Page 4, Trailer Options for Versatility

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What makes a good Trailer?

Trailer Design
Trailer Design
for Versatility

Links for further reading:
1. Introduction.
2. Trailer Strength.
3. Stability.
4. Versatility.
Choosing the Right
Utility Trailer.

More Articles . . .

Page 4: Options for Versatility
A look at Trailer Options for Greater Utility
Versatility is a broad and sometimes vague area to define. In the context of a utility trailer, the necessary (or even desired) options that make the trailer versatile are so highly dependent on the intended use. However, when you have a need, choosing the right options will certainly effect how much you like (and use) the trailer.
The areas below are intended as items to consider. The desirability and usefulness will depend on individual preferences and the given application.

Size Considerations:

Trailer Size (and size related options) are the obvious first choices. Most of these options are really fundamental decisions made at the start and are not usually variable.
There are several Capacity Options available. Typical sizes are 1000#, 2000#, 3500#, 5200#, 6000# and multiples of these.
Next are choices for the Number of Axles. Do you choose a single axle? Or double? Or maybe even triple? It all depends on the need.
Overall Trailer Size will also depend on the need. (See your local restrictions on width if you are considering wide trailers.)

Suspension Type is sometimes overlooked as an option because leaf springs are so common. Actually, the typical leaf spring with pivots is the most common, but slipper type leafs are also popular -- especially in high capacity and multi-axle trailers. Rubber torsion suspensions are gaining popularity on light duty trailers because of compactness.

Other types of suspensions seen once in a while are the coil spring (right) or latitude leaf spring (below) shown in these 2 pictures.

Some functional options for Brakes (needed or not?) including types and methods of actuation (electric, hydraulic, applied or surge) are discussed in detail in the Stability section.
Breakaway brake activation can be another nice safety feature. Basically these devises activate the trailer brakes if the breakaway connection comes disconnected. These are used mostly in more industrial and heavy applications and require additional setup, configuration and maintenance.

Options for Wheels & Tires abound. Trailer specific wheels and tires are available for most applications, however, automotive components offer some nice benefits. From a functional standpoint, automotive tires offer a better ride and wider availability. Then for aesthetics, automotive components offer a whole world of options. Like with cars, wheels can make the look, so if you want to go in style, get the nice wheels. Just be sure the specs (load, speed, size) match your intended use.
A Spare Tire. Do you need one? If so, where should it be stored? The picture at right shows a good idea as a place to keep the spare. Not only is it out of the way, but it's convenient to check the tire pressure.

How important is a spare tire?

Perhaps a better question is how often are spare tires used? The answers to these questions may be best attained with an assessment of the trailer use. If the trailer is rarely used, or stored in the sun where dry-rot can be an issue, it might be really important to have a spare. On the other hand, if you carefully inspect the trailer before use, keep the tires in good shape and have a good road-side assistance program, a spare may not be needed.
If it's possible in your circumstance, a nice idea for efficiency is to have the wheels and tires of the trailer match those of the tow vehicle. That way, if there is a flat, the vehicle spare will accomplish the task for any of the wheels.
From a personal standpoint, in all the years I've pulled a trailer, I've only needed a spare once, and it was the same size as the tow vehicle. I had 2 spares, and wondered why?

Adjustable Height Hitch

The Type of Hitch used to pull your load is certainly an option. Normally it's a given with a particular trailer as to whether it's a bumper type hitch or a goose neck or a 5th wheel -- though I have seen some interesting conversions.
In the realm of bumper type hitches, there is optional equipment to help stabilize the trailer with respect to the load. Load-Distributing Hitches are a great thing for this. Dampers between the trailer and tow vehicle are also available, but usually if one is needed, there are other more serious issues with stability. (See the Trailer Stability page for more information.)

Tongue Jack and Safety Chains

The option for a tongue jack and whether it has a wheel or not and whether it telescopes or not. From a functional standpoint, the size of a tongue jack wheel will determine how easily the trailer can be moved (off the hitch) on concrete, gravel and/or dirt (or muddy) surfaces. For trailers to be stored on dirt surfaces, a larger tongue jack wheel may be desired.
Safety chains are required in most places and are a very good idea. The chains (and chain attachment points on both the trailer and the tow vehicle) must be sized appropriately for the trailer. Obviously a small, light duty trailer needs far less in safety chain than a Caterpillar hauling monster.

Sides (or not) are an obvious variation. They come in all different sizes and configurations. Think about your intended use, then choose sides or not; make the sides permanent or removable; choose solid sides or perhaps slatted, tall or short.

For the creative, when remodeling a trailer, the bed and sides can be extended beyond the wheels as shown in the picture on the left. Just be careful then in the loading and load distribution.
If you choose sides, you may also want a Trailer Top. The top can be canvas, or hard; it may be permanent or removable. A top may lift to gain access or it may be stationary.
One item of particular importance to consider with a top is the weather. What will it carry? Is water an issue? Where and how will the trailer be stored?

That brings up the next item -- Fenders. There are all sorts of fenders available from stamped steel to plastic, fiberglass or wood. They come square, round or as pasture fenders. Mostly they do the same job, so looks and taste are the big reasons for consideration. Also, your state or province may regulate the need for fenders.
Another popular option is ramps. Sometimes the ramp is really the tailgate that folds down, sometimes they are purpose built for motorcycles or ATV's, or perhaps a store under variety like on some of our trailers. Let your needs dictate the type of ramp.
A good usability option that is often overlooked at the time of purchase is that of tie-down points. Tie-down points are especially important with open utility trailers. Sometimes the tie points are part of the frame, sometimes attached to the sides. Examine tie points to be sure they are adequate, accessible and not in the way. (I've wracked my knee many times against tie points welded in an exposed location.)

Round bars on the trailer sides make great tie points all along.
Tie points should be located in convenient locations based on the intended loads, or (as in most of our designs) have adjustable positioning. Dedicated tie points for specific loads (like motorcycles or ATV's) must be strong enough for the given application.

Added Storage compartments like the tongue box in the picture can make a nice addition to a trailer. As with this box, a nice weather tight (and/or secure) place to put tools, tie-downs and other items can be very useful. Boxes such as this can also be added to the sides just in front or behind the wheels, or just under the bed. It all depends on the specific application, and on your needs.
Finally, every trailer designer has some nifty options available with their trailers. Some we have done are the movable (adjustable) axle, and the removable tongue. The movable axle allows the trailer to be flexible to loading needs. The removable tongue allows the trailer to be stored in a much tighter space.

Summary:
Options for a given trailer are primarily a matter of taste and need - and perhaps a matter of what things can be accommodated in a particular design. Several options for both safety and utility are listed here for reference and consideration.

Go to "Choosing the Right Utility Trailer"

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