There’s a reason why the job outlook for tractor-trailer truck drivers is expected to increase by 6% over the next decade. Flatbed trailers are vital for transporting goods, vehicles, and more.
However, you don’t need to be a
professional truck driver to benefit from a good flatbed trailer. There are
lots available for the average driver. Sadly, not all flatbed trailers are
created equally.
So, to help ensure that you get a
good one, we made this article. In it, we’ll go over some factors that every
shopper should consider before deciding on a flatbed trailer. Let’s get
started!
1.
Your Budget
Before you even start shopping for a
flatbed trailer you should lay out how much money you have to spend. Even the
most affordable trailer can still be pretty expensive.
And, the last thing you want is to
find the best trailer only to discover you can’t afford it. So, set a limit on
the amount that you can afford. Then, only search for flatbed trailers in that
price range.
If you’re having trouble finding
affordable flatbed trailers, try going with used ones. Just keep in mind that
you might compromise quality when you go with certain used models.
2.
The Condition of the Flatbed Trailer
The first thing you should look at
when checking out flatbed trailers is the overall condition. First, do a quick
visual inspection. See if there’s any obvious damage on the exterior of the
trailer.
Be careful around trailers that have
been left out in the rain for years. You can tell this by soggy trailer wood
and rust around the metal. Once you complete a brief visual inspection ask the
seller a little more about the flatbed trailer.
Ask if it’s gone through inspection.
If it hasn’t, this should be a clear red flag. It doesn’t mean that it’s not
worth buying. But, you should try to negotiate for a lower price.
3.
The Size and Load Capacity
Now, it’s time to think about load
capacity and size for your flatbed trailer. The best way to do this is to think
about what you will likely be transporting. Let’s start with the size of the
flatbed trailer.
These types of trailers come in a
variety of sizes. If you plan on transporting cargo that’s small, but bulky, go
with a twenty-foot flatbed trailer. But, if you want to move oversized loads,
then you will need a large trailer.
Likely one that’s over fifty-three
feet for an oversized load. You also need to consider the weight of the things
your moving, not just their size. Most large flatbed trailers can carry between
ten to eight tons.
It’s important to note that
different states have different laws about the legal amount of weight you’re
allowed to carry in your trailer. So, make sure to check local laws to find out
your limit.
There’s no point in paying for the
extra weight that you can’t carry. In some cases, you can make your trailer
reach the legal limit by adding more axels to it.
Remember too that the larger your
flatbed trailer is, the more expensive it will be.
4.
The Material
The next thing to consider when you
buy a trailer is the material. Generally, you can break flatbed trailer
materials into two categories: aluminum and steel. Both of these choices come
with their pros and cons.
Aluminum is light and it resists
rust. This makes it great for smaller loads and wet environments. Plus, it’s
more affordable But, they’re not as strong as steel and they can’t handle heavy
loads.
Steel can carry larger loads and
it’s easy to maintain. But, it’s expensive and it will rust over if you aren’t
careful.
5.
The Type of Corner
Two types of corners come with
flatbed trailers: straight corners and tapered corners. On most flatbed
trailers you see straight corners as the standard. But, there are some reasons
why you should look out for tapered corners.
Tapered corners give you a much
bigger turn radius while driving the trailer. As such, they’re better for
bulkier loads. Plus, tapered corners can better withstand roughing and winding
roads.
So, if you live in an area with a
lot of offroad paths, look for a tapered corner trailer.
Where
is the Best Place to Purchase Flatbed Trailers?
The best place to purchase flatbed
trailers depends on your budget. For example, if you have a large budget, you
might want to go to a dealership that offers new models.
These are a bit more expensive, but
they’re likely to last longer. If you’re on a tighter budget, consider a used
model. Just because a flatbed trailer is used doesn’t mean that it’s not a good
option.
There are plenty of used trailers
out there that still have years of life in them. Just make sure that you go
with a reputable seller when purchasing used flatbed trailers.
Sellers that you find on Craigslist
and Facebook Marketplace are more likely to try to rip you off. Instead, go
with these trailers
offered by this seller.
They provide both new and used
trailers. So, you can find something no matter what your budget is.
Want
More Content? Keep Reading
We hope this article helped you
learn more about common considerations for flatbed trailers. When shopping for
a tractor-trailer the most important thing is to inspect it in person.
Ideally, the seller will allow you
to hook it up to your vehicle to see how it performs. Make sure you only go
with trailers that you feel 100% sure about. Do you not want this article to
end?
We don’t blame you. Luckily, there are hundreds more that you can check out by continuing to explore our site. So, get started!
