When you shop to buy a box trailer, you need to look out for features that will make your investment a useful one! You may know some common aspects such as what size trailer is right for you etc. This blog will uncover some less evident facets that you should consider when buying a box trailer.
1. Tare Weight
- A durable box trailer that comes with low tare weight for easy manoeuvrability and optimal fuel efficiency is what you want to buy.
- Trailers with aluminium panels are perfect for the job; aluminium is lighter and can withstand corrosion and rust formation. For instance: A 3000 kg box trailer with aluminium sides, you’re looking at around a 550 kg tare weight – this box trailer is adequately lightweight, and you can manoeuvre it yourself with a jockey wheel.
2. Payload Capacity
How many loads do you intend to haul with your new box trailer? Most people glance at the ATM weight, the total weight obtained by adding the tare weight and payload capacity.
- You should be looking at the payload capacity to determine if it is appropriate for what you want to carry.
- And you need to look at the ATM weight to determine if it is perfect for your car, Ute or 4WD to haul.
3. Loading & Unloading Handiness
- Loading Height: A higher trailer means you would not have to bend to place the items into the box trailer. However, ensure it’s not too high, else you will have to make extra efforts to lift goods higher.
- Tip or Tilt: If you load your trailer with rubble, sand and other materials, you may opt for a tip or tilt trailer that can dump the load.
- Detachable/ Hinging Sides: The benefit of hinge down or detachable sides are you would not have to lift up and over the side.
- Ramps: Consider ramp, as it can push goods onto the trailer in a cart, wheelbarrow or trolley. If your goods are automotive such as a lawnmower or machinery, then it will prove beneficial.
4. Tie-Down Points
Do you want to tie down your load with assured safety and security? Look for a box trailer that comes with robust, stable and handy interior tie-down points (lashing hooks) integrated. Besides, use good quality lashing straps that would not crack, break or detach.
5. Braking
Trailers with a registered ATM over 750 kg ought to have brakes on all axles along with a breakaway system. Few options available include:
- Electric Brakes
- Electric Hydraulic
- Override Mechanical
- Override Hydraulic
6. Material Selection
As you’ll be owning the box trailer for many years to carry out your job, make sure it is of high quality and durable materials so that it serves you for many years to come without hassles.
- Chassis: In Australia, particularly on the east coast, trailers are often exposed to salt air ocean breezes apart from other unpleasant environmental conditions. Therefore, choosing a box trailer with a hot-dipped galvanised chassis will help avert rust formation.
- Sides: For the remaining trailer structure, avoid painted steel and bare steel – that is because they will corrode faster. Get a box trailer galvanised in some way!
7. Wheels
- Make sure you get new wheels and tyres for your box trailer – that is because many of the trailer dealers out there fit second-hand wheels and deliver them with the new trailer.
- Your safety depends on the trailer tyres, so make sure your box trailer gets good quality wheels and tyres.
- Scrutinise the ratings and specifications of the wheel carefully, including noise, wet grip and rolling resistance ratings.
8. Ramps, Cage, Racks etc.
- Well, you might not need any optional accessories or extras now, but it is wise to find a box trailer that is compatible with extra accessories for the future.
- Some trailer manufacturers weld the ladder racks or cage onto the trailer, so they become permanent accessories. If it is what you want, it is all right! Nevertheless, accessories that can be fixed and detached at any time is in huge demand.
Final Words
Thus, box trailers for sale should come with a payload capacity ideal for what you want to carry. And it should include –
- A controllable tare weight,
- A hot-dipped galvanised chassis,
- Sufficient tie-down points,
- Galvanised or aluminium sides,
- Braking system (if the trailer’s GTM (gross trailer mass) exceeds 750 kg),
- Safe new wheels,
- Easy to load and unload feature,
- And get additional accessories.
