The Relocator’s Guide to Equipment Trailers

Whether a couple of crates or heavy machinery, equipment trailers are the best way to move cargo from place to place. Built like a tank, these trailers are capable of carrying thousands of pounds. When winched onto a vehicle with sufficient torque, they can be a cost-effective means of moving heavy loads.

If you’re in the market for an equipment trailer but can’t seem to find the right one, this guide has your back. Despite being one of several types of trailers, it comes in multiple variations designed to fulfill certain needs. Here’s an in-depth review of the factors that determine an equipment trailer’s performance.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

The first question that often comes in a trailer shopper’s mind is: “How much weight can this trailer carry?” For that, you’d want to look for the trailer’s maximum weight capacity, expressed in gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

A typical flatbed trailer has a maximum load capacity between 7,000 and 25,000 lbs. GVWR. Actual capacity depends on factors such as the tire rating, axle capacity, and frame strength. Fortunately, you can simply ask an authorized dealer straight and they’ll give you several options.

For comparison, here’s the U.S. Federal Highway Administration’s vehicle classification.

Class 1: 4-wheeled, less than 6,000 lbs.
Class 2: 4-wheeled, 6,001 to 10,000 lbs.
Class 3: 6+-wheeled, 10,001 to 14,000 lbs.
Class 4: 6+-wheeled, 14,001 to 16,000 lbs.
Class 5: 6+-wheeled, 16,001 to 19,500 lbs.
Class 6: 6+-wheeled, 19,501 to 26,000 lbs.

Note: Classes 7 and 8 exceed the typical capacity of equipment trailers.

In terms of passenger transport, GVWR is the combination of the vehicle’s curb weight and the total weight of the driver and passengers. But because riding on a vehicle loaded on a trailer is illegal (not to mention unsafe), the GVWR for trailer transport is just the weight of the vehicle itself.

Loading/Unloading System

Modern equipment trailers eliminate the need for linking separate or improvised ramps for loading and unloading vehicles. This is made possible through a loading/unloading system that’s integrated into the trailer design. Below are the most common systems.

Stand-up ramps: This system consist of long (typically five feet) flip-up ramps that remain upright during transport, serving to secure the rear. Loading and unloading a vehicle is a matter of lining up the tracks or wheels with the ramp.
Dovetail ramps: These ramps feature a sloped rear section connected to either a pair of stand-up ramps or ones with more surface area. They can also be employed without add-on ramps, though that’s better for vehicles with sufficient clearance.
Skid-steer trailers: Designed for carrying skid steers and mini excavators, these trailers feature a low deck height. They don’t require a dovetail ramp but still need stand-up ramps for easy loading and unloading.
Tilt trailers: As the term implies, these trailers feature a flatbed that can be tilted toward the ground to safely load and unload the vehicle. Some designs leave the forward section of the deck fixed for utility.

Loading/unloading systems can either be manual or hydraulic. The latter is much easier to operate because of the hydraulic system doing the heavy lifting with just the push of a few buttons. However, manually operated trailers are more affordable and easier to maintain.

Flatbed Material

Wood is the popular choice for the flatbed due to their durability and lightweight for lower cost. For this, trailer manufacturers build their flatbeds out of hardwood for, as the term suggests, its hardness and resilience. Common species used for trailer decking include Brazilian apitong (keruing) and Angelim Pedra.

However, hardwood trailer beds can be expensive due to the wood’s rarity and hardness making harvesting and processing difficult. As a result, some trailer manufacturers turn to certain softwoods to be able to offer cost-effective products. Some widely used softwood species include Douglas Fir and Southern Yellow Pine.

The wood deck would also need to be made resistant to the elements, especially moisture. Hardwood is inherently resistant, but most softwoods have to undergo pressure treatment. This mitigates the risk of the wood deck rotting or warping.

If you can’t be bothered about keeping wood from such issues, you can go for a diamond floor trailer. The term is a misnomer; the deck isn’t actually made of diamonds but a heavy-duty steel plate with diamond-pattern lines (also known as a tread plate). This flatbed deck enhances the loaded vehicle’s traction, even when the deck is slippery.

As an inorganic material, steel won’t rot or warp due to moisture. However, it’s susceptible to corrosion and rust if not properly maintained. Depending on their design, steel flatbeds may need to be towed at slow speeds when empty.

Hitch Mechanism

The hitch mechanism is a critical point in a towing system. No one wants their cargo trailer to suddenly break off and run out of control all over the road. Most trailers feature either a bumper pull or gooseneck hitch.

Bumper pull hitches are the more affordable and popular of the two, as they can be hooked with the common ball hitch found in most towing vehicles. It allows the trailer turn with the vehicle, making it beginner friendly. However, a bumper pull trailer isn’t rated for hauling heavier loads, lest risk losing control.

Gooseneck hitches are designed for heavy logistics due to the connection point being over the towing vehicle’s rear axle instead of the rear end. The downside is that they’re pricier, partly because they require a specialized hitch. A gooseneck equipment trailer is less common, so the special hitch isn’t built in on most towing vehicles.

Conclusion

Choosing the ideal equipment trailer all boils down to weight capacity, loading/unloading system, flatbed material, and hitch mechanism. Get all these right and your trailer will carry anything you need wherever you need to go.