Finding the Right Trailer

Now more than ever, the American consumer is more educated on the products and services they’re interested in. With access to resources all over the internet (think blog posts like this, YouTube content, Manufacturer websites, etc.) they come armed with knowledge and into Hoyt’s knowing exactly what they want! However, all of this information can cause confusion, too.

For those of you who need a trailer but aren’t sure exactly what kind to get, we’re here to help! When searching for a new trailer, you need to answer two questions:

1. What are you hauling?

Knowing the facts about what you’re hauling helps us steer you in the right direction. What are the dimensions of the item(s)? How much does it weigh? These answers will help narrow down the size and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the trailer that you need.

2. What will you be towing the trailer with?

The vehicle you tow the trailer with is every bit as important as the trailer itself. Is the vehicle rated to tow the weight of the trailer and cargo? Does your vehicle have a built-in brake controller? Do you have the right hitch? All important questions that we can help you answer!

The following list includes trailers that Hoyt’s Trailer Center carries year round, and the most common uses. Hopefully, one of these fits your needs!

Utility Trailers

This is a pretty broad category - but can be defined as an open trailer (not enclosed) under 2,000 LBS and designed to be pulled by non-commercial vehicles. The most common uses are vehicle hauling (think ATV’s, UTV’s, dirt bikes and motorcycles), lawn/landscaping equipment, and other basic household uses.

Aluminum Trailers

We carry the Aluma brand of aluminum utility trailers - an industry leader. They build models to haul everything from a single motorcycle up to a multi-vehicle carrier! They come equipped with options such as tilt decks, in-deck lighting, and more! Aluminum trailers are renowned for their ease of use, low maintenance cost, and durability in all conditions. Most Aluma models can be towed by mid-size trucks and SUV’s with ease!

Dump Trailers

Dump trailers are some of the most versatile and popular trailers that we offer. With brands like Diamond C and MAXX-D, durability is the name of the game here. Commonly used by landscaping and construction contractors, these trailers are perfect for moving soil, rock, dirt, and construction debris. When equipped with rear drop leg jacks and slide-in ramps, they make great equipment trailers, too! The lift mechanism can be a scissor hoist or telescoping cylinder, with the latter offering the best lifting leverage. With GVWR’s ranging from 14,000 to 22,000 pounds and higher, you’ll need some serious power to pull a fully loaded dump trailer - so keep your towing capacity in mind when considering this option.

Car/Equipment Haulers

This category includes aluminum or steel open trailers, anywhere from 16-28 feet long. Equipped with ramps (either slide-out or stand-up style) these trailers are built for hauling cars, skid loaders, mini-excavators, larger UTV’s and more. With options like drive over fenders, you can push the width to the maximum of 102” to accommodate the largest of vehicles! Most can be pulled at capacity with half ton pickups, but on heavier trailers and loads, consider having a three-quarter ton pickup to do the job.

Tilt Trailers

Tilt trailers are a fantastic option for moving a single piece of equipment (plus attachments!) without the need to throw ramps around. Typically, these trailers offer a standard length tilting section (16-18’) and a static (non-tilting) deck at the front (2-10’) for stowing buckets, forks, pallets, and more! These can be configured as gravity tilt (also known as hydraulically dampened) or a fully powered tilt mechanism. With so many lengths, GVWR’s, and hitch types to consider - check your vehicle’s towing capacity before you consider a tilt!

Enclosed Trailer

Enclosed cargo trailers are great for a variety of uses! They’re best suited for equipment or vehicles that you want to keep out of the elements. Cars, UTV’s, ATV’s, Dirt Bikes, Landscaping Equipment, workshop on wheels, storage - all good options for this class of trailer! They’re available in various lengths (4-30’) and widths (4-8.5’) to accommodate whatever you need.

Flatbed/Gooseneck Trailer

Many types of trailers can also be purchased as gooseneck hitches (also known as a 5th wheel hitch) including enclosed, tilt, car/equipment haulers, and dump trailers. Flatbed Gooseneck Trailer refers to a full-width deck over the wheels with a gooseneck hitch. These trailers typically range from 22-40’ long, and are exclusively pulled by 3/4 ton and higher trucks. Common uses for these trailers includes agricultural, heavy equipment, hotshots drivers, material and vehicle hauling - the possibilities are endless! With options ranging from hydraulic tongue jacks and dovetails to solar chargers and air ride suspension, these are the most customizable trailers of the bunch.

Regardless of the trailer you need, Hoyt’s Trailer Center is here to guide you to the proper trailer for your uses - big or small! Whether it’s just for advice, sales, parts or service - we exist to get and keep you and your load on the road!