A Short Utility Trailer Guide For New Homesteaders

30 August 2022
 Categories: , Blog

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Homesteading can be an amazing choice for many families, and every homestead can look a little different from the next. While some homesteaders may opt for full self-sufficiency, others may take a more gradual approach that doesn't involve going fully off-grid. Whatever your brand of homesteading looks like, there's no denying that it's often hard work.

Although there may be some appeal to handling that back-breaking labor the old-fashioned way, most homesteaders rely on various modern tools to make managing their properties less labor-intensive. A utility trailer is one of these often invaluable tools, and this guide will provide three tips to help you choose the first one for your new homestead.

1. Know Your Immediate and Future Equipment Needs

There are endless uses for utility trailers on homesteads, especially on larger properties. However, even smaller homesteads often contain too much land to transport equipment easily from one area to another. Whether you need a riding mower, trencher, or some other landscaping gear, there's a good chance that doing it the hard way isn't an option.

Your priority should be considering the equipment you have for your homestead and the maximum amount you'll need to haul at any time. Do you have projects that will require you to utilize multiple pieces of landscaping gear at once? If so, you may want a larger trailer to accommodate them in a single trip. Make sure you also consider the size and weight requirements for the equipment you plan to purchase.

2. Consider Bulk Hauling Requirements

There's no denying that homesteads typically need to move a lot of bulk material from place to place. Whether you're bringing in new soil, compost, or mulch, you probably need to get quite a bit from one part of your property to another. If you already use a truck on your property, its bed may be sufficient for these needs.

If not, or if your truck can't haul enough, a utility trailer with wood side walls can be an excellent option. These trailers offer the same ability to haul your equipment while also providing a way to haul bulk materials. Just make sure you carefully consider the maximum payload capacity of your trailer to ensure it can handle your bulk loads.

3. Focus On Weight

A trailer's payload capacity is often more important than its physical size. While a large trailer that can haul all of your gear may seem appealing, it's not very useful if that gear will exceed the trailer's maximum payload. You'll also need to consider the total weight of the trailer and cargo when determining if your towing vehicle is sufficient.

Focusing on capacity and weight will help you avoid issues that can damage your trailer or create unsafe driving conditions. Once you know your trailer can handle the loads you'll need to haul across your property, you can make sure you select one that's big enough to fit everything you need. 

For more information, contact a local company that has utility trailers for sale.