Sunday, January 4, 2009

Aluminum Utility Trailer Basics And Some Points Of Concern

Writen by Chadder McD.

Maneuverability and safety should be of utmost consideration when towing any trailer or non powered vehicle. Whether you choose a fixed hitch or one that pivots to increase increase or unloading material, special care must be taken to ensure the trailer is attached securely and safely to the vehicle that is towing it. All utility trailers should be attached by a backup security chain in case the hitch and or ball fail to hold the trailer.

Most aluminum utility trailers have a floating axle construction to allow adjustments to various load requirements. A few come in single axle for smaller, shorter trips, but for longer hauls and larger loads tandem axles offer greater security and ease of towing.

Some other safety features include heavy-duty spring suspension, adequate tires engineered to hold the manufacturers suggested weight requirements and side and rear LED trailer light mechanisms that can be wired to the towing vehicle. An aluminum utility trailer must also be equipped with a secure bumper, reliable tow bar and larger trailers must have a reliable braking system.

A utility trailer that is welded together far surpasses one that is designed to stay together with bolts. The constant jarring a aluminum utility trailer receives during transport could easily loosen bolted parts, thus making the vehicle unstable and a safety risk; a aluminum utility trailer that is welded together can greatly decrease chances of this happening. Welded joints should still be inspected on a regular basis with particular attention being paid to small, undersized welds, which can sometimes endanger the durability and safety of the trailer.

Another huge factor to consider before loading a utility trailer is to pay particular attention to its recommended load capacity. All utility trailers are engineered with a maximum load in mind and its construction should be relative to the intended weight - that is, the heavier the anticipated load, the stronger its construction should be.

Really, load distribution should be of the utmost importance. Materials that are not evenly distributed can result in risky damage to the trailer not to mention the vehicle towing it. Overloaded trailers or those with weight not evenly distributed can also lead to instability on the road, and has the potential to become a very serious safety hazard.

In short, aluminum utility trailers offer a economical and versatile method of transporting a wide diversity of goods; however, care must be taken not only in the selection of the utility trailer, but also in its safe operation. Making sensible choices and abiding by standard safety practices can go a long way in making sure all your towing experiences are a success.

This information about folding utility trailer as well as folding utility trailer kits submitted by Chad McDonald from: http://www.folding-utility-trailer.info

1 comment:

Amelia said...

it's fantastic blog. thanks.The aluminum trailer may actually hold it's original purchase value over time.

Utility Trailers