A cargo trailer isn’t just a box on wheels; it’s a critical investment that extends your business capacity or personal utility. Selecting the right specifications is crucial for maximizing payload, ensuring driver safety, and guaranteeing decades of reliable service. The right configuration determines everything from fuel efficiency to legality on the road.
At TrustyHaul, we build trailers engineered for performance and longevity. Ready to find your perfect fit? Explore our full line of certified cargo trailers today at TrustyHaul Cargo Inventory.
1. Axle Types: Single vs. Tandem
The choice between a single-axle and a tandem-axle trailer affects capacity, handling, and safety. This decision should be based on your anticipated Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)—the weight of the trailer plus its maximum cargo.
| Feature | Single Axle (Lower GVWR) | Tandem Axle (Higher GVWR) |
| Load Capacity | Typically $\text{3,500}$ lbs. or less. | Up to $\text{7,000}$ lbs. or more. |
| Tire Wear | Higher wear rate on a single set of tires. | Lower, more even wear across four tires. |
| Maneuverability | Easier to manually move and turn sharply. | More stable on the road, but harder to turn tight. |
| Safety | Complete flat tire requires an immediate stop. | Safety redundancy allows you to drive safely to a repair spot if one tire fails. |
Rule of Thumb: If your hauling needs are light (personal ATV, moving household goods), a single axle may suffice. If you’re hauling commercial equipment or are concerned about maximum safety and stability, choose a tandem axle.
2. Brake Systems: Staying Legal and Safe
Trailer brakes are a requirement, not an option, once your trailer reaches a certain weight. The exact threshold varies by jurisdiction, but generally, any trailer with a $\text{GVWR}$ over $\text{3,000}$ lbs. requires a braking system.
- Electric Brakes: These are the most common and effective. They are activated by a brake controller installed in the tow vehicle, allowing the driver to control the trailer’s braking power manually or automatically. They provide excellent stopping power and control.
- Surge Brakes: These are mechanical brakes activated by the momentum of the trailer pushing toward the tow vehicle. They are typically used on boat trailers and don’t require any wiring to the tow vehicle, but they offer less control than electric systems.
TrustyHaul recommends electric brakes for commercial and high-capacity cargo trailers due to the superior control and safety they offer. View our brake system options on our TrustyHaul Cargo Inventory page.
3. Trailer Shape: V-Nose vs. Flat Nose
The shape of the trailer’s front end impacts both interior capacity and fuel efficiency.
- V-Nose: The front end tapers into a point.
- Pros: Improved aerodynamics, which can translate into 2-5% better fuel economy on long trips. The V-shape also adds a small amount of usable interior space at the front.
- Cons: Marginal increase in manufacturing complexity and potentially tighter space for a workbench or cabinet right at the front.
- Flat Nose: The front wall is flat and perpendicular to the sides.
- Pros: Simpler, more economical to manufacture, and offers maximum square footage directly behind the hitch.
- Cons: Higher air resistance, leading to slightly worse fuel economy, especially at highway speeds.
4. Roofing and Interior Height
The roof is your trailer’s primary defense against the elements, and height dictates what you can carry.
- Roof Types:
- Screwless Aluminum: Highly durable, excellent heat reflection, and a smooth, professional exterior finish. This is often the premium, longest-lasting option.
- Fiberglass or Plywood: Lower cost, but may be prone to heat absorption or potential long-term water infiltration if seals are not meticulously maintained.
- Interior Height: Standard heights range from $\text{6}$ feet to 7 feet or more.
- Consider your cargo: Will you be hauling tall machinery, or simply stacking boxes?
- Consider your workers: If employees spend time inside the trailer (e.g., using it as a workspace), a 7-foot height is essential for comfortable standing room and ventilation.
Making the correct choice in these key areas ensures your new cargo trailer is a safe, efficient, and profitable asset for years to come. For more information on custom trailer builds and specifications, visit the TrustyHaul Homepage.