Your Trailer Buying Guide

Where do you start when your looking to buy a trailer? It used to be that you would ask your friend or someone you trusted that owned a similar vehicle for a reference on a good sales person or dealership. With the introduction of internet came along the opportunity for nationwide competition on trailer sales. With the choices available of both manufacturers and dealers - it just makes your decision harder and depending on the trailer you are looking to buy it can be a substantial investment - some trailers are more then an average house.

There are several ways to start:

• Ask friends or people you trust with comparable vehicles to the vehicle you would like for references of good local dealers.

• Search the internet - type in the phrase for the trailer you would like in the search engine exp. "28' Flatbed Trailer For Sale in Denver, Co."

• Look for local trailer dealers - You can search the Yellow Pages.

• There are also several good trailer classifieds websites you can shop. A good trailer classifieds website that lists all types of trailers is Trailer Traders - along with trailer classifieds they also have local Trailer Dealer Directory.

Something to keep in mind - is that if you want to receive better trailer service it may be best to buy from a local dealer.

When you find a trailer that interests you do your reasearch.

Make sure the trailer manufacturer and dealer is reputable.
Make sure the trailer fits all your needs.
You dont want to be upgrading too soon but you dont want a trailer longer or heavier then you or your truck can handle. Of course open trailers are lighter then enclosed trailers while enclosed trailers offer additional cargo security.

Consider multiple uses for your trailer. You dont want to spend thousands on horse trailer that you rarely use then figure out if it had just been 4" longer you wouldnt need to buy that 10' enclosed cargo trailer.

Consider the future. Will the trailer you are looking at still work for you in the future?

Most trailers over 3,000lb will be dual axle. Find the trailer that fits you though. You dont want to make a bad decision based on an axle.

For safety it is recommended that any trailer you purchase have a breakaway braking system. Some of the smaller trailers typically dont have a breakaway system. Any time it is possible to have additional safety equipment that should be the preference.

The most important part of trailer purchasing is making an informed decision. Ask your trailer dealer questions, ask your truck dealer questions, and ask people you trust with trailering experience questions. That one additional question may save you thousands on trailer costs or upgrades later.