Types to Consider Before Buying

Choosing a Trailer

If you are going to purchase a utility trailer, it is important that you consider a few things first: What do you plan to use the utility trailer for? Are you hauling sports equipment or building supplies? Do you want to leave items in the trailer overnight or protect them from the weather? How large are the items you plan to put in the trailer? What vehicle are you going to use to haul the utility trailer? Having a clear picture of how you plan to use the utility trailer will allow you to make the best buying decision.

Open Trailers vs. Enclosed Trailers

Utility trailers can either come open or fully enclosed. An open trailer allows you to quickly access items inside. They are great for hauling building materials and other items that you don’t necessarily intend to leave in the trailer long-term. It is also possible to haul recreational vehicles and other bulky items in the open trailers.

Enclosed trailers offer protection from the weather and also make it easier to leave your items inside the trailer overnight or for a longer amount of time. They are enclosed all the way around with a locking door. Enclosed trailers come in all sorts of sizes (just like open utility trailers), but once you have purchased one, you are limited by the height of the trailer. With an open trailer, you can put taller things inside without having to worry about this. However, the security of the enclosed trailer is very helpful.

Sports Utility Trailers

Sports utility trailers come in all shapes and sizes and are generally used to haul a more specific set of items, including ATVs, motorcycles, bicycles and other outdoor equipment. Many people prefer sports utility trailers because they are usually enclosed. While they are available in many sizes, they are sized to fit recreational items. Other trailers are not necessarily designed this way. Also, because they are enclosed, if you are out camping or doing something where there isn’t a lot of natural cover, your items can be safe and dry inside of the trailer.

Foldable Trailers

Foldable trailers are generally smaller and lightweight. They are intended to be used and then folded up and put away. Because they fold, they can be stored in a small place. If you don’t intend to use the trailer very often, this is a big advantage because finding a place to store a larger trailer can be difficult. Also, because these utility trailers are usually purchased for less frequent use, they are designed to be very easy to use and quick to fold up. Common items hauled in a utility trailer include mattresses, building materials (such as wood, brick, etc.), dirt and other items that most people don’t tow on a regular basis.

Other Things to Consider

While those are the basics of the different utility trailers available, there are modifications and other items you may need to purchase when owning a utility trailer. Depending on what you are using it for, you may need a ramp or some kind of tilt-mechanism in the trailer to ensure you can get the items inside. For example, if you plan to haul ATVs in an open trailer, make sure you have something that can work as a ramp, since you won’t be able to lift these items. However, if you’re planning to haul your camping equipment, a ramp is not necessary. You can simply pick up your items and either place them directly inside or step up onto the trailer and place them. After you purchase a trailer, you may also want to consider getting a spare tire, a wheel lock and/or brake lighting accessories. Be sure that you know how to use all of these items before you use your trailer, just in case.