When you need to buy a flatbed trailer for your business, you must choose the appropriate trailer for your daily routes. Flatbed trailers are designed in several styles, and each trailer that you use should provide you with options that keep your drivers safe. The tips below make it easier for you to choose the trailer that will make your company more efficient, more profitable, and safer to manage.
How Large Is the Flatbed
The flatbed that you have chosen must be the proper length and width. A narrow trailer may be helpful if you are carry landscaping equipment, but a wider trailer will help you haul a car or truck. If you get a long flatbed, you have more room for storage. Plus, an extra-long trailer has room for a forklift that sits on the back. Measure the trailer before buying, compare that measurement to your typical load, and buy accordingly.
Does The Flatbed Allow For Security Straps?
The flatbed you buy should have latches for security straps. The straps need to hook to the sides of the trailer, or you may need hooks on the front and back. If you buy a used trailer, you should ask the seller if they have the security straps that originally came with the trailer. If the straps are not available, you should ask for a discount.
The Different Types Of Trailers
Used flatbeds for sale provide you with a number of options including a ramp, a winch, or lift. You may choose a trailer that has a forklift hanging on the back, or you might pick a tipper trailer that will help you load or unload the trailer safely.
Tipper trailers should have a unit on the side that allows you to operate the lift. The same is true if there is a standard lift on the back. If the trailer comes with a forklift, you need to know what kind of forklift you are getting before spending your money.
If the trailer is designed for heavy loads, it may sit very low to the ground. A lowboy trailer allows you to carry a heavy load, and the trailer offers more clearance under bridges or overpasses. The trailer may come with a third axle that allows you to carry heavier loads, or you might purchase a flatbed with a ramp hat pulls out if you are loading cars and trucks.
A Few Tips About Flatbed Trailers
Flatbed trailers should not have any damage to the flatbed or the underside of the loading area. You can inspect these elements before buying the trailer. Plus, you need to check the motor for a tipper trailer. The control unit should be in good condition, and there should not be any rust on the unit.
You can check the ramp to make sure it slides in and out easily. You can check the lowboy assembly to make sure that it is not cracked or unstable. You might check the third axle to make sure it flips down safely. The hitch on the trailer should be in good condition, and you can check the brakes or tires to ensure there is not any major damage.
Why Not Use An Alternative?
Using an alternative to a flatbed trailer might be too complicated for your business. If you are trying to buy something like a dry van trailer, that trailer may be far too big to use. The flatbed trailer allows you to load from any side, and the tipper feature makes it much easier to unload. Flatbed trailers can be repurposed easily, and they might be as long as a normal trailer. You do not want to make it hard for your drivers to get through city streets when hauling the trailer.
Conclusion
The flatbed trailer that you have chosen for your business must provide you with the versatility that you need. The trailer might have a tipper motor, or it might have a ramp for easy loading. You can get a flatbed that has a forklift attached, or you could try the flatbed truck that has a low profile for hauling tall vehicles. Flatbed trailers are easier to drive than larger trailers, and they are cost-effective for your business.