Choosing The Right Cargo Trailer

When you’ve got a heavy payload to haul from point A to point B and your car or truck just isn’t equal to the task, you’ll probably want to invest in a trailer to safely transport your stuff, from animals to equipment. Cargo trailers come in a huge range of styles to suit a variety of purposes. If you’re not sure where to begin in your hunt for a good, sturdy enclosed trailer that’s big enough for whatever you need to carry, consult this guide created by the fine folks at Mountain West Trailers, LLC, of Heber City, Utah. We can help you choose the right cargo trailer with confidence, so come to us with any questions you have!

What Are You Hauling?

Your first consideration for the type of cargo trailer you want to buy should be what you’re planning to haul in it. Some cargo doesn’t need much other than a platform to be tied to, while other cargo would benefit from an enclosed trailer that’s more protective and secure. The type of cargo you’re carrying will affect the size of the trailer you want, too. A small open trailer will be good for transporting vehicles like quads and very heavy cargo that’s hard to steal and doesn’t need protection from the elements. Larger trailers suit cars and boats, with ways to secure them so they don’t shift around.

Enclosed trailers can come with stalls for animals and space for tack and feed, or they can be outfitted with temperature controls for sensitive cargo that needs to be kept cool or warm compared to the outside temperature. There are dump trailers specifically for large payloads of loose material like dirt, gravel or landscaping compost, and there are equipment trailers with shelving and ways to secure farm tools. Determine how you’ll be using your trailer and look for one that provides you with the space and security your cargo needs.

How Far Are You Going?

The type of trailer you buy will, in part, depend on how far you plan to travel with it. For transporting gear around town, you won’t need to invest in anything very heavy-duty or any additional options. But if you’re taking cargo across the country, you want a trailer capable of handling the long haul, so you may go with a stronger and hardier option. When going long distances and stopping frequently in new places, you will also want to ensure the safety and security of your cargo. This could mean considering upgrades such as lights, stabilizers, spare tires and stronger door latches.

What's Your Budget?

Finally, you’ll have to look at your budget to determine how much you want to spend on a trailer. You should never buy more trailer than you need, which is why determining the appropriate size is so important. Another way to save money is to look at smaller and shorter trailers that will increase your fuel economy, since a large trailer that isn’t aerodynamic and has a lot of drag will greatly reduce your gas mileage, meaning you spend more at the pump. Buying a used trailer can save you hundreds of dollars while still ensuring you get a useful trailer in good condition that will serve you for years to come. You should also consider whether you’ll need to pay for storage for your trailer or if you have a place to keep it already, as a rented storage place will increase your costs. Don’t pay for accessories or options you don’t need, but don’t skimp on quality just to save money, since a trailer breakdown could be costly later on.

Visit our Heber City showroom to see our vast selection of cargo trailers, including equipment trailers and dump trailers. Mountain West Trailers LLC serves the greater SLC metro area and the city of Provo. We’re also here for our customers coming from Wasatch County and Summit County, Utah.