An automotive trailer, or a car utility trailer, is a type of non-motorized trailer that’s attached to your vehicle so you can easily transport or carry heavy objects with you. An automotive trailer can be enclosed or open, big or small, or, depending on your preference, they can also be simple or customized to suit your towing needs.
You’ll most likely need an automotive trailer in your life, especially when you like going on road trips, camping, or just simply driving long-distances. Hence, it may be wrong to assume that you’ll only need a trailer a handful of times. The truth is, once you begin using a trailer, you’ll find that you’re already becoming dependent on it once you’re out in the open road.
That being said, before renting or buying automotive towing trailers, it’s important to know how it’s commonly used and the benefits of having such an attachment at the back of your car.
1. Transporting Vehicles
If you have an inoperable car or truck gathering dust at your garage, you can use a utility trailer to transport it to the repair shop or the nearest recycling shop, if you want to gain money from it.
You might consider calling towing professionals to get the job done for you. However, take note that the price of tow truck services depends on the distance from your house to the shop. Hence, it might not be best to call in such professionals if the distance is great. Simply put, if you have the need to regularly haul vehicles, whether inoperable or not, from one point to another, an automotive trailer can be a good investment.
Along with automobiles, you can also transport the following using an automotive towing trailer:
- Boats: If you have a boat, or if you’re planning to buy one, you’ll definitely need an automotive trailer to get it to and from the water.
- Lawn care equipment: If you live in a rural area, you may need lawn care equipment from time to time. Fortunately, with the use of an automotive trailer, you’ll be able to drive the necessary lawn care equipment onto the trailer without using any ramps.
- Bikes, motorcycles, or ATVs: If you’re planning to go off-country, you may not want to drive your recreational vehicle since you want it to be in its best condition when you get there. Thankfully, with the use of a car trailer, you’ll be able to conveniently transport your vehicle without worrying that it might get damaged or worn-out.
2. Transport Furniture and Appliances
Purchasing a new piece of furniture or an appliance entails transporting it from the store to your house. However, in the same way, that tow truck services work, the delivery fees might be hefty depending on the distance. If you want to avoid paying for these fees so you can save money, use an automotive trailer.
To avoid getting scratches or dents on your furniture, lay blankets on the trailer. Also, for added security, use tie-downs to firmly secure your purchases during your travel.
3. Carry Trash and Debris
Loading up huge piles of trash and debris onto your ordinary truck or car might be too complicated. Not to mention that the clean-up of such a process can be a little messy. This is where an automotive trailer comes in.
With a car trailer, you’ll be able to take your trash and debris to the scrap yard with ease; simply place the pile of trashes onto the trailer, then drive away. Also, this means that you won’t have to wait for the garbage collection services to do the job for you, which will help you save time and maintain your property’s cleanliness. You also won’t have to pay for disposal services, so you can save money.
4. Moving
If you’re planning to employ someone to help with your move, the different types of furniture you own may influence the overall cost and cause a problem with your planned budget. The common costs that’ll change your budget to facilitate a secure move include packing blankets, additional boxes, and return trips.
Also, if you’re planning a DIY move using your sedan or SUV to transport your belongings, it may cost you time, delaying and inconveniencing the entire moving process.
Fortunately, with an automotive trailer, you’ll be saved from all of these problems. For one, trailers offer plenty of extra space, allowing you to transport more boxes and furniture with each trip. Additionally, you don’t have to pay for extra services when you pack since you’ll be able to conveniently and safely transport your belongings.
Things To Consider Before Buying An Automotive Trailer
Now that you know how a car trailer is commonly used, it’s equally important to know some essential things to consider before investing in one. Doing so ensures that you’re making the most out of your investment.
Here are some things to consider before buying an automotive trailer:
- Size: The size of your trailer should depend on how you’ll be using it on a regular basis–whether you’re constantly on the road, love camping, own a recreational vehicle, or living in a rural area. Ideally, your trailer should have enough space to transport your belongings or items.
- Weight capacity: Before buying a trailer, it’s important to consider the weight capacity of the trailer. This will ensure that you’ll be safely transporting the items from one point to another without worrying whether the trailer will fall off on its own weight or not.
- Cost: Ideally, you want to purchase a trailer that’ll fit into your budget. This means that the trailer shouldn’t incur additional costs in the long run, such as extensive repairs.
Moreover, if you won’t be constantly using a trailer, you can opt for used ones so you can save money. However, if you think that you’ll be using the trailer regularly, a new one may be an ideal option since you’ll be assured that it’ll last for a long time.
Final Word
As shown above, an automotive trailer has many uses. Whether you want to transport your vehicle, carry furniture, appliances, debris and trash, do a DIY relocation, or simply enjoy your retirement, having an automotive trailer proves to be beneficial.
However, for you to make the most out of this investment, it’s important to consider the size, payload capacity, and the cost of the trailer you’re eyeing to buy. This way, you won’t regret having such an attachment at the back of your car.
Since an automotive trailer is very versatile, who knows, you may find another use for your trailer that’s not mentioned in this list.