If you are in the market for a new trailer for your construction business, you will need to think carefully about what kind of trailer you buy.
In fact, our top tip is to think about all the potential use cases for your trailer before you begin browsing the options available to you.
This is because there are several kinds of trailers available for those working in construction and you don’t want to invest in a trailer that doesn’t meet your needs.
The main options are:
- General duty trailers
- Plant trailers
- Tipper trailers
Each of these types of trailer has merit in a construction environment, which is why you need to be clear about what you need a trailer for. Let’s look at each in turn.
General duty trailers
General duty trailers are designed to be versatile. They have sturdy, stainless steel sides to protect whatever you’re transporting and will normally come with a tailboard or rear ramp to assist with loading and unloading.
This type of trailer is available in both single axle and double axle models, providing options to suit many types of loads and making it a good all-round construction trailer.
Plant trailers
As their name suggests, plant trailers are designed specifically to transport compact plant machinery, such as excavators, skid steer loaders and telehandlers.
For a construction business, being able to easily and securely transport equipment from one site to the next is essential. Easy loading of equipment is obviously vital, which is why all plant trailers are equipped with a ramp.
When you’re choosing a plant trailer, make sure you consider what load it needs to be able to carry so that you can purchase a plant trailer that works for your stock of equipment.
Tipper trailers
Tipper trailers are a staple piece of equipment in the construction industry, allowing you to transport materials to your site and offload them by tipping the trailer up at one end. Such trailers are available in single axle and double axle configurations.
Think carefully about how large a stock of materials you often need to transport to or from your building sites when making your selection.
A twin axle tipper trailer will typically be able to carry heavier loads safely than a single axle model.
What to look at when evaluating construction trailers
There are several specifications to pay attention to when you are choosing a construction trailer, regardless of what type of trailer you decide to buy.
The most important are:
- Ease of use
- Load capacity
- Materials it’s made from
- Safety features
Ease of use
None of us want to invest in equipment that is hard to use. Trailers are supposed to facilitate the delivery of your work, so make sure you look for features like ramps and removable tailboards to make loading and unloading simple.
How quick and easy it is to hook your trailer up to a towing vehicle is also worth considering.
Load capacity
Arguably the most important factor to consider. Make sure that any trailer you buy is able to carry more than the heaviest load you anticipate needing to transport. This will ensure you are always able to use it safely.
As well as the gross weight rating of the trailer, look at its shape and size. Is it long enough to fit the materials or machinery you need to transport?
Materials it’s made from
Trailers that operate in construction environments can take a beating. They will be driven over uneven terrain and the loads they carry are often heavy and potentially sharp or awkward shapes.
You want to invest in a trailer that stands the test of time. This is why Ifor Williams trailers stand out, because they are renowned for their quality and durability.
The materials you want to look for are galvanised steel or aluminium, because these metals can withstand heavy loads and are suitable for use whatever the weather. But don’t stop at the material the trailer is made from. Also look at the quality of its construction.
Does it look sturdy? Is there extra support for the sections that will be carrying the load? What coating does the platform have to ensure it will last?
Safety features
Safety is a key consideration, so make sure you look for not only basic safety features like lights and reflectors, but also brakes (if applicable) and breakaway cables.
Although designed for checks once you’ve bought a trailer, the government’s advice about how to tow safely are a useful starting point to make sure you cover all the safety basics.