Cargo Trailer Buying Guide—Finding The Perfect Size For Your Needs
When shopping for cargo trailers, it's crucial to buy with the right model size in mind. Too small and you'll be stuck making multiple trips, drastically reducing your productivity. Too big and you'll be suffering reduced fuel efficiency and tougher tow vehicle handling for nothing. Finding the right cargo trailer size is important and the following buying guide can help!
Read on to discover the important size considerations you need to make while you shop. If you have questions, want professional advice, or want to shop cargo trailers for sale in Wisconsin, reach out to the experts at American Marine & Motorsports. Our dealership is located in Shawano, Wisconsin, and we also serve those in Green Bay and Appleton.
Know The Legal Limits
The first thing to know is that there are legal restrictions on trailer sizes. These tend to vary from state to state, so consider your home state as well as the states you will be visiting. Wisconsin, for example, limits cargo trailers to 65 feet total length, 48 feet trailer length, 102 inches width, and 13 feet 6 inches height.
Pick Your Tow Vehicle
Next, think about the tow vehicle that will be transporting the cargo trailer. What are its limitations? You may be legally able to haul a 48 foot long trailer, but that model may be too heavy for your tow vehicle to safely carry.
You'll need to figure out the tow vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This number tells you how much weight it can handle (which includes the weight of cargo, fuel, and passengers in addition to the cargo trailer). This number should be on the driver-side door frame or the owner's manual. As you determine your ideal cargo trailer size, make sure the weight is within your tow vehicle's capabilities.
Factor In Your Cargo
Next, think about what you will be transporting. Are there any sizing restrictions or needs? For example, if you are carrying a golf cart, make sure to get a cargo trailer with enough length to comfortably fit the vehicle.
Think About Size Versus Cost
It's tempting to get the largest cargo trailer that you can afford. But that may not be what you need. Remember that bigger cargo trailers will cost more money upfront and cost more in fuel to haul. Try to strike a balance between your budget and your cargo trailer size.
Remember to factor in your trip distances and frequency. Maybe you will only be hauling short distances and don't mind making multiple trips, so you opt for a smaller cargo trailer. Or maybe you drive long-distances and need a cargo trailer that can fit everything in one go.
Decide Where To Store The Cargo Trailer
When your cargo trailer is not on the open road, it will need to be stored somewhere. Ideally, it will be secure and protected from weather and thieves. See if you can free up shed or garage space and be sure to take the dimensions of this available area. You don't want to get home only to realize your new cargo trailer just barely doesn't fit inside.
If you do need to store the cargo trailer out in the open, know that it will likely face sped up wear due to weather exposure. This can result in replacing the cargo trailer sooner, so try to invest in some kind of protective storage (even if it's simply a tarp).
Ready to shop cargo trailers for sale in Wisconsin? Check out the inventory at American Marine & Motorsports. Explore the models online or stop by our dealership in Shawano, Wisconsin. Either way, we can help you find the best match for your budget and sizing needs. We are proud to serve those in the Green Bay and Appleton area as well.
