How to size the trailer you need in Raleigh North Carolina
When choosing the right size trailer for your needs in Raleigh, North Carolina, several factors come into play. The right size trailer ensures that you can safely haul your cargo without overloading, causing damage, or making the driving experience unstable. Here’s how to go about sizing the trailer you need:
- Understand What You’re Hauling
The most important step is to know what you plan to haul, as this directly impacts the trailer size. Here are some questions to consider:
- What is the weight of the load? This helps determine the weight capacity and the size of the trailer.
- What are the dimensions of the items? Measure the length, width, and height of the items you’ll be hauling.
- How many items do you need to transport? If you’re hauling a large volume of items, you’ll need more space inside the trailer.
- Consider the Load Type
Different types of cargo have different space and handling requirements:
- General Cargo (Furniture, Boxes, etc.): If you’re moving household items or general cargo, you’ll need a utility trailer or enclosed trailer. For a one-bedroom apartment, a 5′ x 8′ to 6′ x 12′ enclosed trailer might be sufficient.
- Vehicles (Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, etc.): For vehicle transportation, you’ll need a car hauler or vehicle trailer. These usually range from 7′ x 14′ to 8′ x 20′.
- Heavy Equipment or Landscaping Materials: If you’re hauling heavy equipment (e.g., tractors, mowers) or landscaping materials, a flatbed utility trailer or equipment trailer is ideal. These typically range from 7′ x 14′ to 8′ x 18′ or larger.
- Recreational Trailers (ATVs, Boats, Motorcycles): For transporting recreational equipment, choose a trailer that can accommodate the width and length of your vehicle or toys. For example, an enclosed motorcycle trailer or a boat trailer will need to be sized based on the length of the boat or the number of motorcycles.
- Measure the Cargo Dimensions
- Length: Determine how long your cargo is and whether it needs to be loaded end-to-end or stacked. For example, a typical moving truck might require a 12′ to 16′ trailer depending on the number of rooms you’re moving.
- Width: Ensure the trailer is wide enough for your cargo to fit comfortably. For example, standard utility trailers range from 5′ to 7′ wide. If you’re hauling a large vehicle, look for a wide car hauler with at least 8′ of width.
- Height: Some items, like furniture or tall equipment, may require more height. Make sure the trailer has the necessary vertical space to accommodate your load. Enclosed trailers offer more height flexibility, typically ranging from 6′ to 7′ interior height.
- Account for Weight Capacity (GVWR)
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the total weight the trailer can safely carry, including the weight of the trailer itself and the cargo. Make sure the total weight of your cargo doesn’t exceed the GVWR of the trailer.
- Towing Vehicle Compatibility: Your vehicle must also be capable of towing the trailer and the load. Check your vehicle’s towing capacity (found in the owner’s manual) to ensure it can safely tow the trailer and the cargo combined. You’ll also want to check if the trailer needs brakes (required for trailers over 3,000 pounds in North Carolina).
- Consider Load Type and Axles
- Single vs. Tandem Axles: If you’re hauling heavier loads, you’ll need a tandem-axle trailer for better stability and weight distribution. A single-axle trailer works for lighter loads but may not be stable enough for heavier cargo.
- Single-axle trailers are typically sufficient for light-duty use like moving household goods or hauling smaller vehicles.
- Tandem-axle trailers are better suited for carrying heavy equipment, multiple vehicles, or large construction materials.
- Weight Distribution and Balance: For large loads, think about how the weight will be distributed on the trailer. A trailer with proper weight distribution (i.e., the load is balanced) will tow more smoothly and be safer.
- Trailer Types and Their Sizes
Depending on what you’re hauling, these are the general types of trailers and their sizes:
Utility Trailers
- Size: 5′ x 8′ to 7′ x 14′
- Best for: General cargo, household goods, lawn equipment, or small vehicles.
- Weight Capacity: 1,500 lbs to 7,000 lbs (depending on the axle configuration).
Enclosed Trailers
- Size: 6′ x 12′ to 8′ x 24′
- Best for: Moving items, transporting valuables, or long-term storage.
- Weight Capacity: 3,000 lbs to 10,000 lbs.
- Considerations: These provide extra protection from the elements and theft.
Car Hauler Trailers
- Size: 7′ x 14′ to 8′ x 24′ (or larger for multiple cars)
- Best for: Hauling cars, trucks, and other vehicles.
- Weight Capacity: 3,000 lbs to 12,000 lbs.
- Considerations: Open or enclosed options depending on your preference.
Equipment Trailers
- Size: 7′ x 14′ to 8′ x 20′
- Best for: Heavy-duty equipment, construction materials, or machinery.
- Weight Capacity: 5,000 lbs to 20,000 lbs.
- Considerations: These trailers often have a flatbed design for easy loading/unloading.
Dump Trailers
- Size: 6′ x 10′ to 8′ x 16′
- Best for: Hauling dirt, gravel, or debris.
- Weight Capacity: 3,000 lbs to 10,000 lbs.
- Considerations: These trailers have hydraulic lifts for easy dumping.
Recreational Trailers (Boat, ATV, etc.)
- Size: Boat trailers typically range from 6′ to 8′ wide, with lengths ranging from 12′ to 30′.
- Best for: Transporting boats, motorcycles, ATVs, or RVs.
- Weight Capacity: Varies widely based on the size of the boat or recreational vehicle.
- Check Local Regulations (Raleigh, NC)
- Trailer Length Limits: North Carolina has specific laws for maximum trailer lengths, so check local regulations for size limits on the highways. For example, an enclosed trailer may be limited to 45 feet in total length, but most standard trailers are within the 14’ to 24’ range.
- Brake Requirements: Trailers over a certain weight (usually 3,000 lbs) are required to have their own braking system. Be sure your trailer matches these requirements.
- Consider Future Needs
Even if your immediate hauling needs are small, you might want to consider future uses. For example, if you’re currently only moving a few small items but may want to haul a car or larger furniture in the future, you might consider buying a larger trailer to avoid upgrading later.
Conclusion: Sizing Your Trailer in Raleigh, NC
To choose the right trailer size in Raleigh, NC, follow these steps:
- Assess your cargo: Measure its dimensions and weight.
- Match the trailer type to the load: For example, a utility trailer for general items or a car hauler for vehicles.
- Consider future use: Opt for a slightly larger trailer if you expect to haul more in the future.
- Verify towing capacity: Ensure your vehicle can handle the combined weight of the trailer and cargo.
- Account for local regulations: Make sure the trailer size complies with North Carolina’s laws.
By carefully considering your needs and matching the trailer size to your cargo, you’ll ensure a safe and efficient towing experience in Raleigh.
When you need the very best trailer and only want 5 star customer service come visit us at East Coast Trailer Sales. We are the triangle’s premier trail sales specialist. We can help you select the perfect trailer for your needs and get you on the road quickly. To learn more visit us online at https://www.eastcoastsales.com/ or check out our social media at https://www.facebook.com/eastcoastsalesraleigh . To browse our inventory, please visit https://www.eastcoastsales.com/inventory/ .
To speak to an expert call us at (919) 661-1045 today.