Lay flat and box trailers can be used to tow a variety of equipment, from construction vehicles and motorbikes to lawnmowers and cars. Choosing one that meets your needs, however, can be a little more challenging.
It’s essential that you know how the equipment trailer is going to be used, how big it needs to be, and what type of trailer is needed. The team at Carbon Equipment have compiled this list of things to be considered when making your purchase:
What are you planning to haul?
The great thing about trailers is that they can be used to transport a wide variety of equipment. They are incredibly useful and can be used to transport all kinds of things, including something as awkward as scissor lifts. You will need a large lay flat trailer to achieve this task; simply drive the lift onto the bed using the attached ramp, secure it and you’re good to go.
The size of your machine will play a role in what sort of trailer you need and how big it needs to be. Hauling motorbikes will not require as much space as hauling an excavator of some description. If you plan to transport a number of different machines, it’s best to look at a bed that will accommodate the largest one – you can always haul smaller, but you cannot haul larger.
Where are you planning to haul it?
The sorts of terrain you need to drive on will determine whether you need a heavy-duty trailer or whether one designed for smooth on-road driving will suffice. Although most trailers would be able to handle the relatively smooth surface posed by a sealed road, it takes a specially constructed axle and all-terrain tires to ensure that you’re able to travel on rough, uneven ground.
The good news is that all of the trailers in our range are more than capable of handling most types of terrain. Tried and tested, they’re able to withstand even the toughest Australian conditions. Our models also feature a heavy duty hot dip galvanised steel chassis, which will provide you with many years of rust-free use as well as handle bumps like a pro.
Do you have a preference?
Whilst some people don’t mind what sort of trailer they use, others are very particular. There are a number of different styles to choose from, but two of the most popular when it comes to equipment transport are box and lay flat. Whilst they are fairly similar, there are some distinct differences between the two that could make one better suited to your task than the others.
A box trailer is designed for high capacity and comes in three useful sizes – small, medium and large – to meet your needs with ease. A lay flat trailer, on the other hand, features hydraulic suspension so that it can be lowered completely to the ground – plus it provides a much smoother ride. No matter which option you choose, it will be able to haul your equipment with ease.
What else does the trailer need to contain?
Keeping your equipment in place whilst in motion requires a number of features, including hangers, hooks and even cubbies. Ensuring that your machine is kept in place for the duration of its journey is essential for its safety and the safety of the road users around you. Plus, it’s also a legal requirement – the last thing you want is to be pulled over and fined.
The equipment that you plan to haul will ultimately determine the way that it needs to be secured to the bed. You need to ensure that you have the correct ropes, straps and tie downs, otherwise your machinery will shift and move during transit. You also need to ensure that you know how to properly secure it down – the end goal is ensuring that everything arrives in one piece.
Once you’ve invested in an equipment trailer, it’s important to keep it properly maintained to ensure that it offers many years of use. We have compiled this list of maintenance tips to help you keep yours in tiptop condition:
- Before each trip, ensure that both your vehicle and trailer are roadworthy, that the tires are properly inflated, that the brakes and lights are working correctly, and that the safety chain is connected via a D shackle.
- During each trip, ensure that both the coupling and the load are properly secured and that nothing is rubbing on the suspension or bodywork.
- Inside the hinges and the coupling is not usually painted, so it is recommended that you spray WD40 on these areas. This will prevent rust and corrosion from occurring, as WD40 shields against moisture and keeps parts working freely.
- Ensure that that any jockey wheels, gates and ramps are safely stowed and secure prior to starting your journey.
- Drive according to the conditions of the road. Do not try to push your trailer beyond what it is capable, particularly when the road conditions are not favourable (such as rain, hail, severe winds, and so on).
- Load and unload the trailer on level surfaces only, and ensure that you use correct manual lifting techniques to avoid injury.
- Never overload your trailer, travel with an unsecured load or travel with an overhanging load. Likewise, never drive when tired, suffering a medical condition, or whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- When towing, ensure that you leave extra room between yourself and the vehicles around you. Especially when braking, turning and overtaking.
If you’re in the market for an equipment trailer, regardless of what you plan to haul, we hope that the above tips are useful in helping you to reach a suitable decision. Do not hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance in making your selection.
For most haulage needs, a box or lay flat trailer will be more than sufficient. At Carbon Equipment, we have a variety of models and sizes to choose from, ensuring that your perfect match is just a couple of clicks away.
