3 Things To Consider Before Buying A Single Axle Utility Trailer
January 20, 2022 by Kyle McFarlaneBuying a single axle utility trailer is one of the best investments you can make for your business or for recreation. Utility trailers are versatile and significantly improve the functionality of any vehicle you tow them with. Even so, you do need to consider a few things before making a final decision on which trailer is right for you and your needs.
1. Can Your Vehicle Tow This Trailer?
Before you purchase any trailer, it’s crucial that you determine the capabilities of your existing vehicle. Talk to your mechanic and consult your manual to determine what your vehicle can handle based on its specs and current condition.
When you determine the capability, try to use 80% or less of that capacity. For example, if your truck has a tow rating of 10,000 lbs, the gross weight of the trailer should be 8,000 lbs or less. This reduces wear and tear on the vehicle and ensures better towing stability.
You also need to determine whether your vehicle has an existing tow package. If it doesn’t, you might need to install a hitch and trailer connections. Depending on the weight you intend to carry and the gradient of the areas you travel through, you might also need a bigger transmission cooler.
Finally, consider the hitch setup. Some utility trailers are bumper pulls, while others require gooseneck configurations. Bumper pulls tend to be less expensive but gooseneck trailers are more stable and tend to have higher weight capacities. Note that you need a pickup truck to tow a gooseneck trailer.
2. What Is Your Intended Use?
Consider what you need it for today and what you might use it for a year from now. If you need a utility trailer for work and play, consider the different requirements of both and see how best a custom trailer can meet those needs. Here are some examples:
- Clean-Ups: When you have multiple people working on a cleanup site, utility trailers are a perfect choice. There is easy access for each person to secure everything from bags of leaves to pieces of old furniture.
- Construction: Pickup trucks are great for construction, but even the longest bed and cab configurations are no match for utility trailers. You can use trailers to carry machines, tools, lumber and other essentials for the job.
- Recreation: With the cost of RVs and camping gear rising, people have turned to utility trailers as nice alternatives. They are great for hauling camping gear, recovery gear, kayaks and even attaching a rooftop tent with the appropriate racks.
3. Is the Single Axle Utility Trailer Right Trailer for You?
Tow vehicle compatibility and intended use are the two biggest determining factors for whether this trailer is right for you. However, there are a few more factors to keep in mind:
- Weight: Each axle increases the weight limit for your utility trailer. Consequently, you might need more than just one axle if you plan to haul heavy loads. If you’re transporting UTVs or large trees, for example, you might need a different trailer.
- Maneuverability: Most trailer owners find single-axle trailers much easier to maneuver and back into tight spots. If you have limited space or need to back the trailer around tight curves, the single axle utility trailer might be the best option for you.
- Cost: If you’re looking for a low-cost trailer to get you started, you would be hard-pressed to find a more affordable option. You can lower prices even more by buying one used.
At McFarlane Trailer Sales, we sell both custom-built and used trailers. This makes it easy for you to find the right single axle utility trailer that suits your needs and your budget. Whether you want to grow your business or just have a new hobby the trailer can help out with, you’ve come to the right place. Contact us to get started.