Trailers Basics: Its Parts, Types and Uses

Transportation of heavy machines, electronic devices, construction materials, or others is sensitive to hauling operations and needs reliable support of trailers. These are the no-engine vehicles connected with any powered vehicle like a car, truck, or tractor. It comes in different sizes, shapes, and configurations to accommodate hauling in grocery stores to the construction industry. Contact Mico Equipment, a primer distributor for used trailers for sale in Texas and international markets.

Let’s take a closer look at the fundamental parts and mechanics of the trailer and its different types to unlock the boundless assistance they offer. Also, it provides a market review and user guide to purchase second-hand trailers with reliable performance and rugged structure. However, innovative technological upgrades in trailer material and design improve payload capabilities and stable transportation services.

What is a Trailer?

A trailer is a spacious attachment that can be connected with the high horsepower engine of a truck to freight bulky and massive materials to off-road workplaces. Moreover, their rugged body frame requires the least maintenance expenses. 

The users can adjust trailer dimensions according to their requirements. It can simultaneously transport various products of different sizes and weights, along with low carbon emissions.

Understand Trailer Parts and Dimensions

To explore the fundamental anatomy of the trailer, this reference text is enough to understand the simple chassis and mechanics completely.  Indeed, the main structure revolves around frame dimensions and axle loading capabilities. Let’s delve deep to understand how the technical specifications of trails affect functionalities.

Body Frame

The trailer frame is a rectangular structure that acts as the central support system and distributes weight evenly on each wheel.

• Length: a general range of frame ranges from 10 feet to 53 feet.
• Width: is mostly 8 feet 6 inches as a standard measurement in all trailers.
• Height: Varies with the type and utility of the trailer. Therefore, according to the model, it may fall between 4 feet to over 13 feet.
• Frame Material: Steel alloy with a high percentage of aluminum to deliver high strength to uphold heavy loading tasks.

Axle of Trailer

An axle is a solid shaft that makes the place to mount the wheel. Well, different sizes and numbers of axles are installed in trails to support carrying weight and allow smooth movements of the wheel.

• Length: the length of the axle varies with the size and capacity of trailers. However, the primary measurements are from 48 inches to 96 inches.
• Shaft Diameter: The average diameter is 2 to 5 inches, giving strength and power.
• Weight Capacity: the trailer’s weight capacity is the prime provision of its structure. Therefore, it typically falls between 3,500 lbs to 25,000 lbs per axle.

Shocks or Suspension System

Trailers must transport heavy materials over long distances and on challenging paths. Therefore, a robust suspension system involves a torsion bar, coil springs, shocks, and leaf springs re-integrated to manage shocks and vibrations impact.

• Spring Torsion Rate: The suspension type of the trailer varies according to its loading limits. The standard suspension margin is 1,000 lbs per inch to 5,000 lbs per inch.
• Damping Coefficient of Shock: to absorb the damping shock absorbers, values range from 0.5 to 2.0.
• Vertical Distance: The maximum perpendicular movement of each suspension system can be flexible up to 4 inches to 12 inches.

Wheels and Tires Support

The wheels and tires are the parts that are in direct contact with uneven or sloppy surfaces. Therefore, the steel wheel is mounted on the axle. Furthermore, tire structure and composition depend on the loading requirement and site location.

• Wheel Diameter: 14 inches to 24 inches, varying with brands and models of the trailer.
• Wheel Width: The wheels are designed to be 6 to 12 inches wide for stable traction.
• Bolt Arrangement: The wheel is mounted with different patterns and several holes to support the axle. 4×100 mm, 5×114.3 mm, and 6×139.7 mm is the approved pattern.
• Offset Distance: is -12 mm to +25 mm between the wheel and the wheel’s centerline. 

Coupling Mechanism

The inter-junction of the trailer body with the truck section is known as the coupling mechanism. It facilitated the flawless attachment and detachment of interlocking structures to ensure the secure assembly of both sections. However, it may range from ball hitches to fifth-wheel adjustments.

• Towing Capacity: the optimal weight range of the hitch that can be tolerated by a supportive truck range from 2,000 lbs to 30,000 lbs.
• Tongue Weight Rating: the hitch point has face gravity and downward pulling force of 200 lbs to 1,000 lbs.
• Hitch Level: is classified into five levels based on the towing capacity and weight upholding rates.
• Coupler Dimensions: covers an average diameter of 1 7/8 to 2 5/16 inches.

Internal Wiring and Electrical System

A trailer’s lighting and electrical system controls brake lights, taillights, turn signals, and marker lights. Indeed, proper internal wiring and connections are essential to enhance visibility and secure the drive. A powerful and accurate lighting system is paramount as the trailers must move to off-road areas with harsh paths. 

• Voltage Range: average consumption is 12-volt for the average electrical system.
• Current Capacity: 10 amps to 30 amps limits according to wiring and electrical components used.
• Wiring Specification: Generally, the number of wires is 4 to 7 with 18 AWG to 12 AWG gauges.

These specifications and measurements give an average overview of the commonly installed values and parameters integrated into used construction machinery for sale in global markets.

Explore Trailer Working Mechanics 

Here, we elaborate on the basic principles of trailers’ stable and flawless mobility and work efficiencies in heavy-duty hauling operations. Indeed, the prime provision is to understand the towing junctions and supportive suspension systems to counterweight the loading capabilities.

Towing Transmission Dynamics

In fact, the coordination with an adjacent truck to a trailer involves comprehensive towing dynamics with reliable force transmission to all parts, especially to wheels. Also, the hitch mechanism’s practical implementation should be considered. 

Notably, the engine generates the main triggering force and transfers it to the towing body. A ball is mounted between the connected engine and trailer as a hitch; sometimes, the fifth wheel is attached. These applications enable the equal distribution of power and effective interlinking of parts. 

Load Equilibrium Mechanics

Indeed, maintaining the movement stability of trailers with cargo loads requires an even distribution of gross weight. This fact is crucial for machine stability and operator safety. Well, the proper placement of hauling objects and maintenance of trailer axles are required. Likewise, the design of the trailer frame has a significant impact. 

Precise Braking System

The precision and hydraulic control breaks are essential to manage decelerations and movements on on-road hauling. Furthermore, the innovative structures are equipped with electric or surge brakes with unique operating principles and worth. 

However, an electric signal is transmitted from the towing body to the brake pedal. In hydraulic control, a fluid exerts pressure moving in an interlinked hoist to monitor the brake process. Conversely, surge brakes are based on the change in momentum of associated hydraulic pressure to make pre-adjustments to maintain accurate control. 

Steering Control and Maneuverability

Trailers are non-motorized bodies and depend on the steering controls and moves of the towing vehicle.  However, to meet the unique needs of each industry, the workers integrate specific trailers with articulating axles to enhance swift mobility even in confined spaces. 

In summary, the mechanics of working a trailer must integrate diverse components to deliver personnel safety, operational efficiency, and consistent cargo transportation. However, proper handling and maintenance protocols can improve the outputs and system coordination.

Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Trailers 

Technological assistance and innovative design of trailers are paramount to meeting the emerging challenges of transportation services. This technical guide will provide an overview of all available trailers in Texas and international markets. If you are looking for reliable resources for used trailers for sale, visit Mico Equipment’s online inventory of heavy machinery. 

1. Flatbed Semi Trailer

In fact, these are the more straightforward and most basic types of trailers with flat-open decks. Flatbed trailers enable the operators to load and unload material from sideways or upward directions using a crane. Therefore, it is suitable for hauling long, massive, and bulk objects with odd looks. The trailer’s simple structure provides broad utility compared to enclosed trailers.

• Frame Dimensions: L: 48′ – 53′, W: 102″, H: 60″
• Applications: Ideal for hauling oversize equipment with uneven surfaces and requiring more space than package containers. The construction industry manages to transport its heavy machinery to off-road sites.

2. Step Deck Semi Trailer

Step deck trailers are also known for their two decks. One is at a slightly elevated height than the other and is recognized as an upper and lower deck. This structure provides more versatility, allowing for different-sized cargo goods and massive containers.

• Frame Dimensions: L: 48′ – 53′, W: 102″, H: Lower Deck: 36″ – 42″, Upper Deck: 60″
• Potential Applications: Suitable for transporting tall equipment or objects not carried by height-sensitive articulated trucks and containers.

3. Double Drop Semi Trailer (Lowboy)

In these designs, the users have three types of decks. One is medium-high, and the other is low-height. The third deck is suitable for placing long rods on concrete pillars. Notably, the prime purpose of double drop trailers is to assist cargo services in delivering oversized freight safely. 

• Frame Dimensions: L: 48′, W: 102″, H: 18″ – 24″
• Potential Applications: Used for management and upgrading equipment fleets to on-site operation with low deck height facility.

4. Extendable Double Drop Semi Trailer

It would be best to have a trailer with a flexible frame width or a well deck to accommodate the longer cargo or parts of heavy construction equipment. Therefore, the manufacturers provide extendable deck adjustments with a well area to upload larger objects safely.

• Frame Dimensions: L: 80′ (extendable), W: 102″, H: 18″ – 24″
• Potential Applications: the hauling of extra-long objects, massive concrete pillars, modular buildings, and giant cranes to operational sites.

5. Removable Gooseneck Semi Trailer

Indeed, the utility feature of each trailer is the flexibility of tasks and adaptivity to demanding situations. Likewise, RGN trailers are fortified with removable gooseneck to support heavy equipment and machinery hauling. 

• Frame Dimensions: L: 48′, W: 102″, H: 18″ – 24″
• Potential Applications: Ideal for onsite shifting of construction machinery, heavy agriculture vehicles, and oversize loads.

6. Extendable RGN Semi Trailer

Likewise, in standard RGN trailers, the length of the well container can be adjustable in extendable RGN trailers. Therefore, it provides more adaptability to hold giant construction articles and used machinery. Flexible trailer designs support the freight industry.

• Frame Dimensions: L: Approx 80′ (extendable), W: 102″, H: 18″ – 24″
• Potential Applications: transporting extra-long equipment to showrooms and client sites requires extended well length in heavy machinery production. Additionally, in the construction sector, the models of any building or readymade infrastructures need to be hauled at the site.

7. Hot Shot Trailer

The objects with low weight but irregular shapes, like residual vegetation or cargo facilities, required low-carrying capacity trailers with spacious frames. Here comes the utility of hot shot trailers to shift oddly shaped material in bulk quality.

• Frame Dimensions: L: 40′, W: 102″, H: 36″ – 42″
• Potential Applications: Appropriate substitute to transport lightweight but irregularly shaped materials in landscaping, forestry, and construction.

8. Dry Van Trailer

Well, to streamline hauling operations in severe weather situations or heavy rainy areas, completely covered containers, known as dry van trailers, are installed. They provide a fully enclosed space to protect cargo from water, temperature, and snowfall. Indeed, dry products that are sensitive to water interaction are loaded in these secure trailers.

• Frame Dimensions: L: 48′ – 53′, W: 102″, Inlet Height: 110″, Container Gross Height: 13’6″
• Potential Applications: Ideal for palletized goods, freight boxes, electronics devices, food items, clothing, and other water-sensitive products. Food and beverage industries, textile industries, construction sector, and more.

Reefer Trailer

Reefer trailers have refrigeration units to control the temperature of container trailers at specific temperature points. However, the main target is to protect the freight goods from severe surroundings. These designs require a high-power engine and more fuel consumption.

• Frame Dimensions: L: 48′ – 53′, W: 102″, Door H: 110″, Container H: 13’6″
• Potential Applications: A suitable attribute for pharmaceutical industries, food and beverages, frozen items, flowers, and other perishable items.

9. Conestoga Trailer

Conestoga trailers combine the accommodation of an enclosed dry van with the flexibility of flatbed trailers. In fact, the flatbed support enables the operators to load/unload in an open boundary frame. Later, the container wall can be slid down to develop a fully covered container.

• Frame Dimensions: L: 48′ – 53′, W: 102″, Door H: 98″ – 102″, Total H: 13’ 6″
• Potential Applications: Suitable for palletized goods, oddly shaped machinery, and water or temperature-sensitive equipment. Large machines with uneven surfaces can be hauled easily within controlled environmental conditions.

10. Intermodal Trailer

When there is a need for well-organized railing or compartments to manage the stable transportation of sensitive objects, intermodal trailers are the suitable choice. Obviously, the users can shift the bulk of goods without any brokerage in a cost-saving manner. 

• Frame Dimensions: L: 53′, W: 102″, Door H: 109″, Container H: 114″
• Potential Applications: Ideal for safe and well-protected freight. The primary customers are cargo services, electronics suppliers, and other complicated industrial products. They definitely have to haul bulk material in cost-friendly transportation.

11. Pup Trailer

Pup trailers are more minor and structured for local commodity pickup and freighting palletised goods; therefore, they have a covered body. They feature an adjustable or upward lifting door at the backend to load and unload the goods without proper docking accommodations. 

• Frame Dimensions: L: 28′, W: 102″, Door H: 104″, Container H: 13’6″
• Potential Applications: Commonly used within cities to transport factory-manufactured goods or food items. The primary consumers are last-mile delivery, smaller loads, and limited access.

12. Lowboy Trailer

Distributors need low-height deck trailers to quickly load and unload oversized objects in the dynamics of used heavy machinery for sale. Therefore, the design of lowboy trailers is the best substitute for bulky cargo and heavy equipment transportation. Moreover, the detachable gooseneck of trailers assists in easy freighting.

• Frame Dimensions: The main structure is fabricated on demand and is typically longer than the standard frame.
• Potential Applications: The construction industry, mining operators, and heavy equipment suppliers are everyday users. Indeed, the transporting of large and heavyweight equipment to desired job sites.

13. Livestock Trailer

As the name indicates, these specific trailers are engineered to support the livestock industry in transporting poultry animals to different locations. Obviously, the freighting of cattle, horses, and pigs requires proper compartments, ramps for loading, and an adequate ventilation system. These provisions are basic needs to maintain safe and comfortable animal hauling.

• Frame Dimensions: Personalize the length and width and partition sizing with capacity requirements
• Potential Applications: Used livestock sector, poultry farming, and ranchers. They are utilized to transport animals to markets or between farms.

14. Utility Trailer

The customized trailers are designed with variable dimensions and compartment facilities to meet the utility services freighting. Importantly, it is crafted with seating to transfer the workforce, open enclosures for equipment transport, and is structured as a recreational vehicle.

• Frame Dimensions: personalized dimensions with intended use
• Potential Applications: Suitable to freighting contractors or landscapers. Also, support outdoor enthusiasts. Moreover, the equipment, tools, and gear suppliers need these utility trailers.

15. Car Hauler Trailer

Car hauliers or auto transporters are developed with strong trailer frames and vigilant engines. Indeed, to transport the vehicles to showrooms and automobile distributors inter-city or out-of-station moves. The trailers are integrated with ramps, a height deck, and adjustable axles for secure mobility with an absorbing facility.

• Frame Dimensions: flexible with loading capacity and number of vehicles
• Potential Applications: Used by auto dealerships for shifting cars, SUVs, and trucks. Some rental agencies freight the vehicles to clients, auctions, or display stores.

16. Dump Trailer

The automatic control trailer loads and unloads materials with hydraulic systems operated by cylinders or blades. Furthermore, the trailer frame can be raised or tilted to support the dumping of bulk materials behind the vehicles. The adjustable blades enable hauling without moving the body through hydraulically operated cylinders.

• Frame Dimensions: Varies with loading demand and site location.
• Potential Applications: Commonly transport and eject bulk amounts of soil, gravel, and dirt on construction sites, landscaping operations, and agriculture. Additionally, waste management authorities also utility to freight material in tight spacing recycling plants.

17. Specialty Trailers

Conversely, the prime worth of the trailer is the customization of the body frame according to users’ requirements. Therefore, the manufacturers prepare the setup for mobile offices in far-long infrastructure development projects. Also, mobile kitchens or applications specific to their needs. T

• Potential Applications: Specialty trailers serve an adjustable frame to meet different purposes. Like the mobile offices for constructors, catering services, on-site event marketing, emergency response units, and recreational venues.

18. Specialized Heavy Haul Trailer

Specialized heavy haul trailers are designed to assist heavy machinery manufacturers in freighting their structure to the desired buyer locations of other suppliers. Indeed, their core focus is to accommodate extremely heavy or oversized shipments. Commonly, the devices are transformers, heavy equipment, turbines, or aerospace parts. Moreover, they need authorized permits to conduct these tasks.

• Frame Dimensions: Customized with payload requirements and equipment sizes
• Potential Applications: Used in construction industries, energy-supplying facilities, machine manufacturers, and aerospace assembling units.

This comprehensive list of customized and specific trailer designs is readily available in Texas as a used trailer for sale to particular niche markets’ needs. Understand the engineering differences to decide which type resonates with your operational demands.

Top Selling Brands and Models of Trailers in Texas

Heavy-duty construction equipment’s local and international markets are saturated with competent brands and trailers. However, we have compiled a list of reliable manufacturers and their quality-tested trailer designs for the reader’s assistance. In fact, this classification is based on technical specifications. 

Big Tex Trailers

They are the most demanding and reliable manufacturers dealing with different types of trailers. Indeed, they are renowned for their structural durability, operational versatility, and wide range of models. Here, we provide some teased articles of Big Tex with assured quality and performances.

• 14LP Dump Trailer
• 70PI Utility Trailer
• 14ET Equipment Trailer
• 10SR Dump Trailer
• 14TL Tilt Trailer

PJ Trailers

Prevail the local and global indurates of heavy construction equipment for high-quality and innovative designs. Moreover, PJ Trailers are a reliable choice for hauling heavy machinery, livestock, and customized containers for cargo facilities. Some popular makes of PJ are mentioned.

• Low-Pro Flatdeck with Duals (LD)
• Tandem Dual Tilt (TD)
• Classic Flatdeck with Singles (FS)
• Low-Pro Flatdeck with Singles (LS)
• Dump (D)

Lamar Trailers

Lamar Trailers is at the forefront of the demand for rugged freight design with advanced features in shared environments. Indeed, it meets the customer’s requirements with customizable installation. Texas available high-performance trailers are.

• LD Dump Trailer
• Utility Trailer
• Equipment Hauler
• Gooseneck Trailer
• Deck-Over Trailer

Top Hat Trailers

They are the pioneers of this sector in delivering quality assured trials at reasonable prices. Likewise, the trailer frames adhere to international standards to uphold expensive hauling. For convenience, some models are listed.

• X-Series Utility Trailer
• Tandem Axle Utility Trailer
• Pipe Top Utility Trailer
• Gooseneck Flatbed Trailer
• Dump Trailer

Maxey Trailers

Maxey Trailers is recognized as the most flexible manufacturer in resolving any technical faults in previous models. Moreover, they maintain heavy-duty build quality and superior performance standards. Therefore, it is considered suitable for commercial and residential use.

• Tandem Axle Utility Trailer
• Gooseneck Deck-Over Trailer
• Dump Trailer
• Equipment Hauler
• Tilt Trailer

These top brands are ranked on general market surveys to earn reputations for providing top-notch quality trailers with outstanding technical specifications. Well, the buyer should outline their demands to decide to purchase used heavy-duty equipment for sale.

Buyer Guide: Points to Consider Before Purchase

Before adding a trailer to your machine fleet, evaluate some essential factors to make your purchase valuable. Indeed, these steps range from physical examination to checking the previous maintenance records. Let’s dive deep to understand how we can make over-investment rational.

Assess Payload and Size Requirements

Calculate the maximum cargo weight you must transport in routine work that should resonate with the average payload capacity of the proposed trailers. Likewise, check the axle rotation rating, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, and frame dimensions to freight your cargo efficiently.

Evaluate Structural Integrity and Materials

The heavy-duty machines must work in challenging conditions and hauling operations. Therefore, assessing the durability and ruggedness of the trailer’s materials and structural integrity is essential. Look for the composition of frame material, corrosion-resistant design, and reinforced management to count down environmental impacts. 

Trailer Axle Configuration and Suspension:

Assess the axle configuration of used trailers for sale that should be tandem or triple axles to support equal weight distribution on wheels. Indeed, this structural versatility improves operational stability and performance. Likewise, it would be best to prefer leaf spring or air ride suspensions for flawless moves and freighting.

Check Hitch Compatibility with Towing 

Verify bumper pull or fifth wheel hitching mechanism to manage equilibrium in the trailer and towing mobility. However, these hitches are approved to be compatible with towing capacity. Ensure that the wholesome weight of the load and device engine does not exceed the towing capabilities.

Additional Features and Accessories

Look for adjustments of various tools and trailer frames that will provide adaptability for forming different tasks simultaneously. Notably, the manufacturer offers ramps, tie-down moves, toolboxes, and spare tires.

Review Warranty and Customer Support

Always select the brand that provides warranty coverage and installation support. Furthermore, the reviews of previous customers about that particular model and brand will provide you with real insights. Moreover, you can have comments about some technical faults. 

Compare Prices and Pre-Purchase Inspection 

Obtain estimated quotes from renowned dealers in used heavy machinery for sale scenarios. Compare the achieved values and consider optimal with good customer service distributors. Mico Equipment is a proven partner in delivering reasonable pricing for quality-tested products.

Expert Advice and Recommendations

Consult with certified engineers and trailer operators to have real-world suggestions and recommendations based on practical exposure.

Pros of Buying a Used Trailer for Sale

Purchasing heavy machinery to upgrade your system or install a new one requires pre-assessing your needs and available solutions. Indeed, opting for a used trailer for sale is more economical and practical. Here, some positive aspects are mentioned in detail.

Proven Reliable Performance

In fact, the essential requirement for buying used equipment is that you have a track record of performance checks and design reliability. Therefore, the experts are supported in identifying technical errors from previous maintenance history.

Tested Quality Construction

The manufacturers control the end user cost and structure the machinery with low-quality construction material. Well, the older versions are firmer and more durable in their trailer frame. Therefore, older versions can tolerate more loading ranges than new structures.

Lower Purchase Costs

One of the most persuasive advantages of buying used trailers is the lesser acquisition cost than new ones. With minimum investments, the buyers can have outclass-performing trailers with minor differences from new ones.

Immediate Availability

Unlike new trailers, these quality-approved products can be integrated with existing systems without initial preparations. Moreover, the learning curve of operators is the least. Sometimes, they have previous expertise to handle this make and model. Likewise, maintenance costs are the lowest with secure safety measures.

Flexible to Customization

Used trailers allow buyers to customize the tool according to their work demands and other considerations. Trailers have adoptable frames that can be personalized with significant variations. The trailer models that have already been tested and checked enable users to assess the constraints or limitations they may face in the future.

Resale Depreciation Mitigation

To reduce the depreciation cost, used construction earthmoving for sale is a better option over new trailers. The buyer can save these depreciation graphs during the initial years of ownership. Therefore, a purchased used trailer gives you maximum resale value and return on investment. 

Wrap-Up: Trailers Flexible Solution for Transportation

In different industrial settings, the manufacturers, as well as the service providers, have to transport their fabricated devices to clients. Moreover, we need reliable trailer support to deport heavy-duty construction machinery to job sites. Indeed, the trailer’s dynamic structure and durability improve hauling operations in the transportation sector. Contact Mico Equipment for approved and tested used trailers to upgrade your transport assistance.