Trailers are Trailers – Not so! There are those with good builds, and those with bad builds. Trayla Trailers have created this guide to help you in your buying process to help you determine the best match for your needs.
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POINTS TO CONSIDER:
1. New Zealand Made or Imported?
Is the trailer made in New Zealand or imported? Over the last few years many imported trailers have arrived in New Zealand, mainly from China.
There have been many poorly made imported trailers resulting in product recalls. A good indication of an imported trailer is that the drawbar is bolted to the chassis, and even the sides can be bolted on. There is often a common steel pattern on the sides and/or gates of the trailer which again can be an indication of an imported trailer.
Ensure you ask if the trailer is manufactured in New Zealand. Many trailer suppliers tell you their trailers are made or assembled in New Zealand, hiding the fact that they are actually imported. We have dealt with many unsuspecting buyers who only realise their trailer is Chinese after purchasing.
Current laws regarding product place of origin (where it comes from) and the use of ‘made in New Zealand’ are quite vague and confusing. ‘Made’, ‘Built’, ‘Assembled’, ‘Designed’, doesn’t necessarily mean manufactured.
We suggest you do your homework before purchasing. Don’t get caught out.
You are welcome to view our TRAYLAs in their production stages (before galvanising), as we manufacture them on our premises.
2. Homemade or Professionally made?
A professionally made trailer will save you money in the long run. Compare a homemade trailer to one of a professional standard and quality.
A professionally built trailer will ensure durability and safety. You don’t want your load coming off during a trip along the highway
3. Painted or Galvanised?
The difference between painted and galvanised goes beyond its aesthetic appearance. While galvanising is more expensive it is also more durable, adding to the life of your trailer. Galvanising covers all the steel frame work externally and all open or hollow section steel internally.
4. Chassis:
How is the frame constructed and what materials are used? Probably the most important factor is how the frame structure is made and with what. Generally, RHS (Round Hollow Section) is used in the frame design. If the chassis is not strong then the trailer won’t last.
Important Questions:
- What thickness steel is being used eg. 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm?
- How many crossmembers are under the floor?
- How far apart?
- Remember your intended load is sitting on these ! Keep this in mind when you’re selecting a trailer, the larger the load the more important this fact becomes.
5. Springs
Are the springs genuine trailer components? When inspecting a trailer, ask about the carry capacity of the springs. Tandem trailers should be built with an equalising or rocker suspension system linking the two axles together to balance the load of the trailer over the two axles.
6. Drawbar
This is an important factor. The drawbar must be strong enough to support the intended load. If the drawbar is too short then it can make it difficult to back. Additionally, a longer drawbar allows longer loads to be carried, giving more distance between the back of the car and the front of the trailer.
Important Questions:
- What is the drawbar made of?
- How thick is the steel?
- How long is the drawbar?
- How far does the draw bar go under the trailer?
7. Height of Sides
Standard sides of a trailer are generally 300mm. Higher sides allow for slightly higher loads
8. Tie Points
What have you got to tie your load to? Some trailers have rope hooks, some have tie rails. Trayla Trailers have both!
9. Lights
Are the lights mounted in the correct place? Are they protected from being damaged every time you reverse?
Our Trayla Trailers are mounted above the level of the floor on the end of our panels to protect them from damage. A simple innovation to prevent unnecessary expenditure in replacing your lights.
10. Wheels / Rims and Tyres
What size wheels are fitted? Generally, 13″ wheels on smaller trailers and 14″ wheels on larger trailers. Are the rims galvanised or powder coated?
Many Chinese made trailers only have powder coated rims not galvanised.
Important Question:
- Is the wheel load rating compatible to the trailer load rating? ie. 1500kg GVM trailer having 1500kg+ wheel load rating
11. Deck Sizes
Is the internal size as advertised? Some are not.
Make sure the measurements suit your requirements.
Eg.
- 6 Foot Long – 1840mm 4ft Wide – 1230mm
- 7 Foot Long – 2140mm 4ft 6″ Wide – 1370mm
- 8 Foot Long – 2450mm 5ft Wide – 1520mm
12. Gates
Do the trailer front and rear gates fold down? A good trailer allows both the front and rear gates to fold down for easy access when loading and
unloading. Our trailers allow the front gate to sit on the drawbar level with the deck. As standard, the rear gate locks out level with the deck. This gives over 300mm extra deck length at each end.
13. Spare Wheel
Is it included in the price of the trailer or is it extra? Trayla Trailers include a free mounted spare wheel. Where is the spare wheel mounted? Trayla Trailers spare is located at the rear underside of the trailer.
14. Jockey Wheel
At Trayla Trailers we fit to the drawbar on all Traylas a free jockey wheel.
Ideal for moving a single axle trailer around without holding the drawbar up, or for lifting a trailer with a heavy load on-and-off the tow vehicle.
15. Brakes
If brakes are fitted check if they are hydraulic brakes or cable brakes.
Hydraulic operated brakes are far superior to cable operated brakes.
Remember, if the trailer has brakes, they must operate to pass Warrant of Fitness.