Archives for 2022

When to Take Your RV Trailer in for Repairs

December 22, 2022 by Kyle McFarlane

Having an RV is a great way to travel in style and take your home with you wherever you go. Your RV goes with you to many regions and allows you to have many unique experiences while making fun memories with your family, so when it breaks down, you want to have it repaired quickly. Here are seven warning signs that it's time to take your RV in for repairs and how you can resolve the issues quickly and efficiently.

Odours

Strange smells may not seem like a big deal when you are living the RV lifestyle, but they often indicate problems with your exhaust system. You need to have the element checked out by a mechanic immediately to keep you in your family from getting sick.

Vibrations

If you feel the floor of your RV starts vibrating, it could indicate a problem with your suspension. An expert can resolve the problem quickly to get you back on the road as soon as possible.

Electrical Problems

If the lights in your RV start flickering or the outlets stop working, you have an electrical problem. Unlike many other common RV issues, electrical problems can be hazardous to your health, so they need to be resolved immediately.

Soft Spots On the Roof

You may not think that soft spots on your roof are major hazards, but they are usually caused by water damage, so they need to be looked at immediately. Periodically check the roof of your RV for soft spots so that you can guarantee the integrity of your vehicle.

Illuminated Brake Lights

Brakes are arguably the most important element of an RV. If other parts of your RV start to malfunction, you can usually refrain from driving it until the issue is resolved. If brakes go out while you're in the middle of driving the vehicle, you may cause an accident that could be disastrous. If the brake light indicator is on your dashboard, you need to have the brakes checked to make sure they are working properly.

Strange Noises

You drive your RV often enough to recognize the normal sounds that it makes. If you start to hear strange noises while you drive or when you shift gears into park, there is likely a problem with the suspension. Your trailer would need to be seen by a mechanic immediately for trailer service and repair if you start to hear strange noises.

Bring In Your Trailer Today!

Our team of mechanics is qualified to resolve a wide variety of issues, and because we have unparalleled knowledge of the trailer industry. When it comes to RV repairs our team provides services for items outside of the unit like brakes, suspension, tires, lighting, jacks, axles and wiring.For years, McFarlane Trailer Services has been a top competitor in the equipment trailer industry. Not only do we have a wide variety of trailers in our inventory, but we also offer repair services to keep them in peak condition. Each of our trailers comes with a warranty of up to five years, so contact us today to resolve your trailer problems.

Dump Trailer Basics: Choosing the Right Trailer for your Business

December 15, 2022 by Kyle McFarlane

Buying a dump trailer is an investment that can last you many years. Getting a dump trailer that fits your needs now and in the future can save you a lot of money and stress. Dump trailers have many different configurations, from the length, front post style or scissor lift, type of brakes, and the size of the wheels. Learning about some of the options can help you choose the right one for your needs.

What Size Dump Truck Is Right For You?

Dump trucks come in lengths from 8 feet to 30 feet. A 14-foot trailer is a recommended size for most people for its flexibility in hauling lumber or landscaping materials. It can handle a skid steer or a load of furniture if you’re moving. You do need to think about what vehicle you’re using to pull a trailer to make sure that the tow load fits the size.

Lifting Mechanisms

The lifting mechanism is what makes a trailer a dump trailer. Instead of having to shovel off a load of soil or gravel, you can simply raise the trailer up and let gravity take over. A common type of lift is the scissor lift, which uses one cylinder to push up the trailer. It’s a cheaper option than the hydraulic lift or dual-piston style. Lifting mechanisms use a battery to push the bed up. Choose a gravity-down option instead of a power-down. A gravity-down option uses gravity to lower the dump box, instead of relying on power. This lets you do more work with less battery use.

How Thick Does The Metal Need To Be?

Trailers are made of metal, which determines the durability of the trailer. The bed will have a thicker piece of metal than the sides because the bed takes more abuse. The trailer needs to be sturdy enough to haul your loads, but keep in mind that the heavier the trailer is, the less load it can carry. If you need to haul mulch or lighter loads, you can certainly get away with a thinner bed. If you have heavier materials, such as gravel or heavy equipment, you want a thicker metal that will stand up to the weight.

Wheel Options

Aluminum wheels are an affordable option that won’t rust, so your trailer will look better for longer. Steel wheels are sturdier and can haul more weight. The downside is that you’ll pay more. Undersized tires are a hazard, so get the right tires for the loads you are hauling. Never try to just get by on cheap tires. Don’t forget to ask if the trailer has the option to carry a spare tire. You want the tire out of the way, but you also want it to be accessible in an emergency.

Brakes

When you’re hauling tons of materials on the road, the last thing you want is for your brakes to fail. There are two different types of brakes for trailers. Surge brakes do not connect to your vehicle’s braking system. These brakes detect when the towing vehicle slows, then slow the trailer down. There is usually a slower response time. Surge brakes aren’t allowed for some sizes of trailers and in some locations. Electric brakes are the most common style and connected to the towing vehicle’s brake system. They stop the trailer when you stop the towing vehicle. Electric brakes are generally safer, but you do have to make sure the system is connected properly. Trailers should also have an emergency brake system, giving you added control in case the trailer becomes detached from the towing vehicle.There are many other accessories and options for dump trailers, depending on your business to get the most out of your trailer. Still not sure what type of dump trailer suits your needs? Ask the experts at McFarlane Trailer Sales for guidance. We know dump trailers.

Discover More About the Wells Cargo Trailer

December 8, 2022 by Kyle McFarlane

A trailer is a big investment, so when it comes time to purchase one, you want to select the model that best meets your unique needs. McFarlane Trailer Sales carries a wide variety of trailer models for you to choose from, but one of our most popular brands is Wells Cargo. If you are preparing to buy a trailer, here's what you need to know about the Wells Cargo brand so you can decide if this model is right for you.

What Makes the Wells Cargo Brand Stand Out?

Wells Cargo trailers have been around for decades. The company was founded by Maynard W. Wells, a manufacturing expert who was determined to revolutionize the industry and build trailers that would last for many years.Wells Cargo is a pioneer in the trailer industry. Having created its first steel-structured trailer model in 1954, the company has become the face of the industry in the nearly 70 years it has been around. Not only was the company the first to create a trailer out of steel, but it continues to lead the industry by creating models that are fully customizable. Choose from a wide variety of sizes and features to find a model that easily meets your expectations and fits into your life.The brand is best known for its durability. Wells Cargo trailers are designed to last for decades and withstand an incredible amount of wear and tear before they start to show signs of aging. If you want to ensure you get the most out of your investment, a Wells Cargo trailer is a good idea because you know it will last for many years.Another trait that makes the Wells Cargo brand stand out is its innovative approach to design. The company takes into consideration the needs of trailer owners all over the globe so that it can design models that means various needs. Whether you are looking for a trailer to haul landscaping equipment or you want one for your personal belongings, you can find a Wells Cargo model that meets your needs.

What Trailer Models Do We Carry?

Our current inventory includes several styles of Wagon, Haulmark and Road Force trailers from Wells Cargo. Most of our models measure 7 x 14, although the Road Force trailer we carry measures 7 x 16. Each style comes with various benefits, so it is essential you consider your unique needs to choose the best model for your lifestyle. McFarlane Trailer Sales extends a three-year warranty on all of the models we carry so you can be confident in your purchase.Our inventory is constantly expanding, and because Wells Cargo trailers are so popular, we keep many models on our lot. If you want to check out the models in person, stop by our lot to see.We carry both new and older models so you can find the style you're looking for. Regardless of which Wells Cargo trailer you choose, you can be confident that it is made out of high-quality materials and built to last for many years to maximize your investment and help you live your best life by hauling any necessary items.

Find a Wells Cargo Model at McFarlane Trailer Sales

Once you have decided that a Wells Cargo trailer is the right model for you, you need to find a reputable dealer. McFarlane Trailer Sales is happy to help you find the model that best fits your lifestyle. We have both new and used trailers for sale. Contact us today to ask about the models we have in our inventory and get started on purchasing a new trailer.

Common Commercial Uses of a Flatbed Trailer

December 2, 2022 by Kyle McFarlane

Flatbed trailers are the backbone of the trucking industry. They can carry a lot of heavy cargo across the country to make sure everyone has access to the goods and merchandise they need to live comfortably. Here are four of the most common commercial uses for a flatbed trailer and how you can find one to benefit your trucking fleet.

Hauling Construction Equipment

Big construction projects often require the use of oversized machineries such as excavators, diggers and bulldozers. This equipment cannot legally be driven on roadways, so it must be carried to different work sites. Flatbed trailers are ideal for hauling construction equipment because they are big and open. You don't have to worry about your machinery being too big for an enclosed trailer if you choose a flatbed trailer instead. Just make sure to secure the machinery effectively so that it does not fall off the trailer during transport.

Moving Scrap Metals

With concern for the current climate crisis skyrocketing, many people are recycling various materials in an effort to do their part to save the environment. One of the most popular materials for people to recycle is scrap metal. From old appliances to fencing, scrap metals are often hard to organize to fit neatly in a confined space. This characteristic makes scrap metal difficult to move in an enclosed trailer. The materials just do not fit properly in a small space. Flatbed trailers are a much better option because they are open. Most scrap metals are not affected by the weather, and attaching to a flatbed trailer does not risk damaging them when they are hauled across the country to be recycled.

Moving Agricultural Equipment and Goods

Farmers and ranchers often need to move large pieces of equipment. Because most ranches are made up of many aces, it's helpful to have trailers to haul the equipment across the property. Flatbed trailers are versatile and can also be used for hauling hay and feed to care for the animals on the ranch. They come in a wide variety of sizes so that ranchers can select the one that is compatible with the size of their vehicle. Flatbed trailers simplify the act of ranching so that farmers can focus on growing their businesses instead of how they will move equipment across their property.

Transporting Building and Construction Materials

Building and construction materials are often big and bulky. Fitting them into a conventional trailer is tricky because they must fit into a space with room for the door to close. Using a flatbed trailer to haul these items is usually a better solution because they can hang off the side of the trailer a little if necessary. All items transported on a flatbed trailer must be secured to the device, but the design of flatbed trailers makes them ideal for carrying:

Steel pipes
Concrete blocks
Fence posts
Scaffolding
Lumbar

Why Choose McFarlane Trailer Sales

McFarlane Trailer Sales has years of experience in the trailer industry. Not only do we have a vast variety of trailer models on our lot for you to choose from, but we also offer our repair services to help you keep your flatbed trailers in top condition. We are the trailer experts, and we are committed to helping you find the models that best meet your needs. This includes helping you find the perfect commercial trailers so you can build a successful trucking business.

Shop With Us Today

If you're in the market for a flatbed trailer to expand your trucking fleet, McFarlane Trailer Sales has a great inventory of models for you to choose from. Browse our inventory online or contact us today to see how you can find the best trailer for your needs.

Trailer Towing Safety Tips in Winter

November 29, 2022 by Kyle McFarlane

7 Tips for Towing a Trailer Safely in the Winter

Custom-made enclosed trailers may be a little more effective at safely navigating roads covered with ice and snow during the winter. Nevertheless, no trailer and no towing vehicle are completely invulnerable to slippery road conditions. If you can wait to make your trip until road conditions improve, you should do so. However, if it is unavoidable that you have to tow your trailer in conditions of snow or ice, here are some tips to help you make the trip safely.1. Use Proper Towing EquipmentOne of the biggest dangers of winter towing is trailer sway. Also called fishtailing, this occurs when the trailer starts moving side to side instead of straight behind the towing vehicle. There are devices you can use to help prevent trailer sway, but they are not safe to use on slippery roads. However, you can use air suspension springs to help keep control of your vehicle. An uneven load can contribute to trailer sway, so weight distribution devices can help as well.If your towing vehicle has a diesel engine, you may also benefit from exhaust brakes. These help mitigate trailer sway with more gentle braking by applying diesel engine exhaust pressure to the brakes. This also helps to prevent wear and tear on the brakes themselves.2. Check the Weather Before DepartingEven if you are unable to delay your trip due to inclement weather, it is still a good idea to know what the weather is expected to do. This gives you time to make adjustments to your driving as needed in the interest of safety.3. Maintain a Slower PacePosted speed limits assume ideal driving conditions. As a driver, you are expected to adjust your speed according to the current conditions on the road. When the roads are slippery due to ice or snow, this may mean driving much slower than the posted speed limit, especially if you are hauling a trailer. When you drive fast over a slippery surface, it is harder to maintain traction, even if you have snow tires on your vehicle and your trailer. As a result, you are more likely to lose control when stopping, turning, or accelerating.4. Observe Weight LimitsBefore loading up your trailer and hitching it up to the towing vehicle, find out what its maximum weight capacity is. Do not load more weight than your trailer can handle. Make sure that the combined weight of your trailer and its cargo is not greater than your vehicle's towing capacity. Attempting to haul more than your trailer and the towing vehicle can handle can make it difficult to maintain control, especially when driving uphill.5. Maintain a Safe Stopping DistanceIf you have to stop suddenly while towing a trailer on slippery roads, the trailer could jackknife and you could lose control of your vehicle. Maintain a greater distance between you and the vehicle in front of you than you usually would so that you have time to slow down and stop gradually.6. Perform Trailer and Truck MaintenanceYou can reduce the risk of a breakdown by performing regular maintenance on both your truck and your trailer throughout the year. If you know you will be towing through the winter, it is a good idea to perform an extra maintenance check to identify any potential problems before cold weather sets in so you have time to address them.7. Keep Survival Gear in Your VehicleWhenever you travel in winter, you should have a survival kit that includes extra blankets, water, food, a first aid kit, candles, and a way to light them so you can keep warm and safe until help arrives. Keep this kit in your vehicle in case you lose your trailer in an accident.

Find Custom-Made Enclosed Trailers From McFarlane

At McFarlane Trailer Sales, we offer a variety of trailer types for sale. Whether you are in need of anything from an enclosed trailer to a dump trailer, we are sure to have it. Check out our selection of new and used aluminum trailers or order one to your specifications.