When I bought my first car, I didn't care about maintenance at all. Instead of carefully checking the oil and watching the wear on my tires, I drove it mindlessly into the ground. However, after junking my first car after only five years, I learned how painful it was to start the entire process from square one. The fact of the matter is that car repair is important. In addition to keeping you safe, car repair can also save you money. As you look through the articles on my website, I hope that you can find tips to help you along the way, so that you can hang onto your investment.
While trailers generally aren't as valuable as the vehicles towing them, they still represent a significant investment for any business. Because of their high cost, purchasing a new equipment trailer isn't a decision you should take lightly. A good trailer will become a critical business asset, while a trailer that's unsuitable for your business needs is ultimately a liability.
Whether you're buying your business' first and only trailer or adding to a fleet, there are some common pitfalls you'll want to avoid. Before purchasing your next trailer, make sure you're not falling victim to one of these three traps.
1. Not Understanding Your Needs
If you're buying an equipment trailer, it's likely because you have some heavy gear you need to transport to work sites or other locations. The easiest way to end up with a trailer that frustrates you or your employees is not adequately understanding these needs. Before starting your trailer search, carefully evaluate the equipment you'll need to haul.
Pay special attention to the size of your gear, its weight, and any special considerations for loading and unloading. When considering the length of your trailer, don't attempt to squeeze into the shortest size you can. Maxing your trailer length can make loading gear more complex while also making it more challenging to secure your equipment to the deck. Always try to leave some overhead.
2. Ignoring Tie-Down Configurations
Most trailers offer numerous tie-down configurations, including d-rings installed along the rub rails, chain mounting points on the deck, and so on. You can use these tie-down points to accommodate various loads, but not every configuration will suit every job. When considering a trailer, always spend some time thinking about how you'll secure your gear to the deck.
It's also worth noting that laws and regulations for securing equipment to trailers can vary between states. Make sure you understand these requirements before buying a trailer so that you have adequate tie-down points for your gear. Failing to consider this may mean buying costly add-ons and modifications for the trailer later.
3. Not Considering Tire Performance
Don't neglect the importance of your trailer's tires. Your trailer may not come with tires suitable for your specific hauling needs, which can lead to problems in the future. Make sure you understand your trailer's tire specifications and how those impact your load-carrying capacity. If you are hauling hefty loads, you may want to consider purchasing your trailer with upgraded tires.
Tire type can also matter. Trailer tires may use a radial or bias construction, and each option has pros and cons. Your trailer dealer should be able to discuss the advantages of each with you so that you can select a tire that's appropriate for your application.
Call a local equipment trailer dealer to get more tips.
Share8 December 2021
