary dramatically.
PAYLOAD CAPACITY
As you increase width and length, you must prepare to carry more weight. The standard axle configuration for trailers is a single 3500 lb axle. Trailers can be built with tandem (2) axles, effectively doubling the payload capacity. Additionally, axles (whether single or tandem) can be upgraded from 3500 lb to 5200 lb axles or even 7000 lb Heavy Duty Axles. Higher strength axles allow for more weight to be carried in the trailer, however, you still need to be cognizant of your vehicles max towing capacity.
It is extremely important to tow within the capabilities of your vehicle. Everything from engine size, chassis strength and brake controller should be considered when deciding how much your vehicle is equipped to tow. We cannot emphasize enough how important safe towing is for both you and others on the road.
TRAILER PROFILE
The two most common trailer configurations we see are V-Nose and Flat-Nose. Both of these are exactly what you would assume them to be! The V-Nose trailer comes to a point at the front of the trailer and is often touted as the “more aerodynamic” option of the two. Whether or not a V-Nose will actually get better fuel economy than the Flat-Nose is an item of debate and would require quite a few data points to determine. That being said, logic would suggest that if you are towing for extended distances at high speed, in areas that are susceptible to high winds, the V-Nose might be a better option for you than the Flat Nose.
ACCESSORIES
Just like a car, trailers can be upgraded and accessorized to serve any purpose. Whether you are simply looking for a Ramp Rear Door vs Barn Doors, Windows, A/C Units, Tongue Locks, Aluminum Alloy Wheels, Built in Generator, Plumbing, Electricity or Lighting, custom colors, Off-Road Torsion Axles, or any other number of accessories - you are sure to be able to buy or build a trailer to suit your needs. If you browse our website, you will find trailers that are designed for everything from Off-Grid Camping to Fiber Optic / Communications Cable Splicing.
Just like anything other complicated subject, the best way to learn and become comfortable in the buying process to simply to spend your time reading, watching and learning about trailers and above all else, don’t hesitate to spend some time around them in person as well. Most trailer dealers will have no problem with you visiting their lot and looking around. If you aren’t ready to buy, don’t hesitate to something like: “We are interested in trailers but not quite ready to buy one yet. We would like to walk around, look at your inventory and maybe even ask a few questions to become more familiar before we decide if buying a trailer is right for us”. Most trailer dealers will respect the honesty and willingness to learn and treat you with respect and patience as you learn the ropes!
If you are in the San Antonio or Austin area, feel free to come visit our location in New Braunfels TX and take a look around. We carry a substantial amount of inventory and try to keep something that can suit the needs of most, if not all trailer buyers. If not, give us a call, we are happy to provide information, help educate and even ship trailers across the country!