Are you thinking about buying a trailer but aren’t sure what type of trailer to invest in?
Trailers can help you haul goods from one location to the next. But, if you don’t buy the right type of trailer, then you may not be able to do the type of hauling you’d initially planned for.
What types of trailers are available? Which one should you buy? Read on to learn about the different types of trailers.
Flatbed Trailer
This type of trailer offers plenty of versatility. Flatbed trailers don’t come with a container chassis. Rather, they come with a flat deck that opens on all sides and doesn’t have a roof to cover the load. While the open layout makes the trailer easier to load and unload, your belongings won’t be protected from the elements.
If you’re looking to ship large or wide items, flatbed trailers are a great option, as you can lift items from above with a crane or from the side with a forklift. Flatbed trailers are typically used to haul construction materials, lumber, and heavy equipment and machinery.
Lowboy Trailer
A lowboy trailer is also known as a double-drop trailer. This type of trailer comes with two drops in the deck height that allows for a very low deck.
The dropdown feature makes lowboy trailers a great option for moving taller equipment. Lowboy trailers also allow you to haul more weight, as you can add on extra axles. If you need to haul large equipment such as a bulldozer or construction equipment, then a lowboy trailer may be your best bet.
Lowboy trailers can typically haul up to 40,000 pounds, but if you add extra axles, you can haul as much as 80,000 pounds of equipment.
Drop Deck Trailer
A drop deck trailer, also known as a step-deck trailer, is similar to a flatbed trailer in that it also comes with an open-top. However, while flatbed trailers only have one level, drop deck trailers have two levels- an upper deck and a lower deck.
The upper deck is typically between 10 and 13 feet long, and it sits above the tractor unit. The lower deck is usually between 35 and 40 feet long, and it sits a few feet above the ground. A drop deck trailer is great for hauling tall cargo that exceeds the legal height limit for a flatbed trailer.
Reefer Trailer
Also known as a refrigerator trailer, a reefer trailer is built with temperature controls and insulation. This type of trailer uses refrigeration to haul perishable items and chilled or frozen products.
These trailers can also be used to protect temperature-sensitive goods from the cold outside air. Reefer trailers are often used to haul meat, poultry, plants, flowers, produce, fish, and dairy.
Typically, these trailers can carry 42,000 to 45,000 pounds of goods.
Dry Van Trailers
Dry van trailers are also known as enclosed or box trailers. These trailers are fully enclosed, and they’re used for shipping non-perishable goods.
While there isn’t any temperature control in a dry van trailer, the cargo is still protected from the elements. Freight is loaded onto the trailer on the rear, and a loading dock is typically used. Some dry trailers also allow for cargo to be loaded onto the side.
Dump Trailer
A dump trailer uses hydraulics to lift up the bed of the trailer and tilt it to unload heavy hauls. While dump trailers are sometimes confused with dump trucks, they’re not the same thing.
Unlike dump trucks, dump trailers allow you to customize your size according to the load you’re hauling. Dump trailers are also more affordable than dump trucks, and they still allow you to haul heavy loads safely and efficiently.
There are several different types of dump trailers to choose from, including:
- End Dump Trailers: These allow you to unload your cargo out of the rear of the trailer by lifting the front of the trailer in the air.
- Side Trailers: Side trailers tip the trailer to one side to unload the cargo. They offer great stability, even on uneven ground.
- Botton Dump Trailers: Also known as belly dump trailers, these trailers allow you to unload cargo directly from the bottom of the box.
Tanker Trailers
This type of trailer is often used to transport liquid. It’s usually made from aluminum or steel, making it a very durable trailer option.
Tanker trailers or cylindrical in shape. The shape takes off pressure from the tank and provides a lower center of gravity. This prevents a liquid surge from occurring, and it allows for easier cleaning and extraction.
Tanker trailers are typically used for hauling chemicals, asphalt, petroleum, dry foods, and beverages. Most tanker trailers can haul up to 80,000 pounds. There are many different types of tanker trailers, and each one has a specific purpose. For example, there are specific tanker trailers for hauling asphalt and specific ones for hauling petroleum.
Tipper Trailer
As the name suggests, a tipper trailer works by letting gravity empty the cargo load. This type of trailer uses hydraulics to raise. and tilt the platform.
A tipper trailer is great for hauling gravel, bricks, rocks, and other heavy materials. Many people use tipper trailers for garbage removal and construction projects.
Types of Trailers: Time to Choose Your Trailer
Now that you know about the different types of trailers, it’s time to choose the right one for your project. With the right trailer in tow, you can hopefully complete your project with ease.
For more tips on choosing the right trailer, check back in with our blog.
