Choosing the Right Trailer Length

If you’re planning to buy a cargo trailer, one of the key decisions you’ll have to make is to pick the ideal trailer length. There are rigs in a wide range of sizes, from small ones for occasional use to huge models for heavy-duty hauling tasks. The right trailer length for you will depend on different factors, like the cargo you’re hauling and the carrying capacity of your tow vehicle. We've created the following buyer's guide to help you find the right cargo trailer size for your needs.

Consider Your Tow Vehicle

You’ll want to start by checking the weight limits of the tow vehicle you will be using. Not all tow vehicles can handle all types of trailers. Look up your tow vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which is a number that indicates the maximum weight the vehicle can tow. The GVWR includes the weight of the cargo, passengers, fuel, and trailer. You can find this rating by looking at the driver-side door frame and it’s also mentioned in the owner's manual. 

It’s important to stay within the limits of the GVWR as exceeding the weight rating can cause damage to your tow vehicle, trailer, or both. Keep the GVWR in mind as you shop for trailers. Big trailers will be heavier than compact models and make up a larger amount of the GVWR. You don’t want to get a massive trailer but still be able to carry only a small amount of cargo.

Consider What You are Towing

Another key factor is what you are towing, which will affect the length of the trailer. Some loads will have a fixed length that determines the trailer's minimum length. For instance, if you are transporting a powersports vehicle or golf cart, the trailer needs to be at least as long as the vehicle with some extra space.

Other types of cargo can be arranged to take up less space. For example, if you are transporting boxes of tools and materials for a landscaping project, you can stack up the items throughout the rig, reducing the total length you need the trailer to be.

We hope that you found this trailer length buying guide useful! If you have questions or want to look at cargo trailers for sale, visit Bill Howich RV & Marine in Campbell River, British Columbia. We are your premier cargo trailer dealer proudly serving all those in Courtenay and Nanaimo. Our team will be happy to answer questions and give advice, making it easy to find the perfect cargo trailer for your requirements and budget.