Baby, You Can Drive My Trailer
It may not occur to you at first, but there are a lot of trailers on the road. And I don’t mean 18-wheelers. Everything from vehicles towing landscaping equipment to child-carts riding behind bicycles are considered trailers. You’d probably think in today’s world the practice of moving heavy materials or another human around would be as simple as turning on a light switch. Well, it can be, but there is a right and wrong way to do everything - and while towing a hefty load the wrong way can cause funny, aggravating or possibly hazardous results.
How to buy and where to rent
Purchasing a trailer can be as arduous as shopping for a new or used car. Many dealerships specialize in multiple hauler types, from construction to landscaping and horse trailers. Some trusted brands you want to remember are Econoline, Pace American and the hilariously titled EZ-Dumper. Depending on size, your purchase could range from the low price of a few hundred dollars to upwards of $60k! Much like shopping for a car you can compare the inventory of various dealers, and buy certified pre-owned (aka- used) equipment.
Since you are purchasing a trailer, you obviously need one that fits all your requirements. Price range aside, you must keep in the daily use of your equipment. If you need a 4-horse carrier but are only willing to buy a two-horse due to cost, that isn’t going to help you much in the long run. There are always financing and leasing alternatives; you don’t want to be leaving lawnmowers behind on customer’s property because all didn’t fit on your discount trailer. Dealers are usually more than willing to figure out a finance option that fits any budget.
Of course, not all of us need a full-time trailer, usually it’s only required for a one-time move. So now we delve into the exciting world of renting. Nothing better than trusting your material possessions to a piece of machinery hundreds of people have abused over the years.
We’ve all heard horrible stories about someone’s moving adventure, especially when it comes to equipment rentals. Usually, these are tales of hell and damnation. Think about it; humans were once nomads, moving from one place to another with relative ease. These days, it has gotten a lot more complicated. Whether it’s a local run or cross country relocation, there are a few things you should think about before you depart with a trailer behind you.
Now, we don’t want to turn this into an anti-U-Haul blog, (do a search, there are already PLENTY of those) but some of the most hilariously horrid stories come from U-Haul experiences. Many of them revolve around incorrect reservations, people wanting a small van and getting stuck with a huge moving truck, or vice versa. Some anecdotes are far worse, with constant breakdowns, multiple replacements trucks for one trip, arrests and even deaths.
An argument has been made about customer responsibility as well. Let’s be honest, if you are an 18-year-old moving to college this is probably your first rental, let alone the first time driving anything with trailers attached. Still, U-Haul’s CEO has made a promise to change the image of his company. He released his personal cell phone number on national television, asking people to call and complain directly to him. Perhaps one day we shall travel highways with our family possessions in tow, carefree and not the least bit concerned about accidents. Besides, it’s not good practice for a company to maim their customers. And while it is their duty to refuse a renter they feel is unsafe (hitching a one-ton trailer to a Ford Focus, for example) the consumer can be stubborn. Do you feel you or your vehicles are capable of securely pulling a load over long distances?
How to set up your trailer - Are you fit to tow?
Depending on what you’re trailing behind your vehicle, you don’t need any special licenses. Yet, there are some basics to realize before you go hauling dangerous and heavy equipment around town. Make sure your vehicle is capable of towing the load size you have in mind. You can check the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating with any car or trailer manufacture, and also the Gross Axle Weight Rating for single-axle trailers. A mid-size car probably should not be towing a 4,000 ton load. If you happen to own a new Ford F-150 they were just given a high tow rate of 11,300 pounds. Before anyone decides to hitch up and take off in a trailer keep in mind Federal law requires them to have brake lights, side marker lights, turn signals, reflectors and backup lights.
And be sure to balance our the weight of your cargo evenly, both back to front and side-to-side. Do not over stuff you load, it could lead to disastrous consequences. Before you depart, check all hitches and lights, double check towing capacity and even drive the rig around the block before heading off. Taking these safety tips into mind will help you have a happy and uneventful journey.
Everyday use and alternative trailers
Dog trailers as well as kid carriers for bicycles have become extremely popular, and safer! The doggie-hitch system wasn’t always the most maneuverable, tipping over many times or not turning properly at higher speeds. A lot of times, your pooch would jump out in pursuit of a rabbit or ball. Today’s child and animal trailers for bikes are state of the art, and extremely safe - made with light yet strong metal braces to protect in case of collision. New hitches are built to turn at various speeds. And most importantly, these trailers actually close! So no worries about Fido running out or your child bouncing off the sidewalk. Still, be sure your son or daughter is sitting upright with a helmet firmly strapped on.
More than ever Americans are riding bikes as commuters, thanks to the rapid climb in fuel prices. Rickshaws are spotted in more cities to compete with taxi cabs and limo services. Courier services, once a job fit for single riders with thin envelopes in their messenger bags, are now fitting cycles with extended trailers for high volume deliveries.
Aside from the typical utility trailers you may need something to haul your horses. Transporting one or several elegant horses to shows or rodeos can be an uncomfortable experience for the animal. You want to make sure there is plenty of room for each horse in your carrier, about 10 feet per horse. You can compensate for less room by having a lightly colored interior and using trailers with several openings for heads to hang out and the sun to come in. Roof openings are also helpful, this will allow for more sun and proper ventilation. The last thing you want to do is stress out your four legged friends. When shopping for an animal trailer, try to look at a trailer from the animal’s perspective.
Do some research, figure out a budget, and always remember to drive safe - these are some of the key factors you should think about before making a smart trailer rental or purchase. Did you enjoy the pictures? You can see more funny trailer photos here.
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