Buying Box Trailers

Having a box trailer can be a great help whether for personal or for running your business. They can be used to transport almost anything, from furniture to camping gear without taking too much space inside your vehicle. But before you take the next step in buying your own box trailer, there are things you should consider to ensure the safety and efficiency of the trailer.

Secondhand Box Trailers
Trailers can last for years if they are maintained and looked after and if you are thinking about short term savings, buying a secondhand box trailer would be an option. But like cars, trailers are also susceptible to damage and wear and we need regular maintenance to keep up with performance and longevity.
The advantage of buying a new one however is you can have it customised and the warranty and services provided by the manufacturer.

Important Specifications

There are several specifications to be considered when buying box trailers.  These include ATM, Payload and towing capacity.
ATM or aggregated trailer mass, is the total weight of the trailer and load when not hitched to a vehicle. It indicates the maximum weight the trailer should weigh when in use.  You need to know what it is you are going to be carrying and what it weighs to determine your required ATM.
Payload is calculated by taking the weight of the trailer (tare weight) and subtracting it from the ATM.
Towing capacity is usually found in the manufacturer’s handbook. This will tell you how much your vehicle can tow, and if you need brakes installed and any speed restrictions applicable to your vehicle when towing.

Braking System
Depending on the payload you want to carry and the towing capacity of your vehicle, you may need to have brakes installed in the box trailer.  If you are looking to carry a small payload and your vehicle has high towing capacity, you may be able to invest in a box trailer without brakes installed, potentially with 750 kg of ATM. But if you want to carry a high payload then brakes will be essential.  Discuss this with your manufacturer to ensure that your trailer will meet your needs safely.