Stay Organized and Protected With an Enclosed Trailer from McFarlane’s

March 7, 2023 by
Stay Organized and Protected With an Enclosed Trailer from McFarlane'sWhen your worksite isn’t tied to one spot, you need a secure and efficient way to transport and store your tools and equipment. Opting for an enclosed cargo trailer ticks all the boxes, making it a smart investment whether you’re on a new job every day or working at a single site for months at a time. Read on to learn all the benefits of owning an enclosed trailer, and why McFarlane Trailer Sales should be your first and only stop when you’re ready to buy.

They're More Secure Than Open Trailers

Keeping your valuable tools and equipment in your truck bed or an exposed trailer is an invitation to theft. With no barrier between your belongings and opportunistic thieves, your stuff can be easily lifted even when you’re on an active job site. If you try leaving your items unsecured overnight, good luck finding anything but an empty trailer bed in the morning.An enclosed and locked trailer provides a greater level of security by making your equipment inaccessible to prying hands. Whether you’re just stepping away from your truck for a few minutes or leaving it at your worksite overnight, your belongings are a less tempting target in an enclosed hauler. Most thieves prefer to avoid the extra work of breaking into a well-secured trailer.

They Offer Better Weather Protection

It’s not just theft you have to worry about when you’re on the go with your gear. From rust damage caused by snow and rain to fading and cracking brought on by harsh sunlight, weather conditions wreak havoc on unprotected equipment. Basic coverings don’t offer much defence; even when securely tied down, a tarp does little to battle back the fierce elements.When you’ve got an enclosed trailer to shield your belongings, your stuff is protected in any type of weather. Everything stays safe and dry, prolonging the lifespan and utility of your tools. Enclosed trailers are so effective at protecting what's inside, you may even find yourself taking shelter in yours when weather conditions become particularly tough!

They Allow for Safer Transport

If you’ve ever pulled over to check for lost tools after hitting a speed bump or taking a turn too fast, you’ll eliminate the fear of your favourite wrench or hacksaw flying off your truck bed by hauling your stuff in an enclosed trailer. It’s not only bothersome to lose key equipment because it wasn’t adequately secured, but it can also be dangerous when items fall off your truck.Driving with your gear in an enclosed trailer eliminates the risk of losing critical equipment and creating road hazards. It also protects your belongings from being damaged by roadway debris, so everything you need to do your job arrives at the site in one piece.

Trust McFarlane for Top Service and Selection

Now that you know the advantages of transporting your tools and equipment in an enclosed trailer, it’s time to shop for the best hauler to meet your needs. Simplify your search by visiting McFarlane Trailer Sales in New Hamburg today.At McFarlane, we sell and service a wide range of utility trailers, from livestock carriers to flatbeds. As a trusted dealer of North America’s top trailer brands, we’ll hook you up with the right hauler and provide ongoing service to keep you successfully transporting your gear for years to come. We stand behind every trailer we sell and aim for total satisfaction for each customer we serve.  Just give us a call, or fill out our simple online contact form to get in touch. Whatever your line of work, the McFarlane team is ready to help you find the perfect enclosed trailer!

5 Things to Consider When Purchasing an Enclosed Trailer

September 29, 2022 by
  5 Things to Consider When Purchasing an Enclosed Trailer Trying to select among several high-quality enclosed utility trailers is a complex process and one that requires ample thought and planning. Think about the material of the trailer itself, what type of roof you need, access to your trailer door, whether you need a new driver's license, and how thick you need the outer skin of the covering to be.1. Should I buy a Steel or Aluminum Trailer?Steel trailers tend to be less expensive than aluminum trailers, though they do have more upkeep and maintenance costs. Steel trailers usually rust more easily. This risk increases with each scratch of the paint. Steel trailers are also heavier than aluminum, which reduces how much cargo you can carry.Aluminum trailers allow you to carry more weight and tend to resist rust and corrosion. They are more expensive upfront, however, and can crack and warp if too much weight is applied.2. Differences of a Flat or Rounded RoofA good measure of the type of trailer roof you need is the type of weather that you will most often experience. A rounded roof is much more conducive to a snowy climate since the snow will slide off the roof and not create additional weight or risk collapsing the roof. This will be less of a concern if your trailer is parked in a garage or underneath a carport during the winter. If you do not deal with very much snow, a flat roof will serve your purposes well.A round roof also adds 3" to 6" of additional headspace when working inside the trailer. Loading and unloading are much easier this way. Flat roofs are less expensive and generally have just enough headspace inside to move and maneuver large items. Cleaning and maintaining the top can be labour intensive, however.3. Which is Better For You? A Ramp or Barn Door?Are you driving equipment up into the trailer? Are you often using a wheelbarrow to load soils, bricks, or construction debris? If so, a ramp will save you time and energy. On the other hand, a ramp could be a nuisance if you need to frequently park in crowded lots at trade shows, fairs, markets, and festivals. Laying down the ramp adds another six feet to your footprint. A barn door usually only adds half of that amount or less.4. Would I Need to Upgrade My Driver's License?It depends on how much weight you are hauling, and the maximum gross vehicle weight rating. Different provinces and jurisdictions have different rules, but if your weight rating is over 4,500 kg you may need to qualify for a new license. Check with your local licensing office to confirm what endorsements you need.5. What Exterior Thickness and Colour Do I Need?The standard for manufacturing aluminum covers for enclosed utility trailers used to be 0.40 gauge or 0.50 gauge. Now it is closer to 0.24. The higher the number, the thicker the gauge. Many manufacturers have chosen to save money on gauge thickness while still supplying an adequate product. Thin aluminum siding is inexpensive, but it can produce a wavy appearance.Think about the colour of your trailer in combination with its thickness. A black, thin aluminum product will likely produce waves as it warps and stretches in the sun. Black absorbs more heat than other colours and shows more imperfections. All of this is cosmetic, however. Aluminum siding will likely not warp or stretch enough to cause structural problems.

Buy Enclosed Utility Trailers from McFarlane

Our trailers are ideal for transporting snowmobiles, ATVs, and small heavy equipment. Warranties we offer range from 1 to 5 years. Reach out to us via our website or give us a call during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.

The Importance of Servicing Your Enclosed Utility Trailer

May 31, 2022 by
The Importance of Servicing Your Enclosed Utility TrailerThe trailer is one of the most important parts of any towing setup. Nevertheless, you may take it for granted, not giving much thought to its maintenance because it doesn't use oil as your towing vehicle does. Still, enclosed utility trailers do have moving parts, which means that they need regular maintenance if they are going to stay in good shape. Here are some answers to questions you may have about maintaining your trailer.

How Important Is It To Maintain Your Trailer?

Regular maintenance on your trailer helps it meet or exceed its expected useful lifespan. This means that your money goes further following your purchase. Maintaining your trailer regularly also helps you to avoid unpleasant surprises that result from your trailer breaking down on the road in the middle of towing something large and cumbersome.

How Often Should You Service Your Enclosed Utility Trailer?

Generally speaking, it should be sufficient to have your trailer serviced at least every six months. There are some specific features that you should check more often according to manufacturers' recommendations. These include the breakaway functionality, tire pressure, and wheel torque. If you have access to the service manual for your trailer, this should include a maintenance schedule for you to follow. 

What Are Some Specific Maintenance Tasks That Enclosed Utility Trailers Require?

The manufacturer of your trailer may also publish trailer maintenance checklists that you can use as a guide. While it is best to use a maintenance checklist written specifically for your trailer, this is not always necessary. If you can find a list for a trailer that has all the same components as yours, you can still use it.Examples of maintenance tasks that typically need to be performed on an enclosed utility trailer include the following:
  • Tires: Check your tires for cracks that indicate dry rotting. If you find any, your tires need to be replaced. Your tires also need replacement if the tread has reached the wear bar or is less than 2/32 of an inch deep. You also need to check the air pressure in the tire often, which can fluctuate with changes in the weather.
  • Hitch: An improperly aligned hitch can make steering difficult or cause the trailer to sway from side to side. You should check the hitch frequently for damage, and if you are experiencing problems that may relate to improper alignment, you should have it adjusted.
  • Brakes: Problems with the brakes or the trailer brake controller could cause the trailer to jackknife or skid when stopping. When you grab each brake shoe and try to rock it back and forth, the resistance from the brake drum should be equal and the movement should be smooth without any stuttering or play.
  • Body: Keep the body of the trailer free from corrosion by keeping it clean and using sprays, coatings, sealants, or waxes. Keeping the trailer clean also helps you to identify minor problems early on.

Do You Need To Grease the Wheel Bearings?

Whether you need to grease the wheel bearings depends on what kind of trailer you have. Newer trailers are more likely to have wheel bearings that are lubed for life. However, if your trailer is older, you may still have to grease the wheel bearings. How often you do this depends on the size of your trailer and how often you use it. Grease the bearings every six months when the trailer is not in use or every 2,000 to 12,000 miles when it is.

Do You Need To Perform Trailer Maintenance Yourself?

You do not need to perform the required maintenance on your trailer yourself. If you are unfamiliar with the processes or have an issue that you cannot identify and resolve yourself, you can take it to the service department at McFarlane. Find out more about the trailer maintenance and repair services we offer.

Selecting the Right Pace Enclosed Utility Trailer for Your Business

April 14, 2022 by
Selecting the Right Pace Enclosed Utility Trailer for Your BusinessEnclosed utility trailers are a staple for many businesses, and finding a reliable model can significantly impact the bottom line. For example, if your trailer breaks down on the way to a job, you may lose the contract and suffer harm to your reputation. Settling for a trailer that doesn't meet your needs is another issue, as you'll have to deal with inconvenience that affects the quality of your work.What can you do to ensure you find the right utility trailer? The first step is to learn as much as possible.

What Are the Uses of Enclosed Utility Trailers?

Enclosed trailers offer protection from the elements, which can be extremely valuable to businesses that haul equipment or products from site to site. Since the trailer unhitches, you can leave the entire thing behind as makeshift storage. Enclosed trailers lock, ensuring that your tools are safe no matter where they sit.Landscapers are especially fond of enclosed utility trailers since they come in various sizes, making it easy to store large machines such as lawnmowers. Additionally, a single truck can haul a trailer, which means you don't have to worry about securing a specialized vehicle.You may also consider enclosed trailers if you're moving your business to a new location. In addition to holding equipment, enclosed utility trailers can haul furniture and appliances.What if you're in-between offices or need to set up a temporary space? You can utilize an enclosed utility trailer. This option is especially appealing if you expect to move around a lot, as you can arrive and set up shop in no time.

What Should You Look for When Choosing an Enclosed Utility Trailer?

There is a wide range of models on the market, so finding the right enclosed utility trailer takes some research. The good news is that since there are so many options, you're sure to find a model that checks all the boxes.Your first step should be deciding what you need out of your trailer. The purpose informs the structure and features, so ask the following questions:
  • Will you store tools in it? If so, what kind?
  • Will you need to work inside it?
  • How often will you be moving?
Now that you know what you'll be hauling, it's time to look at the dimensions. You need a trailer that can comfortably and safely fit all your items. You'll also need to check out the limits on job sites to ensure your trailer will fit on the grounds.If you plan to work inside it, you need to account for meetings with clients or employees. You may opt for a domed roof in this case to provide more headroom.Once you've figured out the dimensions, it's time to look into materials. Most trailers are made of either aluminum or steel, both of which are fairly durable. However, aluminum is lighter and therefore offers better fuel economy. On the other hand, steel is less expensive, though you have to worry about rust.

What Makes Pace Trailers Stand Out?

Pace makes hardy trailers used by a variety of companies. It offers a wide selection of models, many of which are designed for a particular purpose:
  • Hauling snowmobiles
  • Storing landscaping vehicles
  • Converting into a mobile office
No matter which you choose, your trailer can stand against the elements, as all Pace offerings are made with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship. Additionally, Pace invests in the latest manufacturing technology, ensuring every trailer has a cutting-edge design.Companies in the market for top-tier enclosed utility trailers should start their search at McFarlane Trailer Sales. To learn more, give us a call. To peruse our selection, visit us online.

6 Questions To Ask Before Buying An Enclosed Trailer

February 28, 2022 by
6 Questions To Ask Before Buying An Enclosed TrailerAt a first glance, purchasing enclosed utility trailers seems easy enough. You pick the size you need, choose from the available colours and then you’re on your way. This sounds great on paper, but when you arrive at the dealership, you’ll find that you have a lot more options than you think. Familiarizing yourself with these six questions can reduce decision fatigue, so you can easily and quickly pick the right choice for you.1. Steel or AluminumMore often than not, you will pay less for a steel trailer than an aluminum one. However, while aluminum costs more upfront, the lighter weight means it costs you less at the gas pump and on wear-and-tear for your vehicle. Aluminum trailers also tend not to rust, while steel trailers do. However, with the right coating, steel trailers can last for as long as aluminum trailers. It’s worth noting that a lot of modern manufacturers have moved toward using aluminum.2. Does Thickness of the Outer Skin Matter?The first factor to consider when looking at the thickness of the outer skin is cost. If you need to spend as little as possible on your trailer and only need it for light or casual use, thin skin works fine. The colour also makes a difference. Darker trailers look sleek, but they attract more heat and begin to warm. An outer skin helps to maintain the original form. Skin thickness of .030/.040 or .050 means better durability.3. What About the Height?When it comes to trailer height, owners have two main questions in mind. Will it fit in the garage and can they stand inside? In some cases, one negates the other. A standing-height trailer is unlikely to fit inside a standard garage. Lower heights also minimize wind resistance, which can improve fuel efficiency and towing stability. Ideally, you should match the height of the trailer with the height of your intended tow vehicle. Thankfully you can customize to whatever height you want or need. 4. Flat or Rounded Roof?If you plan to use your trailer in the winter, the rounded roof is better for shedding snow. The slope also provides some additional headroom. If you have a flat roof, you may need to manually remove the snow when snowfall is heavy to prevent roof damage. Some owners also claim the less boxy shape of a rounded roof helps to minimize drag, but the effect is likely minimal compared to the effects of choosing a trailer with a lower height.5. Ramp or Barn DoorRamp doors are excellent if you need to wheel anything into the cargo trailer. This could range from lawnmowers to ATVs and also work great for loading skids and pallets. If you use your trailer in tight spots and don’t need to wheel anything into the space, ramp doors could be more trouble than they’re worth. They do require an extra six feet or so to open whereas barn doors take up very little space.6. Do You Need To Upgrade Your Vehicle Registration?The only way to determine whether you need to upgrade your vehicle registration is to check with local laws. Keep the following in mind:
  • Ontario law treats trailers as separate vehicles, so they must be registered before you can tow them.
  • When you register your trailer, you receive a license plate for it and a permit that you should carry with you when towing.
  • You may need to upgrade your license if you tow a trailer more than 4,600 kg.
  • You may need to upgrade your insurance to cover the trailer.
Once you have all the answers to the questions you need, you can visit your local McFarlane Trailer Sales with peace of mind. Our experienced sales team will point you to the trailer that best suits your needs. Check out our current inventory online.