Which Trailer Is Best For Hauling Heavy Equipment?

February 6, 2023 by
Which Trailer Is Best For Hauling Heavy EquipmentFlatbed trailers are typically good for transporting heavy equipment, but they are not the only option. The trailer that will work best for your needs will depend on the specific equipment you plan on hauling. Some equipment requires built-in mechanisms to make loading and unloading the trailer easier. You can speak to a McFarlane Trailer Sales representative to learn more about the current inventory and customization options.

Understanding the Different Types of Trailers

There are many variations of trailers and trailer types. Having a clear understanding of each, along with its pros and cons, is the best way to determine which trailer is best for your hauling needs.Also, understanding the requirements for loading and transporting specific equipment is helpful, but only you will have that information. With that information, you can choose from many trailers capable of handling heavy equipment.

Utility Trailers

Utility trailers range in size from six to 20 feet. A single axle utility trailer has only one axle in the middle of the trailer, while capable of transporting loads up to 10,000 pounds depending on size, you may prefer the stability of a double-axle trailer.A double-axle trailer has two axles located in the middle of the trailer, allowing for four wheels. Because of the extra support, these trailers can manage, in theory, up to 20,000 pounds.

Deckover Trailers

Deckover trailers may appear similar to utility trailers, but they have distinct differences. A utility trailer commonly has short side walls, but deckover options do not, making it easy to load and unload equipment. Also, every deckover trailer has a minimum of two axles. Finally, deckover options are usually bigger than utility trailers, with the smallest around 12 feet and the largest around 30 feet.

Dump Trailers

A dump trailer is also capable of hauling heavy loads, but it is usually not preferred for moving equipment. Dump trailers are better suited for moving loose materials or debris. The trailers have a mechanism that allows them to dump materials onto the ground, hence the name. Dump trailers are typically used in landscaping and construction to transport a lot of loose materials quickly.

Tilt Trailers

Like dump trailers, tilt trailers have a tilting mechanism, but they are not designed to dump material onto the ground. The tilt mechanism is meant for loading and unloading equipment. You can think of a tilt trailer as similar to the mechanism of a tow truck — the purpose of the moving bed is to make the loading and unloading of the car easier.

Heavy-Duty Trailers

Heavy-duty trailers are among the largest trailer options available, reaching up to 100 feet long. These trailers typically use a gooseneck hitch, and you will often find them in the agricultural industry, specifically hauling livestock. When used for animal transport, the trailers are enclosed to protect against weather and cold. The walls will contain insulation and ventilation to ensure warmth and airflow.

Specialty Equipment Trailers

Specialty equipment trailers are typically used for recreational transportation. For example, ATVs or snowmobiles cannot operate on regular roadways, so trailer manufacturers created a niche trailer to support the weight and loading of such equipment. You can likely find other uses for such trailers, such as the hauling of a riding lawnmower.

McFarlane Trailer Sales Has the Right Trailer for You

Transporting heavy equipment requires the right trailer. For easy loading and unloading, a deckover option may be your best investment choice, but it is certainly not your only one. McFarlane Trailer Sales has a large inventory and can customize a trailer for your specific needs. Contact a McFarlane representative to discuss your needs and find your next trailer.

The Different Types of Trailers Available at McFarlanes

November 22, 2022 by

The Different Types of Trailers Available at McFarlanes

Get To Know the Different Types of Trailers Available at McFarlane's

From a single-axle utility trailer to a livestock trailer, there are many different types of trailers because there are many different jobs to be done. Each type has some specializations so it can do a particular type of work. If you are in the market for a trailer but aren't sure which kind you need, take this opportunity to learn about the different types we have available for sale.

Utility Trailer

Utility trailers range from approximately 6 feet to 20 feet in length. They typically consist of a flat deck with short walls along the sides and a rear loading ramp that can be lowered as needed and then raised to serve as a cargo gate. A single-axle trailer has one axle in roughly the middle of the trailer and two wheels in total. A tandem-axle utility trailer has two axles right next to each other at approximately the midpoint of the trailer for a total of four wheels. A tandem-axle utility trailer has more strength and stability to carry larger loads.How much weight can a single-axle utility trailer hold? At least 1,000 pounds, and up to 10,000 pounds, depending on the trailer itself. That is the weight range for a single axle, so in theory, at least, a tandem-axle trailer of similar size can hold approximately 2,000 to 20,000 pounds.

Enclosed Utility Trailer

Enclosed utility trailers are similar in size and shape to regular utility trailers. They can also be either single- or tandem-axle and have comparable weight capacities. The difference between the two is that an enclosed trailer has tall sides and a roof over the top. It is useful when you are hauling materials that should not be exposed to the elements.

Deckover Trailer

At first glance, a deckover trailer may look similar to a utility trailer, but there are a few important differences. A deckover trailer is larger than a utility trailer; the smallest size is approximately 12 feet, and they can get up to about 30 feet. Deckover trailers also do not have short walls along the edges, which makes them appropriate for hauling oversize loads. There are no single-axle deckover trailers; they have to have at least two axles.

Dump Trailer

A dump trailer has a mechanism that allows you to incline the bed so that the cargo falls out onto the ground. It is useful for hauling trash or garden materials such as soil, mulch, or fertilizer.

Tilt Trailer

A tilt trailer is to a dump trailer approximately what a deckover trailer is to a utility trailer. It has a similar mechanism, but the purpose is not to dump cargo but to make it easier to load.

Snow/ATV Trailers

You cannot drive all-terrain vehicles or snowmobiles on streets, roads, or highways. It is neither safe nor legal. These trailers are designed for you to transport these recreational vehicles to areas where it is safe to ride them. They are enclosed to protect the vehicles from road debris while they are in transit.

Heavy-Duty and Livestock Trailers

Heavy-duty trailers are large, approximately 100 feet long, and designed to carry heavy or unwieldy loads. They may have a gooseneck attachment to connect to a vehicle with a corresponding hitch. A livestock trailer is used to transport large animals such as horses or cows. It has an insulated roof to protect the animals from weather and openings at the top for ventilation. A large livestock trailer has pens inside for the individual animals.

Find Your New Trailer at McFarlane's

We sell both new and used trailers from the most trusted brand names. We can also order custom-built trailers. Browse our selection today, or contact us to find exactly what you're looking for.