Are you interested in a cargo trailer, but not sure which type, with which options, would best fit your individual needs? Cargo trailers, by their very nature, are tremendously versatile – any one of them could be put to a virtually unlimited variety of uses. Like anything, though, some are better suited for some purposes than others.
Based on our own experience and feedback from customers, we put together this quick guide to the trailer features and options most important to making a confident and informed purchase decision.
Size, Shape, Enclosure
Sizes range from 5x8 (feet) to 8.5x30, with the most popular being 6x15, 7x17, and 7x29. You want a trailer that is large enough to fit whatever you plan to haul, plus a little “growing room” for the accessories or supplies that you’ll inevitably want to accompany it – tools with a car, snowmobile suits with a pair of sleds, and so forth. You may also want to consider setting aside space for some of the many available storage, shelving, and workspace accessories available.
Trailers can either be “open” with low walls and no covering, or fully enclosed. Enclosed trailers come with either a flat squared-off front, or a “V-nose” angular front. The improved aerodynamics of V-nose trailers makes them more fuel efficient and less prone to drift than flat-front models.
Construction Material
Not all trailers are created equal. The trailer that will serve you and your needs for many years and many, many miles to come needs to be lightweight and durable in construction. It doesn’t get much better than aluminum for these purposes. For that reason, we deal only in high-end aluminum trailers built by Legend Manufacturing, Inc. Legend trailers have aluminum perimeter frames, tube wall standards, and floor cross-members – all resistant to the corrosion that plagues steel while weighing far less.
Axles, Load Limits
The heart of your trailer is the axle (or axles) that bear the weight of your load. A strong axle makes heavy hauling possible, and more axles can haul more weight. Two axle options are available: spring axles and torsion axles. Torsion axles make for better handling, less sway, and are generally preferable to spring axles. Axles, and therefore hauling capacity, is another area in which you want to go somewhat above and beyond your primary requirements. Doing so ensures you have the excess capacity for trailer extras and other accessories you might wish to haul.
Easy Access
Endless possibilities exist in door and window configurations. Ramp-style “drive-in” doors can be added not just to the rear of your trailer, but to the sides and fronts of some models. Single-width “walk-in” doors can be placed wherever they best give you access to your cargo.
Customization and Special Orders
Have a look at our current inventory of trailers. If you don't see a great match for your needs, e-mail us or give us a call at (815) 561-9616. We can talk through the perfect combination of trailer size, type, and options, and provide you with the perfect match for your needs.
For the ultimate finishing touch, ask for Kelly - our lead designer and graphic artist. He can work with you to personalize your trailer with anything from a subtle monogram or your business' address on the rear ramp to a photo-realistic trailer-length mural of the show car parked inside.
Warranty
Whatever trailer you're pulling, you want the peace of mind of knowing its quality is backed up by a strong warranty. Settle for no less than a three-year warranty. That said, know that the Legend trailers we sell come with a 5-25 year warranty - 5 years on the axle and frame, and 25 years on the flooring and roof. Their motto is "Buy it for looks - keep it for life!" and they mean it.
Any Questions?
Send us a message with your questions, requirements, or comments, and we'll get right back to you to answer them or discuss pricing and availability for a trailer that meets your needs.
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