Whether you need to haul the occasional light load, or your job requires the daily transfer of heavy materials and equipment, a trailer is the key to easy, successful, and stress-free transport. But if you've never owned a trailer before, you may have questions about how to choose the right one. To that end, below are answers to some of the more commonly asked questions about trailers.

Answers to Common Trailer Questions

What different types of trailers are available?

There are a wide variety of trailers on the market today. An enclosed trailer is completely surrounded with four walls and a ceiling and is designed to keep items inside secure and safe from the elements. A utility trailer hauls equipment that won't fit in a standard vehicle; most are open on the sides and top. 

A flatbed trailer contains a single, open platform that hauls large machinery, bulk cargo, or other large payloads. A dump trailer has a hydraulic system that lifts the bed from the trailer frame, making it easy to unload heavy cargo.

How do I know what size trailer I need?

In general, you want a trailer that is the same width or just a little wider than the towing vehicle. This will ensure your vehicle can control the trailer and you can adequately see other vehicles beside and behind it. Also, consider the size of the item(s) you will regularly haul; larger payloads demand more space.

What are some important trailer-related terms I should know?

When shopping around, you might encounter a few unfamiliar terms, but knowing what they mean will point you in the direction of the right trailer. The gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR, lets you know how much, in total, the trailer can safely weigh when on the road. 

The gross axle weight rating, or GAWR, is the maximum amount of weight that can be placed on each of the axles; this will differ between the front and rear axles. Payload capacity refers to the total weight of the cargo you can haul in the trailer.

Will the trailer I buy be compatible with my vehicle?

Maybe. It depends on the size of the trailer and the towing capacity of your vehicle. Some vehicles can be outfitted with hitching systems so they can tow trailers. This calculator can help you determine your vehicle's towing capacity.

When you're in the market for a new trailer, visit Rumley Trailers. Since 1989, they have been serving customers throughout the Browns Summit, NC, area. They sell a wide variety of trailers and trailer parts, including enclosed, utility, flatbed, and dump models. They also provide trailer repairs, service, and maintenance. Call (336) 669-0709 or visit them online to learn more about their current inventory.