Choosing a Utility Trailer

Buying The Best Utility Trailer

The costs, fees and hassles of renting trailers are not always economical. Especially when you see your reserved trailer is a well-worn ’97 model that wouldn’t hold the weight of kitten. Looking for an affordable option to increase your cargo space and take your business or personal items wherever you need to go? Utility trailers are a great option! Gone will be the days of bumping your head and scratching your vehicle as you try to play storage Tetris. Whether you are buying for the first time or you are just looking to purchase as an upgrade, it’s good to know some basics before browsing a dealer’s lot or searching online.

Utility Trailer Buying Factors

Use – Decide what the main purpose of your trailer is going to be and focus on that. What are you going to be carrying normally? Is your cargo sensitive to the weather? Do you need to pull heavy lawn equipment? You need to make sure that you are honest with yourself and get something that will meet your expectations.

Design – Once you’ve determined your trailer’s main use you can budget appropriately. For example, you may opt for a smaller single axle trailer for carrying just a few push mowers and trimmers. Or maybe you need to carry heavier equipment that you wish to store in your trailer as well, in which case, you’d opt for an enclosed cargo trailer with tandem (two) axles. Check the trailers GVWR to make sure that it can handle the load you plan to place on it.

Vehicle – Can your vehicle pull both the trailer and the payload safely? Also, if it can, do you have a proper hitch to support the trailer? This is where you will have to check your vehicle’s GVWR located on the VIN sticker in the door jamb or manufacture website. Check out this article about weight ratings for vehicles, hitches, and trailers! We also covered some of the best vehicles for towing a trailer.

Condition – Whether the trailer is new or used, it’s good to make sure that it passes a basic inspection. This includes looking over all visible parts to confirm they are in working order. It also includes checking the tire condition, looking for rust, inspecting the brakes and the electrical functionality. Next, verify suspension is free of cracks, test ramps strength, and make sure hitch assembly has no missing parts. Checking warranties may provide some guarantee on the trailer’s quality as well.

Registration – Check your state’s trailer registration requirements. You may need Certificate of Origin & Sales Receipt. This is crucial when buying a trailer used. Ask the seller for any and all paperwork, including service receipts, upon purchase.

Utility Trailer Types: Open vs. Enclosed

Open Trailer – Utility trailers are typically open air, more affordable, lighter, and have a higher weight capacity compared to similarly sized cargo trailers. These trailers usually have flat wood deck floors bordered with a short sidewalls or railing. Most also have a loading ramp which folds and locks upright like tailgate when traveling. These trailers can be customized with racks and storage to hold tools and smaller items in place when on the road. Given the ease of access, open trailers are especially great for hauling trash or rubble. This also makes it easier to maneuver vehicles on and off the trailer. However, due to the open design, your cargo will not be as secure and protected from outside elements as they are in enclosed trailers. These trailers may fall under the label of “landscape trailers” as they essentially share the same purpose and features. Landscape trailers, however, may be larger and come standard with features not found on basic utility trailers.

Green River, United States - September 7th 2014. 2014 model year Ford F-150 with a trailer parked at a rest stop along Interstate 70. — Green River, United States – September 7th 2014. 2014 model year Ford F-150 with a trailer parked at a rest stop along Interstate 70.

Enclosed Cargo Trailer – Given the weight and dimensions do not exceed certain limits, enclosed trailers can be used or classified as utility trailers. They double as a mobile storage unit for your materials, equipment, and tools. A trailer with covered storage area gives your equipment maximum protection against the outdoor elements like sunlight, rain, falling branches or debris bouncing up from the road. You can also add extra security to your trailer by locking the door. Another added benefit to enclosed trailers is the ability to put your logo and contact info on the sides. Your trailer becomes a traveling billboard that advertises your business wherever you go! The disadvantage of enclosed trailers compared to open trailers is that they tend to be more expensive and bulkier.

Buying New or Used Utility Trailers

Your budget may be the main determining factor in your purchase. Or you have the budget, but the model you are looking for is out of stock. Unless you have time to save up money or wait for inventory to replenish, buying a new trailer can seem impossible. At Country Blacksmiths Trailers, we can work with any budget and provide financing for all our trailers. We also offer the best prices for both new and used utility, landscape, or enclosed trailers. If we don’t have exactly what you’re looking for, we’ll custom order it for you or find in-stock trailer that meets or exceeds your expectations. We can even customize trailers and add your business information to enclosed trailers. Let our experienced team at Country Blacksmith Trailers answer your questions and get you the right trailer for the right price.

How To Back a Trailer Like a Pro

You finally just purchased, rented, or borrowed a trailer or RV that you are planning to pull with your vehicle. You’re hitched up and ready to go, however, you realize that backing up is not as straight forward as, well, moving forward. To back a trailer into a parking spot or around a corner can be tricky at first, but with lots of practice, it can become an easy task.

Preparing To Back a Trailer

Practice:

As with anything new, practice makes perfect. Hitch your trailer to your vehicle and drive out to an empty parking lot. Give yourself plenty of room so you can get a feel for your trailer’s responsiveness. Smaller trailers are more responsive and adjust quickly to the motions of the tow vehicle, which make them more difficult than larger trailers to maneuver in reverse. Bigger trailers respond slower to the turning of the tow vehicle, which makes it easier to accommodate mistakes when backing the trailer up.

Be Mindful of Surroundings:

When hitched up, a trailer becomes an extension of your vehicle, and you have to be aware of both your vehicle and trailer’s position at all times. To give yourself better visual, adjust your mirrors so you can clearly see the rear of the trailer. If possible, have a spotter be eyes in your blind spots. These precautions will keep you from hitting obstacles that could be easily missed like low hanging tree branches, holes, or fences.

Take It Slow:

If you go off path or jackknife the vehicle and trailer, just pull forward as far as you need to straighten up the angle of the trailer and try again. And if you need to get out of your vehicle to get a better visual of what is going on behind the trailer, do it! The important thing is that you park the trailer in the right spot without causing damage. Be aware that bumps and holes may also push your trailer in an unexpected direction. Reversing uphill will require a little extra gas on the pedal as well, due to gravity, but the methods of turning the steering wheel stay the same.

How to Steer a Trailer in Reverse

Looking Out the Window:

When you back a trailer into place and you are looking out the window toward the trailer, keep one hand on the steering wheel and just turn the wheel in the direction you want the back of the trailer to go.

Using Rearview Mirror:

When you are moving forward, you turn your wheel to the right (clockwise) and both the vehicle and the trailer turn right. Turning the wheel left (counterclockwise) will turn both the vehicle and trailer left. When you back a trailer using your mirrors, you must think backwards when turning the wheel of your vehicle. Spinning the steering wheel right, will cause the back of the trailer to move left and spinning the steering wheel left will cause the back of the trailer to move right. Another way to replicate the correct motion of the steering wheel when looking forward at your mirrors is to keep one hand on the bottom of the wheel, as the bottom of the steering wheel directs the movement of the trailer.

Reversing A Trailer Around a Corner

Step 1:

Pull straight past (overshoot) your spot or lane that you need to back into and line the rear of the trailer right past the entrance. Stop, roll your window down and put your 4-way flashers on. Turn your steering wheel to the left (counterclockwise) so that your vehicle’s front tires are fully tilted to the left.

Step 2:

Begin reversing your vehicle and backing the trailer to get your turning angle. Once it looks like the trailer has the correct turn radius, start spinning your steering wheel slowly the opposite way to the right (clockwise) to accommodate the direction and ensure the angle of the trailer doesn’t get too tight. Keep straightening out your vehicle while avoiding hitting anything as you move.

Step 3:

Keep moving back and making slight adjustments until you fully straighten out and are in your spot or lane. Most movement shouldn’t be more than a quarter turn of the wheel. You can pull forward as needed to avoid the angle between the trailer and vehicle getting too tight. Just keep an eye on your surroundings as you move in each direction.

Now that you are equipped with the knowledge on how to back a trailer like a pro, check out our inventory of new and used trailers. At Country Blacksmith Trailers, we have enclosed cargo, utility, dump, livestock, tilt deck trailers and more! We also do trailer customizations to help you get exactly what you need from your trailer. Let us help you with your trailer and accessory needs for whatever job you need to complete. Fill out this contact form to get started!

How Service Body Truck Beds Make Your Job Easier

A service body truck bed, also known as a pickup service body or utility truck bed, is any kind of modification to the bed of a truck (usually pickup trucks) that accommodates the compartmentalization of tools, equipment and storage needed to carry out a particular job. This kind of body style is common among contractors, plumbers, locksmiths, electricians, and more. However, is it worth the extra weight and cost to have these installed on your fleet of service vehicles? Here we’ll discuss why any job that requires various tasks and tools to complete needs a service body style truck bed and what to consider when picking one out.

The Benefits of Service Body Truck Beds

The easiest way to explain why to have a service body on your work truck is to avoid looking like the image above. Unless you are running a dump pick up service, you want your service trucks to appear clean and organized when they arrive to their location. Often customers are in messy and disorganized situations when making service calls, so having a professional, neat image on arrival, brings some assurance with your first impressions. Otherwise, the customer may be questioning why they didn’t choose your competition.

Clean and Organized Mobile Workspace

Being clean and organized is not only good for the customer, but helpful for the technicians themselves. With a service body, technicians know on arrival exactly where all their tools are located and they have the ability to simply open a panel door and grab them. This saves time on the service call and spares frustration from having to dig through the truck or trailer. The majority of the work can now be focused on fixing the issue at hand instead of searching through a pile of wires and tools to find that screwdriver. And when the job is done, it’s easier to pack up and notice if anything important is missing.

Protection of Tools and Equipment

In addition to better organization, having a service body on your truck will provide extra padding to prevent tools and equipment clanking against each other. Having work materials in covered containers also provides protection from the outdoor elements like the rain, snow, and sun. If properly locked, service bodies provide protection from theft as well. Being made from steel or tough aluminum, your tools and equipment won’t be visible and accessible to any curious person walking past your truck.

Efficient Space Usage

With a service body installed on your truck, you utilize every inch of the trucks body for storage. Adding customizations like frames or overhead racks adds a third dimension that you didn’t have with just the pickup truck bed before. Now you can hang materials, pipes, ladders, and more without sacrificing storage space in the main bed or compartments. Even without the frames and racks, the shelves and compartments make better use of space then just throwing everything in one big heap in a toolbox or in the pickup bed itself.

Truck Bed Customizations to Consider

The benefits of having a service body on your pickup truck can be clearly understood when you’re doing more than just transporting items or performing simple tasks. In a garage or service station, technicians have space for neatly laid out tools and equipment. They must be able to find what they need to do their job with speed and efficiency. However, when the technician needs to perform similar services on the go, truck service bodies are a crucial part of creating a mobile workshop.

Open vs Closed Design

Every job has different storage needs. You may want an open service body truck bed if you haul equipment or materials that are oddly shaped or heavier. An enclosed body style might be better for creating a dry workspace or additional rain protection for certain equipment.

Steel vs Aluminum Material

Steel service body truck beds are stronger and more cost effective overall. The downside of steel is that it is also much heavier by a few hundred pounds and corrodes faster than aluminum. Aluminum service bodies, along with their alloy variants, provide a lighter weight and are more resistant to corrosion. However, aluminum itself is not as strong as steel and tends to be pricier.

Overall Storage Space

Remember, the service body truck bed is used to bring critical items from the shop to the location of service. That means you will need to know your inventory and how much of it you’ll need to carry on board. Picking the correct size compartments is important so that you have enough space to place not just tools, but equipment and parts. Pick designs that work well with what you use on a daily basis.

At Country Blacksmith, we sell many different styles of service bodies to turn your pickup truck into the ultimate mobile workshop. We also modify existing truck beds and offer many useful accessories to keep you both organized and efficient. Call us today to check our stock, parts, and accessories for your service vehicle today!

Picking, Maintaining & Replacing Trailer Tires

When researching tires, there are three essential questions: What tires should I buy? How do I make my tires last? And when should I replace them? Whether you are a first-time buyer of trailer tires or have experience, it’s good to be reminded of the basics.

HOW DO I PICK THE RIGHT TRAILER TIRES?

Picking the correct trailer tires comes down to a matter of preference and how much weight you plan to pull. No matter what you choose, we have some helpful pointers listed below.

USE ST TIRES ON TRAILERS

It is best practice to use special trailer (ST) tires on your trailer. Being constructed with thicker walls and center-focused tread, ST tires are built to stabilize and pull heavy loads. Don’t be tempted to replace your trailer with passenger car (P) or light truck (LT) tires. Passenger car and light truck tires have thinner walls and could cause your trailer to sway if installed, not to mention risking other catastrophic disasters.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RADIAL & BIAS PLY TIRES

There are two types of special trailer tires: radial and bias ply. Radial tires can perform well at highway speeds, give a smoother ride, and tend to last longer over time. Bias ply tires have shorter tread life but can handle heavier loads and provide increased stability on the road.

HOW DO I MAKE MY TRAILER TIRES LAST?

Although you cannot make your trailer tires last forever, you can do some things to help extend their life and give you the best ride possible.

PROPERLY INFLATE TIRES & CHECK PRESSURE OFTEN

Improper tire inflation is one of the leading causes of tire problems. This is something that needs to be checked regularly, especially if there are temperature changes due to location or season. Tire pressure goes up or down 1 pound per square inch (PSI) for every 10 degree change in temperature. Always check tire pressure before your trip or when tires have been at rest for at least three hours. Tires heat up from road friction, so PSI readings on warm tires will be inaccurate. It is best to keep tires inflated at the maximum PSI recommendation printed on the tire wall. This will give you the smoothest ride on the road. Underinflating or overinflating your tires gives no benefit to your tires or trailer. In fact, if tires are not inflated properly, it will only damage your tires and make the ride harder for both your vehicle and trailer.

FOLLOW WEIGHT LIMITS AND GWVR FOR TRAILERS & TIRES

Check the sidewall of your trailer tires to verify the maximum load capabilities. If the tire is rated for 2,200 lbs. for a single axle, that means the trailer tires can handle a maximum load of 4,400 lbs. With the same tires, that would be a maximum of 8,800 lbs. on a double axle. Regardless of the combined maximum load of your tires, never exceed the trailer’s GWVR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) provided by the manufacturer. Even if the trailer tires combined load capacity can handle 8,800 lbs., your trailer itself may only have a maximum of 8,000 lbs. Although it is a good idea to get tires that can handle more than the GWVR, it is dangerous to have your load exceed the GWVR.

HAVE A SPARE TIRE ON-HAND – TAKE OUT?

When experiencing a flat on the road, there is no greater relief than knowing you have a spare tire. If you don’t carry a spare, you will have to leave your trailer behind to search for the nearest tire shop or be forced to wait on assistance. Always ensure your spare tires are ready for action by checking the air pressure along with your mounted tires each time.

WHEN DO I REPLACE MY TRAILER TIRES?

WHEN YOUR TIRE IS 3 – 5 YEARS OLD

Even if there is plenty of tread, tire rubber breaks down naturally over time. According to rubber industry research, oxidation caused from UV rays via sunlight and ozone from exhaust can cause exterior damage to the sidewalls, while oxygen from pressurized air creates unseen internal damage. Store your tires in a cool, dry place to minimize the damaging effects of nature and time.

WHEN TREAD IS DOWN TO 3/32 OF AN INCH OR LESS

To easily determine if the tread is too low, place a penny upside down facing you and if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace that trailer tire.

WHEN THE TIRE IS PUNCTURED OR SHOWS DEFORMITIES

If any holes in the tire are not repaired immediately, the structural integrity of the tire could be compromised and render it unsafe for use. Tires deformities like the appearance of bulges or bubbles on the outside are a sign that the interior of the tire has failed and it needs to be replaced as soon as possible.

WHEN THE VALVE STEM IS DAMAGED

If the valve stem is damaged or cracked, it will leak air causing unsafe tire pressure levels for carrying loads and tire damage when rolling deflated.

COUNTRY BLACKSMITH TRAILERS – A RELIABLE RESOURCE FOR TRAILER TIRES

If you’re looking for help with purchasing anything from trailers to tires, Country Blacksmith is here to assist you. We have a large variety of trailers, tires, trailer parts, on-site service mechanics, and more to meet all of your trailer and towing needs. We can quote you new trailer tire prices or evaluate your current tires, check the alignment of your axle, and even rotate your tires to optimize your trailer and tire performance on the road. Contact us anytime and we’ll connect you to the right person to answer all of your questions!

Types of Trailer Hitches

When choosing a trailer, you have a long list of decisions to make – size, type, material, weight rating and more. It’s a lengthy process, but you want to make sure the trailer you invest in will be perfect for you. To help you get started on the decision-making process, we put together this guide to different types of trailer hitches. Once you know what type of trailer you want, you need to decide which hitch type you need. Here at Country Blacksmith, we want to make sure you have the right trailer for the tow vehicle you own and the work you need done. So, we’re going through the most common hitch types, how they work, and the pros and cons.

Pintle Hitch

Another heavy-duty towing hitch is the pintle hitch, often used on rough terrain. The hooking system, called the pintle, is attached to the truck. The lunette, the main ring the pintle hooks to, is attached to the trailer. Pintle hitches are often used in industrial, military and agricultural settings. They can handle a lot of weight and allow for a large range of motion, making them ideal for bumpy, off-road terrain.

Rear Receiver Trailer Hitch

A very common type of truck hitch, the rear receiver trailer hitch is used mostly in personal, not commercial, settings. It consists of a classic square receiver tube with almost endless attachment options. These hitches mount directly to the vehicle frame, and weight ratings are made on a scale from 1 to 5. The weight rating and the size of the receiver tube varies. Our trailer experts at Country Blacksmith can help you decide how heavy duty your hitch needs to be.

Front Mount Hitch

Similar to the rear receiver hitch is the front mount hitch. This hitch, obviously, connects to the front of your vehicle. It bolts directly to the tow vehicle frame and gives you a receiver in the front with a variety of options, much like the rear receiver hitch. The front mount hitch can be used to insert a cargo carrier, install a snow plow, mount a spare tire, or park your trailer in a tight place.

Fifth Wheel Hitch

The fifth wheel hitch is used for heavy duty towing. It mounts over or slightly in front of the axles in the bed of the truck. It uses a kingpin mechanism to attach to the towing load. In fifth wheel hitches, the coupling system is a part of the hitch itself rather than part of the trailer.

The trailer weight is positioned between the cab and the rear axle with the fifth wheel hitch, so they can handle much heavier loads compared to traditional ball mount bumper hitches. These heavy-duty hitches are used for large campers, car haulers and semi-trucks. They’re designed to pivot easily, absorb sudden bumps on the road and increase your turn radius.

Gooseneck Hitch

A gooseneck hitch is similar to a fifth wheel hitch as it mounts in the bed of the truck directly above or slightly in front of the rear axles. They’re often used for towing livestock trailers, car haulers and other industrial trailers. They’re built to make much tighter turns compared to traditional bumper hitch trailers. They come in above-bed and under-bed styles, with above-bed being the most popular type of trailer hitch in the gooseneck family.

Bumper Hitch

A bumper hitch is the most basic industry standard. It uses a tow ball mount that attaches to the rear end receiver hitch, which is already mounted on the tow vehicle. The ball mount bumper hitch can be used on nearly every vehicle, trucks, SUVs and even some small sedans included. They come in many different sizes, styles and drop lengths. If you need a catch-all type of trailer hitch, a bumper hitch is probably the choice for you. If you need help with the specifics of your bumper hitch, based on your vehicle and trailer specs, our experts at Country Blacksmith are more than happy to give a recommendation.

Weight Distribution Hitch

Although similar to a bumper tow ball mount, the weight distribution hitch has more advanced features. They’re often used for travel trailers as they help keep the vehicle balanced and reduce trailer sway. Normally, when towing a trailer, most of the weight is held on the rear end of your tow vehicle. With a weight distribution hitch, the tongue weight is lifted from the rear axle and spread evenly to the other axles.

The weight distribution hitch works much like a wheel barrow. It uses spring arms, like the wheel barrow handles, to lift and leverage the weight on the rear end of the tow vehicle. This distributes the weight onto the other axles and increases the balance of the trailer while reducing the stress on the back and of your tow vehicle.

Whether you’re looking for hitch or trailer advice, our team at Country Blacksmith Trailer Sales will be happy to assist. We carry a large variety of trailers and our experts are available for any questions. Shop for your new trailer online or in person today!

Choosing a Trailer for my Landscape Business

Picking a trailer for your landscape business can be an overwhelming task. There are tons of aspects to consider, and you want to choose the best trailer within your budget. This trailer is an investment for your business, and you don’t want to choose the wrong one. Here at Country Blacksmith Trailers, our experts can help you choose the right trailer for your landscape business. This blog includes some of the most important questions to ask when choosing a landscape trailer.

How heavy is my cargo?

The first consideration when picking a trailer for your landscape business is what you plan to haul. Do you have many small tools? Or larger, heavier materials you need to bring? If you have a lot of equipment, or large equipment, you need to choose a trailer that’s large enough and has a high payload capacity. Make sure your trailer deck is longer and wider than all your equipment. Look into the weight of your heaviest lawn equipment to ensure the combined weight is within the trailer’s payload capacity. This might be the most important question when choosing a landscape trailer.

landscape trailer for your business - enclosed trailer with landscaping supplies — Photo courtesy of STL Organic Lawn Care

What can my truck tow?

Another item you need to research is your vehicle. It’s fairly easy to search the make and model of your car online to find the tow and payload capacity. Make sure the trailer is much lighter than your work vehicle’s tow capacity, because you’ll need to add the weight of the equipment onto the trailers GVWR.

Where will my materials be stored?

The next question to ask yourself is where your trailer and equipment will be stored. If you plan to store your trailer and materials outside overnight and on non-work days, enclosed trailers are probably your best bet. Enclosed trailers can be locked shut so your lawn equipment can’t be stolen. Enclosed trailers also protect your equipment from environmental factors, like sunshine, rain and snow. On the other hand, if you have a shed or garage to secure your trailer in open trailers are okay too. You can store your entire trailer, or unload your equipment at the end of the day into a safe storage space.

landscape trailer - open landscape trailer with tools — Photo courtesy of Buyers Products Co.

What can I afford?

One of the most important considerations in picking a trailer for your landscape business is your budget. While you may be hesitant to spend a lot of money on a new trailer, remember that it’s an investment for your business and should be treated as such. You may be tempted to choose a smaller trailer for a lower price, but an overloaded trailer is dangerous and can cost you more money in the long run. At Country Blacksmith Trailers, we offer financing options on our trailers. Fill out a loan application on our website to see what we can do to get you the right trailer with the right payment plan for you.

Is it easy to load?

The last aspect to consider is how difficult the new landscape trailer is to load. Easy, safe access to lawn equipment for you and your crew is important. Easily getting to the necessary equipment makes the job faster and safer for everyone involved. This is where open utility trailers have an advantage. Your landscape team can easily reach over the sides of open trailers to grab what they need, instead of walking through an enclosed cargo trailer.

There are benefits to both open and enclosed trailers when it comes to choosing a trailer for your landscape business. If you need help picking a trailer for your landscape business, our expert sales team at Country Blacksmith Trailers is happy to help. Visit us online or in person to see our full trailer inventory. If we don’t have the right trailer for your landscape business on the lot, we’ll work with you to order a custom trailer. Stop by, call or shop our online inventory today!

9 Best Vehicles for Towing a Trailer

Shopping for a new car can be overwhelming, especially when you have to consider towing capacity among other needs. Towing capacity is the maximum amount of weight a car can safely tow. Essentially, it’s how heavy your trailer can be. To help you narrow your search for a new car, we put together this list of the nine best vehicles for towing a trailer.

BMW X5

This luxury SUV is great for towing a trailer without sacrificing style. The X5 offers two engine sizes, V6 or V8, and different horsepower and torque levels. All of these elements work together to determine the tow capacity of your vehicle. The BMW X5 sDrive40i and BMW X5 M50i have the highest towing capacity of the X5 models at 7,200 pounds

Chevrolet Tahoe

The standard 2021 Chevy Tahoe has a towing capacity of 7,600 to 7,900 pounds. However, Chevy makes a Tahoe with the optional Max Trailering Package, which can handle upward of 8,300 pounds and includes a V8 engine. The Tahoe has both 4-wheel and 2-wheel drive options, depending on your needs.

Nissan Titan XD

The Nissan Titan was built for hauling with a tow capacity of 11,040 pounds. Even better, it has a crew cab payload of 2,390 pounds. Take your Titan anywhere with the 151-inch wheelbase, and arrive safely thanks to the driver assist options.

Dodge Durango

The 2021 Durango is an SUV built to work. The Durango can tow up to 8,700 pounds, over four tons of cargo! Even models with the lowest tow rating can haul up to 6,200 pounds. Dodge also included trailer sway control features; brake pressure is applied to alternating wheels while engine throttle adjustments are made during towing to ensure a safe drive.

Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 has been a long-trusted model for towing a trailer. They’ve been in production for years, and prove their worth with the 2021’s 14,000 pounds of available towing capacity. To increase payload, Ford reduced the car’s weight by building from military-grade aluminum alloy.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Another luxury vehicle made for towing a trailer, the GLE has a tow capacity of up to 7,700 pounds. The towing capacity for this SUV is determined by the three optional engines potential drivers can choose from. The GLE models range from 255 to 483 horsepower and is perfect for those looking to tow a trailer without sacrificing luxury.

Ram 1500

The Ram 1500 is built to be in it for the long haul, through thousands of miles of hard work. Tow anything you need with the max towing capacity of 12,750 pounds. Choose from a variety of V6 and V8 engines to determine exactly the work you need your Ram to put in for you. The Ram 1500 also includes trailer reverse steering control. This allows you to use the trailer steering knob in the center stack to easily control your trailer’s direction when backing up while the system takes over control of your vehicle’s steering wheel. That’s not where towing safety ends for Ram, they also offer Power-Fold Tow Mirrors with surround view cameras, allowing a complete picture of the truck’s surroundings. This makes aligning your truck to your trailer much easier, and the truck includes available wiring for two more cameras to be installed on or within your trailer.

Ford Expedition

This Ford engine delivers 375 horsepower and offers a heavy-duty trailer tow option, though the base model of the car is well equipped for towing a trailer as well. The Expedition has a tow capacity of 9,300 pounds in the specialty towing model. It includes safety features like an integrated trailer brake controller. The SUV has anti-lock brakes and trailer sway control; the controller synchronizes the car and trailer brakes for easy braking while towing.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The Silverado is made for people towing a trailer. It has a tow capacity of 13,300 pounds at the most and a max available payload of 2,280 pounds, allowing you to haul plenty of cargo in the truck bed as well. The Silverado includes up to 15 camera views in the dash to make aligning your trailer and reversing easy. This truck was built with trailering and towing in mind.

If you need a new trailer to go with your new truck, Country Blacksmith Trailers has the unit for you. We carry everything from livestock to flatbed trailers of all weights and sizes. Our sales staff will help you find the perfect trailer for the job, now that you’ve got the perfect vehicle for towing a trailer.

Choosing a Livestock Trailer

When shopping for a livestock trailer, there are plenty of questions to ask. You want to make sure you choose a trailer that fits your needs, your vehicle’s needs and your livestock’s needs. Stock trailers are good for multipurpose uses, safe for different species of animals and for any farm supplies you might need to tow. Stock trailers usually have slatted sides for the comfort and safety of your animals and can be equipped for both long and short trips. They’re built to load horses, cattle, pigs and any other farm animals or farm supplies. This blog will guide you through all the most important considerations, other than budget, when choosing a livestock trailer.

Size

Size might be your most important quality when choosing a livestock trailer. The size of your trailer will decide what animals you can tow and how many. For your animal’s comfort, you should choose a trailer with adjustable dividers. This way you can change the size of the animal’s space to keep them safe and comfortable when on the move. Be sure to choose a trailer that’s larger than the biggest animal you ever plan to haul, but make sure the weight fits your vehicle’s towing restrictions too.

Hitch

Bumper-pull and gooseneck are the most popular hitch options you’ll find. Bumper-pull trailers usually work better with less weight, but you don’t need as big of a vehicle to tow them. Gooseneck trailers tend to be easier to tow with a tighter turning radius. Gooseneck trailers also have larger stock space and most have storage or even living areas in the neck of the trailer.

Roof and Floor

Be wary of trailers with framed tops instead of solid, and avoid trailers with no roof entirely. A solid roof works best, even though they’re heavier. They’re safer for the animals, preventing them from jumping out. Trailer flooring is also essential to the safety of your livestock. A floor that’s too smooth or weak can spell disaster. Look for a trailer with rubber mats that are easy to stand on when wet, or trailers with rubber planks in place of wood. Aluminum floors with a treaded non-slip surface also work, but aluminum doesn’t absorb heat or vibrations from the road which can be stressful to animals and hard on hooves.

Entry and Doors

Easy-access for your livestock is essential. Ramps are often better for livestock than step-up trailers, and ramps often make it harder for small animals to escape and hide underneath the trailer. Doors are also important, as you never want to put yourself between your livestock and the door, or between the door and the fence. Slam latches on trailer doors are often the safest option, because they remove you from the situation. Additional pins and latches are also helpful in keeping the doors closed when you’re on the road.

Choosing a livestock trailer is a complicated process, but with proper research it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Once you decide on a price and read through our list of things to consider, you can look online at what trailer dealers near you have in stock. When you’re choosing a livestock trailer, have a professional inspect the rig, then look over things yourself. Consider test driving your trailer with your windows rolled down so you can listen for unusual noises, and make sure you’re comfortable towing the trailer with your vehicle.

When you’re ready to choose a livestock trailer, or any other type of trailer you might need, our helpful staff at Country Blacksmith will be more than happy to help. Our sales staff can give you advice and help you find the exact trailer you need. Browse our online inventory today or give us a call at our Mount Vernon and Carterville locations to see what we can do for you.

Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Perfect Enclosed Trailer

Choosing the right enclosed trailer can be difficult. There are so many sizes, shapes, colors and features to consider that without enough research, it’s easy to choose the wrong one for your needs. It all depends on what you plan to use your trailer for, and how far you plan to travel with it. Luckily, the team at Country Blacksmith Trailers is ready to help you find the best trailer for you.

We’ve put together a guide to help determine the right enclosed cargo trailer that will help you be successful in whatever you need it for. Keep reading for more!

Let’s get started on how to choose the right size! Right now, we have an extensive amount of trailers for sale on our lot, including five-foot-wide, six-foot-wide, 7.5-foot-wide and 8-foot wide trailers. So, no matter your needs, Country Blacksmith Trailers is here to help you choose the right trailer.

Consider your tow vehicle

Now, let’s consider a few basics! You more than likely already own a truck or SUV that’s powerful enough to tow your enclosed trailer, but it’s always a good idea to check the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of your vehicle and your trailer to ensure they’re compatible. Simply put, this number is the maximum weight that’s permitted when fully loaded.

Budget

Creating and sticking to a budget is important when searching for a cargo trailer, especially if you’re business just got its start. It will be easier to come up with a budget once you decide the size of trailer you need and any features that come along with it. If you need it for your business, it’s worth having a higher budget, because it will more than likely grow over time and that extra space will not go unused. But, if you’re needing a trailer for your ATV or anything that you plan to have for years to come, you’ll probably be able to slide by with purchasing just enough space.

Use

This might be obvious to some, but purchasing the right size trailer depends on what you plan on using it for. Maybe you’re using it for your own small landscaping business. If so, you might get away with purchasing a smaller trailer than someone who wants to haul their ATV or golf cart from place to place.

A great size for a riding mower is any of our 8-foot wide trailers that are made to withstand heavy usage. You’ll need plenty of dismount space with mounted racks on the sides. This is also a great size for those transporting a collectible car.

For those that are hauling any sort of vehicle, think ATV, snowmobile, mowers, or vintage cars, be sure to look for tie-down rings and ask about the weight capacity they can handle to help stabilize your load. For most other careers or hobbies, a trailer that’s much smaller will usually do the trick, but you also must think about your business and if it will eventually grow.

Any smaller than 8.5 wide could be for business owners just starting out that don’t need much space for their equipment. A six-foot-wide trailer is a great in-between size that offers plenty of space without being too empty on the road. It’s also one of the most popular cargo trailer sizes, so you know you can’t go wrong with it. A five-foot-wide trailer might be for you if you’re needing just a little bit more space than what your truck or SUV can offer. Think of this site as a small add-on to your vehicle!

Future Growth

If you want it to, your small business can easily expand into a small empire. For this reason, you must consider buying extra space in your cargo trailer. It might cost more upfront, but you’ll reap the benefits once your business does grow and you find yourself needing more and more space each year.

When searching for a cargo trailer, try not to think in the moment. Project a few years down the road and consider where your business might be then. Will you have more equipment? Probably. More necessary items to carry with you and store? Absolutely! Thinking into the future will not only save you money but will help you decide where you want your business to be.
Contact us for help!

Because there are so many different options when it comes to enclosed cargo trailers, is our staff is ready to help you each step of the way. So many factors go into choosing the right trailer, and we’re here to support you and make sure you’re happy with your purchase! We’ll be able to help you narrow down which trailer is right for you, so give us a call today!

Want to see a trailer in person? No problem! We encourage you to come to one of our locations in Mount Vernon or Carterville and see what we have in store for you.

All About Aluma Trailers

Country Blacksmith Trailers is a one-stop-shop for all your trailer needs. Since 2009, we’ve been selling Aluma trailers, and that adds up to lots of experience! We confidently recommend them to our customers who come back for them time and time again. We always have a great selection for you to choose from, (we have over 100 in stock) and our staff is knowledgeable about each one.

The all-aluminum body provides years of protection from elements and prevents rusting, keeping your trailer looking great for years. But, it’s not just a great trailer. You’ll find that the Aluma trailers can handle the same load capacity as a steel trailer and at a lighter weight. If that’s not enough, Aluma offers an exclusive 5-year warranty, one of the best on the market! Our experience with Aluma trailers has been 100% positive. They are a great company with a fantastic aluminum trailer!

Aluma trailers got its start in 1992 by Dean Maschoff when he was asked to make an aluminum trailer by friends. The popularity caught on quickly, and Dean decided to start a small business for building them. In 1995, he employed five people in Iowa and built about two trailers a day. In 1998, the size of the factory was doubled.

Today, Aluma trailers are built in a 43,000 square foot expansion onto their 105,000 square foot building in Emmetsberg, Iowa. And, they build 300 trailers per week! For more about their history, click here. These trailers are lightweight, strong, rust-free, and offer several years of high-quality security – your Aluma will last you years!

At Country Blacksmith, we offer a large inventory of Aluma utility, car hauler, tilt deck, and enclosed trailers. Be sure to check out all our add-on features using our new product options, which will help you customize your new Aluma trailer to your specific needs. Just check the options you want and then add to your cart! If you have any questions, give us a call or stop by our Carterville, IL or Mount Vernon, IL stores to talk to a trailer specialist! Carterville (618) 985-8800 or Mt Vernon (618) 242-0800.