Buying a trailer? Here's what to look out for

5 important points to consider when buying a trailer

Going to buy a trailer and can’t see the forest for the trees? Understandable, there are also so many different types of trailers on the market. To help you get started, we at HAPERT have listed some points of interest. That way you know what to look for when buying a new trailer.

Points of interest

1. Unbraked or braked trailer

There are two different types of trailers: braked and unbraked trailers. An unbraked trailer does not have its own braking system and thus brakes along with the power of the towing vehicle. A braked trailer does have a braking system and therefore may carry a heavier load. An unbraked trailer has a maximum authorized mass of 750 kg. With a braked trailer, the bar is much higher. At HAPERT, all trailers are braked as standard.

2. Type of cargo and transportation

What kind of trailer you need depends largely on the type of transportation and the type of load. If you want to transport temperature-sensitive cargo, then choose a refrigerated trailer. If you need a trailer that transports cars or implements, then you choose an auto ambulance. And if you are looking for a trailer that allows you to transport all kinds of materials, such as bulky waste or yard waste, an multi-purpose trailer is great for that. It can be expanded with a high cover or cargo net when you want to protect the cargo from all kinds of weather conditions on the road.

3. Maximum payload

The maximum payload of your trailer also depends on several factors:

Maximum towing weight of your car

Your car has a maximum weight it can pull. You can find out your car’s maximum towbar load via ovi.rdw.nl or on your registration certificate. Keep in mind that this weight includes the weight of the trailer (not just the weight of your load).

Your driver's license

Do you have a driver’s license B? Then you may tow a trailer up to 750 kg or a trailer with more than 750 kg, if the total weight of your car + trailer remains under 3500 kg.

Driving license B+ allows you to drive a car with trailer when the total weight of car + trailer remains under 4250 kg.

If you hold a driving license BE, you may tow a trailer of up to 3500 kg (trailer weight + load capacity) and under certain conditions a trailer of more than 3500 kg.

So your driver’s license is also important when picking out a new trailer.

Weight of load

The weight of the load you’re hauling also plays a role in the maximum payload of your new trailer. Are you a landscaper and primarily transport garden waste? Then your payload will never be very high, so you can go for a trailer with a relatively low maximum payload. As a paver, you will soon be hauling heavier loads and a trailer with a higher payload is recommended.

4. Available options

Each trailer can be expanded with various options on top of the standard equipment. A HAPERT platform trailer is available with or without a front rack, you can choose a standard floor or plywood anti-slip floor, and you can get a high cover to cover your load in some cases. During the buying process, think carefully about what you want to equip your trailer with. Some options cannot be retrofitted.

5. Warranty

The warranty you get on a trailer is also important in the buying process. You buy a trailer for a long time and want to make sure you can enjoy it for all that time. Therefore, you benefit from the best warranty conditions at HAPERT. You get a 10-year warranty on the chassis and an additional 1-year manufacturer’s warranty on your trailer. Check with our Official or Premium Dealers for more information.