Flatbed Trailer Buying Guide

Flatbed trailers make hauling cargo easy and efficient. Their open trailer design means they lack an enclosed cover, which is an asset in many situations. These models can be used in anything from backyard renovation projects to professional landscaping jobs. If you want to get your own model, read on. We offer strategies for finding your perfect match. For more information or to shop flatbed trailers for sale, visit True Value Trailers & Power Equipment. Our dealership is located in Penrose and Florence, Colorado, and we also proudly serve those in Pueblo and Colorado Springs.

Know You Need A Flatbed Trailer

The first step is being certain that a flatbed trailer fits your needs. After all, there are plenty of trailer categories on the market. Different options are tailored to different situations. Be sure you get the model type that suits your needs.

A flatbed trailer is ideal when:

• You are on a tighter budget. Not everyone can invest a high amount of money into their trailer purchase. Fortunately, flatbed models tend to be quite affordable. They lack an enclosed cover, which means fewer materials go into the construction process and the asking price is lower because of that.
• You want a simple and streamlined loading process. Flatbed trailers are built closer to the ground. You won't need to lift cargo as high to get it onto the trailer bed, which makes loading and unloading much easier. If you ever need to load a vehicle onto the rig, you'll especially appreciate the lower bed height.
• Your cargo isn't vulnerable to the weather. The lack of an enclosed cover does mean your cargo is exposed to the elements. Some items need to be protected and merit that extra protection. If your cargo isn't damaged by weather, there's no sense in paying extra for an enclosed cover that you don't need.

Set A Spending Limit

There are many different flatbed trailers for sale. They come in a vast range of price points. Setting a firm price limit helps you narrow your search - and avoid falling in love with a model outside that price range. Plus, it'll help you get the highest quality model you can afford and not unnecessarily pass on features or models that are within your price range.

Pick A Tow Vehicle

Next, think about what vehicle you will use to tow the flatbed trailer. Look up the tow vehicle's weight limit. Then, shop flatbed trailers that will be within that limit. Remember that you'll need to include the weight of passengers and cargo in addition to the flatbed trailer weight.

Factor In Cargo Needs

Consider what you will be hauling. You'll need to account for its weight, of course. But you'll also need to account for its size. Make sure you get a flatbed trailer wide enough and long enough to fit the items.

Here, the focus is getting a good balance. If you overshoot your needs, you unnecessarily pay for extra space. If you undershoot your needs, you may end up having to take multiple trips. Aim for the middle ground.

Pick A Hitching Style

Flatbed trailers tend to come with bumper-pull or gooseneck hitching styles.

With the bumper pull, it sticks out from behind the tow vehicle. This leaves a gap between the flatbed trailer and the vehicle. This approach is compatible with a wide range of tow vehicles and can be simple to set up.

With the gooseneck, it gets installed into the truck bed. This creates an overlap, which shortens the overall length of the combined rigs. It also leads to improved stability on the road.

Ready to shop flatbed trailers for sale? Check out the selection at True Value Trailers & Power Equipment. Explore our inventory online or stop by in-person. Either way, our staff is happy to assist you. We run dealerships in Penrose and Florence, Colorado. We also serve those in Pueblo and Colorado Springs, Colorado.