How to Choose the Right Box Trailer | Buying Guide

If you’ve landed here, then it implies you’re looking to buy a box trailer. Box trailers are a little equipment piece but they’re incredible and owning one at home is fabulous, as they are ideal for routine work trips or to move furniture or pack some additional camping stuff away for the weekend. Nonetheless, before making your buying decision for the box trailer, there are certain things you need to consider.

Crucial box trailer specs and terminology

Towing Capacity:

This information can be found in your vehicle’s manual or handbook. This information is crucial, as it will tell you how much weight your vehicle can tow conveniently and whether you’ll require to equip your trailer with brakes or not, and any specific speed restrictions applicable to your vehicle when towing.

ATM [Aggregate Trailer Mass]:

ATM is the total trailer weight along with its load when the trailer is not attached to a tow vehicle. This indicates the max weight the trailer should weigh when in use.

Payload:

Payload indicates what the trailer can handle. This is calculated by considering the trailer weight (aka Tare weight) and deducting this from the ATM.

Galvanised or Paint coating:

The type of coating you need to opt for depends on your trailer use. If you’re going to subject your trailer to harsh use; for instance, hauling it for camping or carrying rubbish then the box trailer is vulnerable to a few bumps and scratches. For such rough use, the galvanized coat is preferred because the paint coat will chip off or crack exposing the metal beneath. Exposed metal that hasn’t been treated is vulnerable to corrosion and further deterioration. This is particularly common in places of high salt like on the coast.

Galvanized steel is coated with a zinc layer, which shields the steel construction from corroding eventually. Compared to paint, the galvanized coating is superior and is particularly intended for the trailer’s rough use. Therefore, galvanized trailers are the way to go if you want one for rough use.

Do you need to fit brakes on the trailer?

Well, this depends on two key elements – first, the towing capacity of your vehicle, and second, how much you are expecting to tow. For instance, if you’re eyeing at a small payload and your vehicle has a high towing capacity then you can think of investing in a box trailer that doesn’t come with brakes installed, possibly with a 750kg ATM.

However, if you want to tow a larger payload, you may require a box trailer fitted out with brakes. In other words, the same vehicle (mentioned-above) may be able to handle a trailer with an ATM of 1250kg provided it is equipped with brakes. It is true that your tow vehicle can haul a larger payload when brakes are fitted to the box trailer; however, you must check it with your trailer maker.

Brand New or Second-Hand Box Trailer

Most second-hand box trailers have gone through a tough life, so they are vulnerable to rust and damage. Box trailers require regular maintenance – for instance, parts like lights, hinges, tailgate, axle springs, wheel bearings, etc. all need routine upkeep. In case the previous owner of the box trailer can’t provide you with proper maintenance records then it’s prudent to move on.

Whereas brand new box trailers for sale manufactured by established manufacturers will provide you with many years of smooth service giving you peace of mind.

Summing Up

In a nutshell, before buying a box trailer, you need to have a clear idea about how you’ll be using it (for light or rough use), what load capacity your tow vehicle can comfortably haul, what load you’ll be hauling (light or heavy load). Based on these vital considerations, you can decide what type of coat would be perfect for the box trailer, whether to fit out brakes or not, and whether to buy second-hand or brand new box trailers. Little research and prudence will help you to purchase the right box trailer for your need.