Looking for a Bike Rack? McFarlane’s Has a Variety to Choose From

April 20, 2023 by
Looking for a Bike Rack? McFarlane's Has a Variety to Choose FromBike Riding is popular across Canada. If you like to take your bikes to new locations to enjoy new scenery or to exercise in a new spot, you might be looking for bike racks. McFarlane’s is known for trailer parts and accessories, but we have a large selection of bike racks to install on your vehicle. Here are a few things to know about choosing the right bike rack for your needs. If you still have questions, ask our experts for more details and specifics.

Roof Racks 

Roof racks come in different styles. You can find roof racks that are mounted on the roof of your vehicle permanently or you can choose a rack with suction cups that can be removed when you aren’t transporting bikes. Your bikes ride on the top of your car, which means they won’t be damaged if you are rear-ended. However, many people forget that the bikes are on top of the vehicle and try to drive into the garage with the bikes. Learning how to put a bike on a roof rack can be cumbersome, especially if you are short and the vehicle’s roof is high or if your bike is very heavy. Your vehicle may lose fuel efficiency, too. Bikes on the roof of your ride aren’t aerodynamic.

Hitch Racks 

A hitch rack is probably the most convenient method of transporting bikes, but you have to have a hitch for installation. Newer hitch racks usually fold up when not in use, so you don’t have to worry about the hitch getting damaged when you aren’t hauling bikes. The bikes won’t impact your fuel efficiency as much as being hauled on a roof rack. There’s no lifting over your head. Putting the bikes on and off the rack is very easy. The hitch rack does extend the length of your vehicle, so you do need to be aware of that when parking or backing up.

Trunk Racks 

Trunk racks tend to be popular, largely due to their affordability. However, trunk racks are not a permanent installation, so you have to remove them and reattach them each time you want to take your bikes. Trunk racks may only handle two bikes maximum. If you have a family, this style may not work well for you. Bikes are held by the top tube, so not all bikes work with a trunk rack. You also need to use caution so that the bike pedals don’t damage your car’s paint job. Don’t have a trunk? We have a selection of tailgate pads that fit pickups so your bikes are secure during your trip.

Check The Catalogue For Bike Rack Options

Start by checking out the Thiebert catalogue which has over 10 pages of different bike rack options. There is a large selection of bike racks for all types of vehicles, from cars to pick-ups, RV campers, and more. Consider how many bikes you need to haul. Think about the types of bikes you haul. If the tires are larger, such as on fat bikes, you may need a rack that can handle different shapes. You should also consider the weight of your bikes. Most racks come with a weight limit. Heavier bikes may need a different style rack.Our experts are here to answer your questions about bike racks, utility trailers or horse trailers. We know trailers and accessories. Contact McFarlane Trailer Sales to discuss new trailers or used trailers that fit your needs. Need service on your trailer to get it spring ready? We offer all types of trailer repairs and maintenance to keep your trailer safe on the road.  

McFarlane’s Offer GPS Units For All Trailers

April 13, 2023 by
McFarlane's Offer GPS Units For All TrailersTransporting goods requires a trailer, plain and simple. Trailers, of course, are used to haul everything from livestock to heavy equipment, and they come in a wide range of sizes and types to meet different needs. But with the convenience of trailers comes the risk of theft, which is why many trailer owners are turning to GPS units for added security and peace of mind.At McFarlane Trailer Sales, we understand the importance of protecting your investments. That's why we have partnered with Wheresafe to offer GPS units for trailers of all types. Here are some of the benefits of using GPS technology for your trailer.1. Real-time Location TrackingWith a GPS unit installed on your trailer, you can monitor its location in real time from anywhere using a smartphone or computer. This is especially useful if you're transporting high-value loads or have multiple trailers that need to be monitored.2. Theft PreventionTrailers are often targeted by thieves because they can be easily disconnected from a vehicle when no one is looking, or when they are parked overnight. But with a GPS unit, you can receive instant alerts if your trailer moves outside of a predefined area or if it's moved during off-hours. This allows you to take quick action and alert law enforcement to recover your stolen property, whether you have an enclosed cargo trailer, flatbed or landscape trailer. 3. Increased EfficiencyKnowing the exact location of your trailers can help you optimize your fleet's routing and reduce downtime. With GPS tracking, you can monitor trailer utilization and identify inefficiencies that may be costing you time and money. It also helps you see if any of your drivers are off track, and can pinpoint locations in the event of a hijacking.4. Improved Customer ServiceMoreover, GPS tracking can help you improve customer service by providing accurate delivery estimates and location updates. This can help you keep customers informed and reduce the likelihood of missed or delayed deliveries. A happy customer is a loyal customer. 5. Reduced Insurance CostsMany insurance companies offer discounts for trailers equipped with GPS units. By installing a GPS unit, you'll be able to provide proof of the trailer's location, which can lower your insurance rates.

McFarlane's Partnership With Wheresafe

At McFarlane Trailer Sales, we believe in providing our customers with the best possible products and services. That's why we have partnered with Wheresafe to offer GPS tracking for our trailers. Wheresafe is a leading provider of GPS tracking solutions for trailers, and they offer a range of features and services to help you protect your investments.Their GPS units are easy to install and come with a user-friendly interface that allows you to monitor your trailers from anywhere. You can set up geofences, receive alerts, and track your trailers in real time using the Wheresafe app or web portal.In addition to GPS tracking, Wheresafe also offers theft recovery services to help you recover your stolen property. Their team of experts works with law enforcement to locate and retrieve stolen trailers, and they offer a 100% recovery guarantee.

The Trailer Parts and Accessories You Need

Using GPS technology for your trailer is a wise investment, and we understand the importance of protecting your assets. Our partnership with Wheresafe ensures that your trailer stays safe and in your yard. We also offer a full range of component parts via a searchable catalogue on our website. Our goal is to give you a fast and convenient customer experience that keeps your fleet operating in top form seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Contact us today to find the right accessory for your needs. 

McFarlane Trailers Sales: Should You Buy A New Or Used Trailer?

February 13, 2023 by
Should You Buy A New Or Used TrailerThere are many reasons to look for new or used trailers for sale. The option you choose for your business or recreational needs will depend on your specific needs.Used trailers are more affordable than brand-new options, but the affordability also comes with a cost, most often quality. New trailers are expensive, but you can customize them to suit your needs, meaning they are better for long-term use. Still, weighing the pros and cons of each option is the best way to determine which is the right choice for you.

The Pros and Cons of Buying Used

Buying a used trailer is an acceptable option for some people, especially if you do not intend to use the equipment often or strenuously. If you choose to buy used, you need to keep several things in mind.First, used trailers are bought as-is and without warranties. When you buy a used trailer, what you see is what you get. It would be best to remember that used trailers were likely used hard by their original owners. While many trailer brands come with full warranties, those guarantees are void with the transfer of ownership.Second, used trailers may have significant or costly problems that make them too expensive to represent any real value or savings. If a trailer has bad tires, worn brakes, or damaged axles, it is best to move on to another option. You don't want to pay more for repairs than you did for the trailer.Third, while there are good used trailers for sale, scams are prevalent. You should be careful when buying from platforms like Craigslist or other online marketplaces. Also, watch out for too-good-to-be-true pricing; many scammers will try to sell stolen goods or property they don't have a title for.Finally, if you buy a used trailer, buy it from a reputable dealer. A quality dealer will take steps to ensure the functionality and legality of any products and transactions. Many retailers will inspect used trailers to ensure they are safe and operational, giving you more confidence in your purchase.

The Pros and Cons of Buying New

You cannot argue with the benefit of saving money on a used trailer; some businesses and individuals cannot afford the luxury of a new one. Still, new trailers carry many benefits, including customization.The primary disadvantage of buying a new trailer is the cost. New and custom models will always cost more than used ones, but the price shows in the quality. Also, you have options for reducing your initial costs. Some retailers or financial institutions will offer to finance, allowing you to pay over time.The benefits of buying a new trailer are many, including a warranty, customization options, and longevity. Most top trailer manufacturers stand behind their products with robust warranties, backing up your purchases in the event of an equipment malfunction.Most retailers can customize trailer solutions to fit your exact needs. Why buy a trailer if it isn't 100% up to the task?Finally, despite the higher upfront cost, a new trailer will require less maintenance and last longer than a used trailer. If you can afford a brand-new trailer, it is really the only choice.

Check Out the New Trailers at McFarlane Trailer Sales

Located in New Hamburg, Ontario, McFarlane Trailer Sales is a trusted name in the Ontario region. You can find any trailer in its available stock, leaving nothing to be desired. Also, for any special request, McFarlane can make custom trailer solutions. If you are in the market for a trailer, check out McFarlane's trailer inventory and contact a company representative for more information.