How to Buy the Right Flatbed Trailer

Flatbed trailers are deceptively simple and can open up a lot of business opportunities, but only if you buy the right one. With different sizes, shapes, and styles, it can be hard to do that. We here at Allan Dale Trailers & RVs want to give you a hand, so we’ve put together some tips for buying the right flatbed trailer. To learn more, or to see the flatbed trailers we have for sale, contact our stores in Red Deer and Edmonton, Alberta, today!

What They’re Good For

First, verify that it’s a flatbed you want. They’re especially handy when you:

• Want to save money on maintenance, thanks to the simple and minimalist design.
• Want an easier loading process, thanks to a low deck and lack of side walls.
• Don’t need your cargo to be shielded from the elements.
• Have especially bulky or oddly-shaped cargo that won’t fit in more restrictive trailers.

Keep in mind that while these trailers can bring a lot to the table in terms of opportunity and savings, they’re also more difficult to secure cargo on and drive safely. They can be perfectly safe, but it does take special attention.

Getting the Right One

1: Tow Vehicle

It’s important never to overload your tow vehicle. It will have a GVWR, or Gross Vehicle Weight Ratio, listed in the owner’s manual. This number states the total amount of weight the vehicle can manage without being overburdened, including 

• Aftermarket additions.
• Fuel and other fluids.
• Passengers and the driver.
• Cargo.
• Any towed objects (like the trailer you’re considering) and their cargo.

3: Cargo

Now, assuming you’ve verified that your cargo requires or benefits from a flatbed, it’s time to take what you’re hauling into consideration. Make sure the trailer is strong and large enough to handle the anticipated cargo’s weight and size, remembering that your trailer has its own GVWR. Be careful not to get the biggest trailer you can afford though—spending money on potential you won’t use is a waste.

4: Hitch Style

Finally, think about what kind of hitch will suit you best. Your primary options are a bumper-pull hitch and a gooseneck hitch. Bumper-pull hitches hook to the bumper, as the name implies, which is relatively simple and easy to arrange. Gooseneck hitches, however, require pickup trucks and a hitch mounted in the bed of the truck, since the hitch goes up and over. This provides much more stability and agility, however, which balances out the challenges.

We hope this helps you find the perfect flatbed trailer for your needs! If you have any questions, or you just want to browse our flatbed trailer selection, contact us at Allan Dale Trailers & RVs. We proudly serve the people of Alberta—let us serve you today!