How Trailers Can Be Useful to You
We have all seen trailers on highways, in driveways, parked in lots, and in a slew of other locations. While most of us might get a kick out of what they’re hauling, some of us end up in need of a trailer so that we can haul things ourselves.
A trailer is defined as an unpowered vehicle that relies on a powered vehicle to move it. They range in size and function, from small trailers that can be hauled by cars and larger trailers that need trucks, to huge storage trailers that need to be hauled by big rigs.
We want to help you understand trailers better, and also to find the right trailer to meet your needs, in the event you have to haul something of your own. So, let’s dive into the world of trailers by looking at various models, from walking floor trailers to smaller flatbed models, while looking at the most popular tasks for which you might need a trailer.
5 Common Uses for a Trailer
1: Hauling Automobiles
Hauling automobiles is actually the most popular reason people need trailers. It was no surprise to us, though you may have seen more delivery trailers on the road than models that haul broken down cars. However, when speaking about why most people end up in need of a trailer, the number-one answer is that they have to haul automobiles.
Of course, when speaking about hauling automobiles, you can also include in this category any sort of vehicle. This would include hauling recreational vehicles like ATVs, jet skis, and even boats. So this is a broad category, and we begin to understand why this is the top use.
2: Hauling Lawn-Care Equipment
Now, this is one that we can probably all understand. You have probably seen plenty of those trailers attached to trucks with riding lawnmowers, weed-eaters, water coolers, and other pieces of equipment for a lawn-care business. These trailers also range in size and function. Some are just smaller flat-bed trailers that hold a few pieces of equipment, while some larger businesses need a much larger trailer model to haul around everything.
These businesses require the equipment as well as things like fuel, and perhaps even replacements parts, or backup mowers. So a trailer to haul everything is pretty much a prerequisite.
3: Hauling Livestock
Unfortunately, you have probably been out on the highway and caught a whiff of those livestock trailers before. When you see one with horses, you likely admire the animal and daydream about owning a horse farm. Though when you see the ones with cows, pigs, sheep, and a bunch of chickens, you notice the smell.
These are quite popular, of course, and larger trailers, like a walking floor trailer, are needed to accomplish this task. The animals need plenty of room, while there’s also room for humans to get in there and handle the livestock.
4: Hauling Furniture
You may think that all of those vehicles driving around hauling furniture are large vans, but they’re actually trailers. A trailer that is permanently attached to a vehicle is still a trailer, of course, and for the bigger moves out there, bigger trailers are needed on bigger trucks to haul everything.
For personal use, if you find yourself having to move, this is where we would definitely recommend getting your own legitimate trailer. You not only need something large enough to haul your items, but also extra room to walk around, arrange everything, and to ensure nothing gets damaged in tow.
5: Hauling Building Supplies
Building supplies trailers will definitely range in size. While some are only hauling prefab items like doors and sinks, others are hauling all the lumber necessary for a home build, and even larger trailers still are hauling steel for commercial builds. So you may find a smaller flatbed, or even a huge trailer on a semi hauling the building materials.
If you’re in construction, we’d recommend a trailer to haul your items. Building materials are rough on your pickup-truck beds and vans; plus you can only fit so much in there. Renting out a trailer saves you time, money, and will extend the life of your vehicle.
How to Pick the Right Trailer Option
If you do find yourself in need of a trailer, it’s important to get the right size and model for you. For instance, you do not want a huge trailer if you’re not hauling much, while likewise, you’d waste your time and money to get a trailer with not enough room.
The best way we recommend to go about this is to contact a rental service and explain to them what you’re hauling. You might be thinking, “Well, it’s only a bit of furniture, so I can pack it into X brand of the trailer!” But you’re overlooking arrangement, room to get in and out, etc.
So our recommendation for you is to talk with a representative of a trailer renting service and allow them to walk you through your options. It’s only a quick phone call or an email, and you’ll be able to save time, money, and have the right piece of equipment for the job at hand.