Trailers play a vital role in safely transporting large or bulky objects that cannot fit in a regular vehicle. They come in various shapes, sizes, designs, and styles to accommodate different needs and loads. Each type of trailer has its own purpose and advantages, so it is important to consider a few factors, such as the weight and type of cargo, the use of the trailer, and the type of terrain, when choosing the right trailer for your needs. By considering these factors, you can ensure productive, safe, and efficient hauling operations.
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Flatbed Trailers
Flatbed trailers feature a flat, open deck for carrying cargo. They typically have no walls or roofs, and their sides may be removable or adjustable, allowing for easy loading and unloading of large and heavy items. These heavy-duty trailers measure 48 to 53 feet in length, which are great for transporting up to 48,000 pounds of cargo, including cars, timber, steel products, industrial equipment, and other large machinery. That said, flatbed trailers are versatile and reliable options for both commercial and personal use.
Dry Van and Refrigerated Trailers
Dry Vans and Refrigerated Trailers are both types of enclosed semi-trailers that have the same dimension, taking up to 45,000 pounds of load capacity and a length of 48-53 feet. They also have locking and security features to protect the cargo from extreme weather conditions, dust, debris, and other elements during transportation.
However, they do differ in terms of purpose. Dry Vans trailers are typically used to transport non-perishable items such as clothing, furniture, and household products that do not require temperature control. On the other hand, refrigerated or “reefer” trailers are used to transport perishable goods, such as fruits and vegetables, meat, seafood, and medical supplies. They are equipped with refrigeration units that maintain a specific temperature range to keep the cargo fresh, reducing the risk of food spoilage when exposed to hot or warm temperatures.
Lowboy Trailers
Lowboy trailers are specialized trailers with a lower deck height, allowing them to easily haul loads that are too low or too tall to fit on a standard trailer. Typically, these trailers come 24-29.6 feet in length, and their low-profile design signifies that the center of gravity is low. This helps to provide minimal shifting during transit.
Furthermore, their construction of two rails running parallel along either side of the trailer bed helps distribute the weight of the load more evenly. With a capacity to haul up to 80,000 pounds, lowboy trailers are a great option to transport heavy construction equipment and machinery, including tractors, cars, excavators, bulldozers, and dump trucks, while maintaining stability.
Stretch Single-Drop Deck Trailers
These specialized trailers are designed with length capacities ranging from 35-63 feet and a maximum weight capacity of up to 45,000 pounds. Offering secure transport for construction materials, automotive parts, heavy industrial machinery, defense components, and more, stretch single-drop deck trailers come equipped with utility ports on both sides. The secure frame design also minimizes the shifting of cargo during transport and provides superior stability by evenly distributing the payload across its extended platform length. Moreover, they have longer decks and higher weight capacities, making them a reliable choice for hauling items securely and safely. Their lightweight design also offers better fuel economy and increased flexibility than traditional trailers.
Extendable Double Drop Trailers
Extendable double drop trailers are a safe and efficient way to move heavy loads up to 40,000 pounds, and 48-80 ft is the trailer’s size in length. The extended length makes them ideal for hauling oversized cargo that cannot fit on standard trailers, while their reduced height ensures they can pass low clearance restrictions during transit. The extendable mid-section allows you to quickly and precisely adjust the trailer’s size, confident that your loads are secure with a wider surface area in length and width than non-extendable trailers. They also feature adjustable ramps that allow easy loading and unloading of items on the trailer bed.
How Do You Know Which Type of Trailer Is Right for You?
There are many types of trailers on the market, and it can be tough to decide which is right for you. Here are a few factors to help you choose the best trailer for your needs:
- Cargo weight: Different trailers are designed to handle different payload capacities, so choosing one that can comfortably accommodate your specific need is essential.
- Travel distance: For short trips, open trailers are usually the most cost-effective; they offer the largest cargo-carrying capacity and provide an affordable way to transport your items safely. On the other hand, if you plan on traveling for longer periods of time or need additional protection from the elements, you may invest in an enclosed trailer.
- Terrain and climate during transit: If you are traversing hilly areas or wet climates, selecting a trailer with good axel weight distribution and extra waterproofing will ensure a safe and comfortable journey. Similarly, if you’re planning on venturing off-road, look for trailers with reinforced frames and an increased suspension rating compared to standard options.
- Tow rating of your hitch: Typically, the tow rating will indicate how much weight the hitch can safely tow. It is essential that you choose a trailer with a weight lower than or equal to what your hitch can handle. Otherwise, the towing vehicle could be under excessive strain and at risk of causing an accident.
What Accessories Are Available for Trailers?
A variety of accessories can be added to different types of trailers depending on the specific needs of your trip and cargo. Some of them are listed below.
- Tie-downs: These include straps, ropes, or chains to secure a load of your trailer, as they provide extra stability to prevent your load from shifting during transit.
- Ramps: They help make loading and unloading much easier with sturdy ramps to help load cargo onto the trailer bed.
- Covers: Covers help protect your cargo from natural elements and weather conditions, making it safe and clean against dust or dirt..
- Lighting kits: They ensure visibility during night trips by providing extra lighting options for your trailer.
- Trailer locks: A safety device used to add an extra layer of security against theft by using lockable couplers or hitch pins to secure the trailer to its tow vehicle.
Final Thoughts
The invention of different trailers, such as dry van, flatbed, and lowboy, necessitates selecting the best suited for your needs. For instance, a flatbed trailer is ideal for hauling heavy machinery, whereas a reefer trailer is better suited for transporting perishable goods. To help you decide on which one is right for you, it’s important to consider the weight and type of your cargo, the distance of your travel, terrain and climate conditions, and the tow rating for your hitch. Doing so will help ensure that your cargo arrives safely and efficiently and help avoid damaging your trailer if you overlook its maximum payload capacity.
Sources:
- https://www.atsinc.com/blog/trailer-types-shipping-industry
- https://www.saloodo.com/logistics-dictionary/flatbed-trailer/
- https://haletrailer.com/blog/dry-van-vs-reefer-trailer-what-are-the-differences/
- https://gomotive.com/blog/reefer-vs-dry-van/
- https://www.rpmmoves.com/blog/what-is-a-lowboy-trailer-used-for-the-big-and-the-heavy#:~:text=A%20lowboy%20trailer%20is%20a,and%20sit%20just%20above%20it.
- https://freightratecentral.com/trucking-companies/stretch-single-drop-deck-truckload-rates/#:~:text=Stretch%20single%2Ddrop%20deck%20trailers,extra%20support%2C%20preventing%20freight%20overhang.
- https://www.straightlinesuspension.com/blog/determine-right-trailer-size/
- https://unitrailer.ie/eng_m_Trailers_Trailer-accessories-4318.html
