Archives for August 2023

Summer Activities That Your Pace Enclosed Trailer is Useful For

August 30, 2023 by Kyle McFarlane

useful tips for ways to use your enclosed trailer

The summer months bring endless possibilities, and having the right tools helps you seize those possibilities to the fullest. Your enclosed trailer is far from a one-time-use item. Use it for summer activities both big and small, whether it's a large-scale DIY project or a much-needed outing with your friends and family. From practical to fun and adventurous, your Pace enclosed trailer is useful for a wide range of applications.

Practical Summer Activities

For many, enclosed trailers are synonymous with the idea of moving to a new home. That idea exists for a good reason, as using one is a highly practical way to move larger items like furniture while also keeping them protected from the elements. Moving day is made easy to quickly transport items of all sizes.

Another practical summer activity is one that lets you generate some income when you're not using your trailer for yourself. Rent out your trailer to others who are preparing for a move or any other adventures they might have in mind.

Trailers are also great for facilitating yard work. Pick up plants, trees, and sod for landscaping or even use it as storage for equipment and tools when not in use. A trailer can be a huge boon for DIY landscaping projects or for those looking to start a local yard work or handyman business.

Exciting Summer Trailer Adventures

Big toys mean big adventures and your Pace enclosed trailer is equipped to transport the biggest toys there are and keep your ATV or dirt bike safe inside. Reliably transport your offroad vehicle to the trails or dunes and then let your sense of adventure handle the rest.

Even if you prefer to rent your vehicles from a supplier near your offroading destination, an enclosed trailer can still be invaluable in transporting other gear. This might include safety equipment, mountain bikes, camping kits, or any other items that might make your adventure more memorable and enjoyable.

Choosing an trailer for summer activities provides the cargo and utility capabilities to get your gear to the site of your adventure. It is still crucial, however, that you find the right-sized trailer to accommodate any vehicles or other gear that you might choose to transport. When you choose to shop at McFarlane, you get professional assistance in finding the right one for your needs.

Worry-Free Camping

Making the most of a wonderful nature outing requires lots of equipment, but an enclosed trailer makes it easy to haul everything from campsite necessities to the most lavish of creature comforts to your destination. Throughout the duration of your camping trip, a trailer also serves as a perfect storage solution that protects your gear and refreshments from the weather and even from animals.

While camping certainly does entail transporting a wide range of gear, it is important to keep in mind that even a smaller enclosed trailer can typically contain all the things necessary for an enjoyable retreat with friends or the whole family. Many small cargo trailers for summer activities are towable by small to midsize cars, meaning that families can have a worry-free camping experience without having to rent or invest in a larger vehicle for the trip.

Choose the Right Enclosed Trailer for Summer Activities

Pace is a manufacturer that prides itself on the safety, durability, and reliability of its cargo trailers. Your Pace enclosed trailer can be a reliable companion not only for the specific purpose you purchase it for but also for a wide range of summer activities and adventures. From moves and landscaping to offroading and other summer trailer adventures, a Pace cargo trailer can fit the bill. Contact McFarlane Trailer Sales online or give us a call for help finding the right trailer for your summer activities.

The Great Debate: Single Axle Trailers or Tandem Axle Trailers – Which One is Right for You?

August 28, 2023 by Kyle McFarlane

great debate among people looking to buy a trailer

Are you in the market for a trailer to transport goods but not sure whether a single-axle or tandem-axle trailer is best suited for your needs?

Over the years, there has been much debate over which type of trailer offers more advantages. In this blog post, we'll be weighing up the pros and cons of both types of trailers so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you – be it as a homeowner looking to move furniture, an agricultural business transporting produce or large livestock farmer hauling hay bales. Learn all about how single-axle and tandem-axle trailers compare!

What are Some Pros and Cons

What is a tandem axle trailer? Quite simply, a tandem axle trailer has two axles close together working in tandem. The extra axle is the obvious benefit of the trailer over single axle options. With an extra axle, tandem trailers can carry heavier loads than single-axle options and offer higher payload capacities.

This also means the trailer has an extra set of wheels — this is the giveaway that a trailer is, in fact, tandem. The additional wheels and heavier loads can make tandem trailers more challenging to maneuver and control.

To understand more about the pros and cons of each trailer, it's important to take a closer look at each style.

What Are the Benefits of a Single-Axle Trailer

Designed to be lightweight yet durable, these versatile trailers can handle almost anything you can throw at them. They're ideal for a variety of uses such as hauling equipment, transporting motorcycles or even just moving furniture.

The compact footprint of a single-axle trailer makes it easy to navigate tight spaces or narrow country roads. A reliable trailer like the Enbeck utility trailer offers convenience, reliability and value, making it a smart investment for any contractor or homeowner in need of a dependable hauling solution.

The smaller size of the trailer makes maneuvering tight spaces easier. Because the unit is lighter, it helps with better fuel economy than larger tandem models. Also, its straightforward construction and minimal maintenance demands mean the trailer is cheaper to purchase and maintain than tandem models.

What Are the Benefits of a Tandem Axle Trailer?

Unlike single-axle trailers that have just one set of wheels, tandem axle trailers have two sets, which spread the trailer's weight evenly and give it added stability. This means you'll have better control on the road, especially during sudden turns or emergency stops.

Tandem axle trailers can also carry heavier loads making them perfect for hauling everything from small boats to construction equipment. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a commercial driver, a tandem axle trailer is a smart investment that will prove invaluable on the road.

The large trailer size does mean it is more challenging to maneuver in tight spaces, but it is more stable at highway speeds. The large deck of the trailer and heftier suspension, with load weight spread evenly across each axle, means it is more capable of handling heavier, complex loads than single-axle trailers.

How Do You Choose Between a Single Axle or tandem-axle trailer?

When looking at single axle vs tandem axle trailers, the primary question to ask yourself is what type of loads you are hauling. If you frequently transport heavy, complex loads, a tandem trailer is best, not only because of its size and capabilities. Tandem trailers must have a braking system, a necessary safety feature for heavier hauls.

Find Your Trailer at McFarlane Trailer Sales

Whether a single or a tandem axle trailer is right for you depends on several factors, primarily the type of hauls you transport. Heavier loads demand the space and complexity of tandem options. If you are unsure which trailer type is right for you, come down to McFarlane Trailer Sales and check out the different brands and options for yourself. We are always happy to help.

The Hidden Dangers of Overheated Cargo Trailers: What You Need to Know

August 25, 2023 by Kyle McFarlane

Cargo trailers are useful vehicles. The enclosed spaces protect against the elements, which is ideal for things like landscaping equipment, power tools, and sensitive building materials.

While the trailers are effective haulers, overheated cargo trailers present a significant danger to the owner and bystanders. Installing ventilation and taking appropriate precautions is essential to ensure operational safety.

If you are a new cargo trailer owner or looking to invest in your first, you must understand safe storage and operation, especially if you plan to store heat-sensitive or combustible materials inside. Discover the danger of an overheating cargo trailer and how to prevent such catastrophes.

Understanding Cargo Trailers

The number one rule when reviewing cargo trailer safety tips is to keep it cool. Depending on the material of the exterior trailer — its walls and roof — its interior can become like an oven, exposing stored items to extreme heat. The rising temperature can create a combustible environment for some items, especially fuels.

A simple search online will show numerous examples of cargo trailers ablaze. In almost every situation, the fires are a result of improperly stored items and a lack of proper ventilation. To protect your cargo and yourself, it is crucial to understand the dangers of overheating trailers and how to prevent them.

What Is Overheating in a Cargo Trailer?

In the summer, it is nothing for a nonventilated, metal cargo trailer to reach temperatures of 60° C or more. Overheated cargo trailers present a risk to cargo and owners.

If you regularly work inside your trailer, you might become overheated. Anyone who must work in their trailer should ensure all doors remain open to allow maximum air circulation and ventilation.

If you store mechanical equipment with a fuel tank, ensure there is enough ventilation in the trailer to prevent a buildup of fumes and combustible vapours. Excessive heat is often enough to ignite a spark or volatile fumes.

Why Is Overheating Dangerous?

Overheating is dangerous for a few reasons. First, excessive heat presents a significant fire hazard. Depending on your cargo, a fire hazard can become explosive, presenting a substantial risk to neighbourhoods, bystanders, or other drivers.

Second, excessive heat present a real threat to your physical health. If you spend too much time in a cargo trailer, you might experience heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Both conditions are dangerous, but heat stroke can inhibit the body's ability to regulate its temperature, presenting a real threat to survival.

Finally, excessive heat can affect your haul. Some materials, including plastic, wood, and various metals, do not respond well to heat. While some woods can handle the heat, you might find lumber warped if the cargo trailer is also humid. Plastics, such as PVC pipes, will likely melt in extreme temperatures. Aluminum may corrode faster when left in a cargo trailer because of the heat and oxidation.

How Can You Prevent Overheating in Your Cargo Trailer?

Preventing a cargo trailer from overheating is easy if you know what you are doing. First, park your trailer in shaded spaces whenever possible to avoid direct sun. Second, if your trailer has windows or doors, open them to allow for ventilation.

If your trailer does not have windows, install one or two. If you do not want windows, install proper vents and fans. You might even consider installing a roof vent.

Avoid Overheated Cargo Trailers With McFarlane Venting Accessories

Overheated cargo trailers are dangerous. They present fire and safety hazards. Installing proper ventilation can help prevent many overheating issues. If you want to improve the ventilation in your trailer, check out McFarlane Trailer Sales for accessories and tools.

Understanding the Towing System for Different Trailer Types

August 23, 2023 by Kyle McFarlane

Trailers are useful for a wide variety of professional tasks and recreational activities, but there are crucial things to consider before hitching a trailer to your vehicle and hitting the road. There are different types of trailers for different uses, various parts of a tow system that makes things safe for different trailers, and even various hitches to consider as well. Safety and practicality hinge on understanding the systems you implement when towing a trailer. Learning more about how to complete your towing system can help you set it up properly for your trailer and vehicle.

Overview of Different Types of Trailers

Not only do trailers differ in terms of size, but they also vary in construction and features to accommodate different types of loads and accomplish different tasks. The types of trailers you might purchase for hauling include:

Enclosed: Trailers built with an encasement of walls and a roof designed for protecting the items you are hauling
Utility: Trailers with an open bed rather than an enclosed space
Dump: Trailers with an open box bed, liftable at the front for dumping cargo
Tilt: Trailers that also have an open-bed design, but are adjustable to tilt back and down for easier loading and unloading
Livestock: Trailers with a long, enclosed, and windowed design for transporting cattle or other livestock as comfortably as possible

Choosing the right trailer means evaluating your needs and preferences, but it also entails considering the parts you need for towing the trailer.

What To Know About Towing Systems

A towing system consists of more than just the vehicle and trailer themselves. It also includes the equipment that keeps the trailer safely and reliably coupled to the vehicle you are driving. There are 7 essential parts to account for when preparing:

Hitch: The hitch is the primary connector between the vehicle trailers, and is also the core structural component of the towing system.
Ball mount: The mount consists of a shank that inserts into the hitch and a platform that serves as a mounting point for the ball component.
Trailer ball: The ball serves as a crucial connection point between the vehicle and the trailer.
Hitch pin: This component pins various hitch components together to keep them from sliding out of place while towing the trailer.
Coupler: The front part of the trailer that latches onto the ball component.
Safety chain: These chains extend directly from the vehicle to the trailer as a safety measure to ensure that they stay connected even if other parts of the towing system experience a failure.
Wiring harness: The wiring harness connects the electrical systems of the vehicle and trailer, synchronizing tail lights, turn signals, and other important functions.

Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind is that each part must be compatible with one another and with the type of trailer you are towing as well.

Choosing the Right Hitch for Your Trailer

Before you can hit the road with your trailer, you need to choose the right hitch for the job. There are receiver hitches, ball hitches, and weight-distribution hitches that each serve unique purposes.

Choosing the right hitch comes down to the weight rating of your vehicle and the overall weight of your trailer with the load it is carrying. When you shop at McFarlane's, we can help you find the right hitch for your vehicle's make, model, and year.

Once you have the right hitch, there is one last step before you can safely start towing the trailer. It is always a good idea to inspect the trailer and system before a trip. Ensure that each part is functional and in place, check that the electrical systems are working as intended, and consider checking the condition of your trailer's tires often.

McFarlane's Makes Towing a Trailer Easy

If you need parts to complete your towing system, McFarlane Trailer Sales can help. We have a wide range of brands and parts available to help you bring your trailer out on the open road. Reach out to us today and learn more about what we can do to set up your trailer and vehicle.