How to Choose Between the Different Trailer Types

Back

The right trailer can make your hauling projects efficient and hassle-free. But not all trailers work well for all situations. We've created the following buyer's guide to help you determine what trailer type is best for your needs.

If you have any questions or want to explore trailers for sale, head over to Mountain West Trailers. Our dealership is based in Heber City, Utah, and we also serve those in Salt Lake City (SLC).

1. Decide Whether You Want a General or Specialized Trailer

A great place to start is figuring out whether you need an all-purpose trailer or a specialized trailer.

All-Purpose Trailer Options:

offer the versatility to handle a range of projects, making them a great choice for those needing to haul different types of cargo
include enclosed trailers and utility trailers

Specialized Trailers:

are made for specific types of cargo and offer tailored features to make transporting those items easier
include snowmobile, ATV, and UTV trailers, which are built with easy loading of vehicles in mind
include dump trailers, which are designed for easy dumping of debris and are a great choice for property management projects

Your cargo will dictate which trailer type you need. The average homeowner will likely want an all-purpose trailer while those with unique hobbies (such as powersports vehicle riding) or jobs (such as landscaping) will likely want a trailer designed with those activities in mind.

2. Decide Whether You Want an Open or Enclosed Trailer

Trailers can either be an open or enclosed style. With the enclosed style, you'll load the cargo into a fully enclosed space and close a door. With the open style, you'll place the cargo on top of the trailer's surface where it remains exposed.

An enclosed trailer is ideal for:

cargo you want to protect from theft and vandalism, such as a powersports vehicle
cargo you want to protect from poor weather, such as cargo that could get damaged in the rain
cargo that will be hauled across a route that is full of dust, gravel that will be kicked up by other motorists, and other hazards

An open trailer is ideal for:

cargo that is difficult to load since open trailers usually run closer to the ground and won't require you to lift the item as high
cargo that doesn’t need protection
individuals on a tighter budget since open trailers tend to cost less to purchase and maintain

3. Decide the Hitch Style

Next, think about what trailer hitch style will work best for your needs: bumper pull or gooseneck.

Bumper Pull Trailers:

have a hitch that sticks out behind the tow vehicle, which creates a gap between the tow vehicle and the trailer
are compatible with a wider range of tow vehicles
tend to be more affordable

Gooseneck Trailers:

get installed directly into the bed of a truck, which means you can only use them with a tow vehicle that has a truck bed
have improved control and stability on the road
tend to cost more

4. Decide Whether You Want a New or Used Trailer

Finally, think whether you want a new trailer or a used trailer.

New trailers:

offer the latest features
offer optimized performance
cost a significant amount more

Used trailers:

come at lower asking prices thanks to depreciation, which can allow you to get a higher quality model than you'd be able to afford new
could have some damage or issues, so you'll want to inspect them thoroughly

Either option can work great. The right choice for you depends on your budget and the features you need most.

Ready to shop trailers for sale? Check out the selection at Mountain West Trailers. Our friendly staff can answer questions, give advice, and help you find the perfect trailer for your needs. We are located in Heber City, but proudly serve all of SLC as well!