What Do I Need to Know Before I Buy a Trailer

You have a number of important decisions to make before you buy a trailer to ensure that your purchase is going to meet your hauling needs, offers value for money, will provide durability and safe towing when you're on the road or rugged terrain, and will keep your kit, tools and equipment safe over the long haul. 

In this guide, we explore your options when trying to find the perfect trailer at the best price, so that you have peace of mind that you've made right choice and can look forward to many years of safe and secure towing. 

How do I choose the right trailer for my hauling needs?

The first thing to understand is that there is a huge range of trailers for sale out there, so it pays to consider all the various models available, and the sort of cargo you carry, so that you can find the ideal trailer for your needs.

Box trailers are the perfect solution for a range of applications 

For domestic users, box trailers will generally cover most hauling needs. However, within that broad category, there are a range of different box trailer types and sizes available, so you need to think about how often you're going to use your trailer, the sort of loads you most regularly carry, the quality of the roads you drive on, and whether there are any tailored solutions or additional features that might suit your specific needs. 

Single axle box trailers come in a wide selection of sizes — from 6x4 to 8x5 —and are ideal for moving furniture, hauling green waste or taking rubbish to the dump. Single axle box trailers are also relatively lightweight and can be moved by hand if required, without taking out too much room when parked up or stored.

Larger box trailers with tandem axles are also available, and these heavy duty box trailers are built to carry larger items, including construction machinery and heavy equipment. They also provide additional stability when on country roads or uneven work sites.

Enclosed box trailers provide additional security when carrying goods that need to be protected against the weather, and can be locked so that valuable equipment, tools and accessories are safe when your trailer is not in use.

If you are looking for additional protection from rust and corrosion, highly durable galvanised box trailers are especially resistant to harsh, wet or salty conditions. 

Overall, box trailers can be used for a versatile selection of tasks both for work and around the home, so before you buy box trailer consider the extra features you may need, such as a cage or ramps, how many axles and wheels are required, or whether you need hot dipped galvanised coating for additional steel protection in salt air or damp conditions. 

Car trailers, tipper trailers and other types of high quality trailers 

There are also a range of trailers for sale that are designed and manufactured primarily for commercial and industrial use. These include car trailers, flat top trailers, tipper trailers, plant trailers and stock crate trailers that provide all the strength and durability required for carrying cars, machinery and heavy equipment.

Tandem axle trailers are ideal for long hauls as the additional wheels provide greater stability on all types of road and job site surfaces, and help to prevent trailer sway when travelling at higher speeds. They are the perfect trailer if you are intending to carry heavy equipment or other cargo. Dual axle trailers generally have a 1,990 kg ATM as standard, although it is possible to upgrade the ATM to as much as 4,500 kg on most models.

What trailer size and ATM do I need?

When you're searching on Google for trailers for sale, you'll come across a wide range of models and sizes. Determining the size of trailer you need and its load capacity is the first step to making sure it will be able to handle all of your hauling needs.

Single axle and tandem axle trailers are available in dimensions ranging from 6x4 up to 24x8, and come with a range of features and customisation options that mean they can meet a variety of needs. 

You also need to take into consideration the weight your trailer can carry legally. Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) is the weight of the trailer and cargo when it's not coupled to a towing vehicle. Single axle trailers will generally have a standard ATM of around 1,350kg, but this can usually be upgraded to 1,990kg. Tandem and ti-axle trailers will have a greater ATM, which can be as high 4,500kg, so if you need a heavy duty box trailer, enclosed box trailer, plant trailer, cat trailer, tipper trailer, beam trailer or scissor lift trailer, an ATM in excess of 2,000kg will be required. 

When considering the ATM of a new trailer, you also need to take your vehicle's towing capacity into account. All vehicles sold in Australia have a rated towing capacity determined by the manufacturer, which is the maximum ATM that the vehicle can tow safely. If you're considering a trailer with a higher ATM, you need to ensure that your car, ute, SUV or 4WD is capable of towing it legally and safely. 

Choosing the right trailer brakes

When buying a new trailer, it's important to know that there are different types of brakes and that you need to opt for a braking system that will suit the weight of the loads you carry and is also compliant with towing regulations in South Australia. 

Mechanical trailer brakes

Mechanical trailer brakes are operated by a cable connected to the hitch. As the towing vehicle slows, the momentum of the trailer activates an override mechanism and engages the brakes.

Mechanical disc brakes with calipers will usually be sufficient for smaller box trailers or other types of trailers that carry light loads, up to an ATM of 2,000kg. 

Hydraulic trailer brakes

For trailers with an ATM of 2,000kg or less, hydraulic trailer brakes can be fitted in order to provide additional stopping capacity in a range of different road and weather conditions. 

Electric trailer brakes

Electric trailer brakes are operated by a controller in the towing vehicle sends an electrical current to magnets in the wheel hubs, which then expand the brake shoes and create friction to slow the trailer down.

If you buy a trailer with electric brakes you enjoy greater control, which is essential on larger trailers and when carrying heavy equipment or for long haul journeys. 

In South Australia, trailers with an ATM in excess of 2,000kg require electric brakes that are fitted with a breakaway system. This will automatically apply the trailer brakes if it becomes separated from the towing vehicle, ensuring not only your safety but the safety of other road users too.

Need more help to buy a trailer in Adelaide?

At Basic Trailers, we manufacture a wide range of trailers designed to meet a variety of needs for both domestic and business users. 

Our high quality trailers are renowned for their superior design, exceptional durability and competitive pricing, while the range of customisation options, accessories and additional features we offer means it's easy to buy the perfect trailer for your specific hauling needs. 

If you need assistance in choosing the right trailer, contact our friendly sales and service team on 1300 770 770, email us at info@basictrailers.com.au or browse our website and we'll be happy to talk you through our full range of trailers for sale in South Australia. 

Buying a new trailer FAQs

What type and size trailer should I buy? 

Choosing the right trailer will depend on your hauling needs. A single axle box trailer will generally meet most domestic needs, such as carrying furniture, garden waste or general cargo. Adding a cage will increase versatility and make loads safer when on the road.

If you use a trailer for work, a larger tandem axle model will likely be more suited to your needs. These can be fitted with a range of features, such as ramps, spare wheel, tie-down points, gates, drop down legs and other customisation options so that your new trailer is configured to match your needs.

How do I choose the right load capacity for my towing vehicle? 

The Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) should not exceed the vehicle manufacturer's specified towing capacity. This can usually be found in the vehicle handbook. You do not need a special licence to tow a trailer in South Australia (up to 4, 500kg ATM).

What should I look for in terms of build quality and materials? 

At Basic Trailers we pride ourselves on high quality trailer construction using 100% Australian steel. All of our trailers for sale are designed and built in-house and we offer customers a 12-month warranty with every purchase. When you're shopping on Google for trailers, make sure that any model you're considering is actually built in Australia, and is not imported and simply bolted together here. In this way, you can be sure that your new trailer has the durability you need and offers the best possible value for money.

How do I register a new trailer?

When you buy a new trailer from Basic Trailers, we can complete the registration process for you so that you are able to tow away your trailer on the same day you complete your purchase. Trailers in South Australia can be registered for either three months or six months, and renewals will be sent when they are due from Service SA. 

What add-on features and upgrades should I consider for my trailer? 

There are a wide range of customisation options available that mean you can match your trailer configuration with your hauling needs. For instance, you can increase the ATM of your trailer so that it can safely carry larger loads and heavy equipment, add a cage or high sides to keep cargo secure, upgrade the brakes, add an H-frame or spare wheel holder and much more. Browse our full range of accessories and additional features to see how you can enhance the safety, durability and compliance of a new trailer.