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Buying A Flatbed Trailer

Jul. 12 2021 Buying Guide By Connecticut Trailers

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A flatbed trailer opens up a lot of business opportunities, but there are any number of sizes, shapes, and builds out there. How do you know which is right for you? We here at Connecticut Trailers know that can feel intimidating, so we’ve put together some tips for getting just the right flatbed trailer for your needs. To learn more, or to see the flatbed trailers we have for sale, contact our store in Bolton, Connecticut, today!

When They’re Useful

First, you want to make sure that a flatbed is right for you at all. Some of the scenarios where they’re handy include, but are not limited to when you:

  • Want to spend less on maintenance. Because of the simple design and low number of materials, a flatbed trailer will cost less and be easier to take care of.
  • Want an easier loading process. Flatbed trailers tend to be closer to the ground, and typically don’t have side walls. That makes it much simpler to get things onto the trailer.
  • Don’t need to protect your cargo from the elements. If you aren’t transporting something that’s sensitive to sunshine, rain, wind, or snow, then there’s no need for all the extra material. 

Keep in mind, also, that a flatbed opens up niche opportunities for shipping jobs, but they’re also more difficult to secure and keep safe. 

How To Get The Right One

1: Budget

Start by setting a firm budget. This keeps you from getting attached to a trailer you can’t afford in the end, and helps you find the best quality in your price range without bankrupting you.

2: Tow Vehicle

Once you know how much you can spend, figure out how much you can tow. Your vehicle needs to have a high enough Gross Vehicle Weight Ratio (GVWR) to carry you, the trailer, all cargo, and all add-ons.

3: Cargo

Now it’s time to think about what you’ll be hauling. Get a strong enough and large enough trailer to handle your anticipated cargo’s weight and size. But you also don’t want to spend money on potential you’ll never use, so try to find a middleground. 

4: Style Of Hitch

Finally, consider the type of hitch that best suits your needs. Your main options are between bumper-pull and gooseneck. A bumper-pull hitch connects the trailer to the rear of your tow vehicle’s frame, which is simple and requires little to no alterations to your tow vehicle. 

However, a gooseneck style tends to offer more agility, stability, and safety. It will, unfortunately, require a pickup truck to tow it and a modification to the truck’s bed, since it comes up and around the tail to connect to the truck bed directly. 

We hope these tips help you find the flatbed trailer that’s perfect for you! If you have any questions, or you’re just ready to see the flatbeds we have available, contact us at Connecticut Trailers. We proudly serve the people of Hartford, Connecticut, and all of New England—let us serve you today!