Selecting a Cargo Trailer for Moving

Cargo trailers are utilized in a number of industries for a range of different purposes. Even a lot of residential owners have come to realize that these vehicles are a handy asset! With a good quality cargo trailer, you can easily haul your items within the city or town or even to other states. Whenever you need to shift to a new place, these vehicles can be counted on to help you move and avoid having to rent a truck or a van to get the job done!

Definition

First things first, let’s be clear about what a cargo trailer is. This is a towable vehicle that is generally enclosed with a metal shell. It has a hitch to hook it up to a towing vehicle and a set of two to four (sometimes more) tires. The enclosure itself, which is made from durable steel or aluminum, has a floor that is smooth and easy to clean, and there may be tie-downs or some other way to strap down cargo within the trailer. 

These vehicles have a locking gate that opens to allow access to the rear. Some cargo trailers also have side doors for easier access. You can look for a model with a ramp that folds down to allow for easier loading/unloading. Some more elaborate units may have upgraded features like temperature control for delicate goods, or they may be significantly larger or taller to accommodate bigger and bulkier items.

Choosing Trailer Sizes

To ensure you get the most out of your trailer, you have to ensure that it fits your needs. One of the most popular sizes is the basic 6x12 ft. trailer, which is used not only by individuals but also by a number of moving companies. You can haul over 2,000 pounds in these trailers in many cases, so they’re great for getting a couch and a few bookshelves or an entire bed and some boxes from place to place.

How Far Will You Travel?

When you’re checking out cargo trailers for sale, keep in mind how far you might have to move. A standard trailer with just the basics is fine for traveling through the city, but if you want to go hundreds of miles, you may want to invest in a trailer that has additional features for your security—such as a mounted spare tire, stabilizers, LED lights, a door-hold back latch and sturdier construction. 

If you know you won’t be traveling too far or going over rough roads, you can move without using any tie-downs or straps on your furnishings. However, if you’re going at highway speeds over hundreds of miles, then you’ll definitely need to have ways to lash down your cargo tightly so it doesn’t shift in transit.

Moving Furniture

You probably spent a good amount on your belongings so you want everything to stay safe in transit. This is why many movers prefer enclosed trailers. They keep your items from sustaining discoloration from the sun or getting wet in the rain. Also, random debris won’t put scratches in the wood when it flies by. To make the process easier, always disassemble any furnishings so they can be loaded and unloaded without becoming too heavy. 

To protect your furniture more, you can use blankets or sheets of heavy felt to wrap it up. This is a good way to make use of spare blankets or pillows and get those moved along with your furniture, too! Tie down your furnishings securely using the convenient loops and straps in the trailer and fit furniture pieces together snugly to prevent them from sliding around in transit.

Trying to find the right trailer for you or need more pro tips? Visit TSI Trailers to check out our selection and let us help you make a decision. We’re located in Van Alstyne, Texas, and serve the Dallas and Fort Worth areas.