Trailer Tips Blog

Haulmark trailers is a wonderful company that offers quality trailers. Their trailers will be able to help you no matter what your needs are. Whether it is business or love of the outdoors, Haulmark Trailers will have something for you.

Haulmark trailers offers a lot of bang for your buck. They try to use high quality materials, but at a cost savings that gets passed down to their consumer. Everyone likes to bargain shop these days, and Haulmark trailers is a good bet.

Another great thing about Haulmark Trailers is that they are an all in one company. They offer in house support for all parts and services. That is not something all trailer companies offer! We all know how annoying it is to call a company, only to be told we need to call this or that number instead. There is none of that hassle with Haulmark Trailers.

In addition to great service, Haulmark trailers offers a vast array of product choices. They have cargo trailers, snowmobile trailers, motorcycle trailers, and more! There is something for everyone, from the most cost conscious consumer to the one who wants a top of the line product. Haulmark trailers offers a variety of sizes and usage capacities to fulfill each customer’s need.

Any company can make strong claims, but you know you can trust Haulmark trailers because they are a part of the “Universal Trailer Corporation.” This is the largest enclosed trailer manufacturer in the country. These two companies work hand in hand to provide great quality and customer service.

Haulmark Trailers prides themselves on using only the highest quality materials. They offer very secure towing and make sure each part will do its job. Trailer safety is a very serious issue. Faulty craftsmanship can cause damages to your vehicles, cargo, or even harm others. Haulmark Trailers makes sure that their products are not faulty.

Have you ever had a bumpy trailer that knocked your cargo around? Haulmark Trailers makes sure their products protect your cargo and make everything as smooth as possible. They way they accomplish this is by carefully manufacturing their trailers and paying special attention to each detail.

Many people like to do business with a company that has been around for a long time. Haulmark Trailers fits that bill as it has been a leader for over 27 years! Not only have they made a name for themselves in the business, Haulmark Trailers offers a three year warranty so you can set your mind at ease.

Haulmark Trailer’s main concern is making sure their customers are happy. They offer such a wide variety of trailers that you’re sure to find one that suits your needs. Haulmark Trailers has a large selection of great trailers to fulfill all of your hauling needs. New or used, you will be happy with their product.

If you’re in the market for a quality trailer, Haulmark Trailers pride themselves on being innovative and attending to customer’s needs, and above all manufacturing great cargo trailers.

Runaway trailers can cause devastating crashes, resulting in serious injuries and/or deaths. Trailers detach from their guidance sources more often than most people realize, despite the catastrophic damage they cause.

The government does not organize or supply national runaway trailer statistics for public access. However, the Los Angeles Times identified 540 runaway trailer accidents from news reports and court files between 2000 and 2007. These runaway trailer accidents resulted in hundreds of injuries and at least 164 deaths. It is likely that there were many more runaway trailer accidents, injuries, and deaths that were not reported by news sources.

The Los Angeles Times found many types of runaway trailer accidents in their investigation. However, the research showed that the large majority of runaway trailer accidents involved light- and medium-trailers, as opposed to large truck-trailers (i.e. big rigs, 18-wheelers, semi-tractors, etc.).

Individuals and businesses other than commercial-transportation owned most of the trailers. For example, gardening companies often use trailers to transport tools from one location to another. The report showed trailer-rental companies, such as U-Haul International Inc, owned a small proportion of the runaway trailers.

The majority of runaway trailer victims are motorists, however passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians have been seriously injured and killed as well. The following includes some examples of the runaway trailer accidents researched by the Los Angeles Times.

On April 13, 2006, Spencer Morrison and his 4-year-old-triplets, Ethan, Garret and Alaina, were stuck by a 3-ton wood-chipper, while driving in the family’s minivan. The wood-chipper broke loose from its “hitch and ball” attachment to a tow truck and glided straight into oncoming traffic. It smashed into the family’s minivan with incredible force. The father, Spencer, and two of the triplets, Garret and Alaina, died instantly upon impact. The last of the triplets, Ethan, received multiple injuries, including a fractured skull. He was the only survivor of the minivan.

In August 2003, Robin Teller and a friend, Brook Webb, were walking home when a trailer, which detached from an Ford pickup truck, struck them. The two women were passing a railroad crossing when the Ford pickup began to cross over the tracks. The trailer rattled as it went over the track and broke loose of its attachment to the Ford pickup. It plowed straight over the two women and crashed through a fence and into a field. Robin Teller was 41 years old and died at the scene. Brook Webb, 20 years old, suffered serious injuries to her legs. Although she endured numerous surgeries following the accident, her left leg had to be amputated below the knee and her right leg and ankle had to be supported with a rod and numerous pins.

On December 15, 2004, Earl J. Buetow was the victim of a runaway trailer accident. Buetow was driving northbound on Sierra Highway in his 1990 Dodge pickup truck, behind a Chevy Tahoe that was towing a trailer. At a bump in the pavement, the trailer broke loose from its attachment to the Chevy Tahoe and careened right into oncoming traffic. A southbound driver of a Ford Expedition swerved to avoid the runaway trailer. The Expedition collided, head on, with Buetow’s Dodge pickup, killing Earl J. Buetow instantly upon impact.

Failure to properly secure a trailer to its guidance source, usually a “ball and hitch” design, appears to be the major cause of runaway trailer accidents. The use of old or outdated trailer towing equipment accounts for a smaller proportion of runaway trailer accidents.

The 3-ton runaway wood-chipper trailer that smashed into a minivan, killing 3 of the 4 passengers in April 2006, broke loose due to the negligence of the truck driver to check to make sure the chipper-trailer was securely hitched to his vehicle. The truck driver also failed to connect the safety chains, which are a backup precaution that is supposed to keep the trailer attached in the event of a hookup failure. Had the truck driver checked the trailer’s hook up, he would have realized that the locking device wasn’t engaged and that the safety chains were not secured.

The trailer that plowed over Robin Teller and Brook Webb as they were walking home in August 2003 broke loose due to a combination of events. First, the truck driver failed to connect the safety chains as a backup precaution, and second, the driver used old, outdated, and unsafe equipment. A police report, included in the Los Angeles Times’ article, described the trailer as “a homemade-style car hauler, which was very rusty.”

Many runaway trailer accidents may have be prevented if, with every trailer purchase and/or rental, there was basic instruction of proper trailer hookup. There is very little regulation of non-commercial trailers. There is no rule, in any of the 50 states, that requires a person towing a small-to-medium trailer to have any special training or instruction.

According to the Los Angeles Times Article, the National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA) proposed federal safety standards requiring trailer safety instructions for motorists in the late 1960s. However, manufacturers and rental companies lobbied intensely to fight implementation of the proposal and it was dropped in 1972. Why would industry lobby against reasonable safety proposals. And, why does NHTSA give in to special interests groups instead of doing its job of setting real safety standards?

In January 2006, Charles Lewis was the victim of a runaway trailer accident that could have been prevented had the runaway trailer’s owner had instruction and/or training on how to properly attach and hook up a trailer. The driver of a pickup towing a 14-foot utility trailer was traveling south on U.S. Route 50 in Missouri. Lewis was traveling north on the same Route when the 14-foot trailer detached from the pickup and flew across the road straight at him. The trailer collided head on into Lewis’ Ford Explorer, killing him instantly.

The 14-foot trailer broke loose because of an improper attachment. The trailer’s coupler was wider than the hitch ball on the tow vehicle and did not allow a secure latch grab. Police investigators learned that it was the first time the truck driver had towed a trailer and that he had never received any training or instruction on proper trailer attachment. Maybe if the truck driver had proper instruction, the ball and hitch attachment would have been the correct size and the deadly accident may have never occurred.

Accidents involving any kind of runaway trailer can lead to catastrophic injuries and/or death. The speed and momentum that is present at the time of collision increases the seriousness of these accidents. If a truck driver’s negligence, use of inadequate equipment, and/or lack of instruction causes a trailer to break loose, the truck driver is liable for any injuries and or deaths to motorists, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

**The purpose of this trailer safety product is to increase visibility of the outer edges of earthmoving equipment during transport on a heavy equipment trailers. This new flexible designed flags has effective countermeasure that could significantly reduce dangerous accidents and

side ways crashes, during late evening hours. How does it work? The Edge O’ lite patent pending technology creates the ability to be a flexible reflector to shape the machine tracks and loads hanging out over the side of your heavy equipment trailers. It quick connect device and flexible design enables it to attach where you need it on the extended object overhanging the heavy equipment trailers. No more flags falling off or the time it takes your driver to install them. Just snap them into place and that’s it. The product is made from washable materials for

easy cleaning . The reflective part is made from tough durable reflective material that will illuminate with oncoming lights to make sure your cargo is seen by other vehicles at night. Every

semi operator should keep a set in there cab for when they move wide loads on a trailer. This new design has a much greater increase in visibilitythen the old conventional flags. However, it is also designed to attach other safety flags if needed to it for additional exposure. Made from durable long lasting materials and comes in a set of four, yet small

enough for easy storage. Made in the USA

For more information on this new heavy equipment

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Do you own a horse trailer? If not, do you sometimes use another person’s horse trailer to transport your animals to the vet, to riding arenas, or to shows? If so, you will want to be sure the trailer is in top-notch condition before loading your horses or ponies for a trip. Although you may have to make discreet inquiries about a trailer that doesn’t belong to you, it is still important to find out whether the trailer can safely accommodate your animals, and if not, planning ahead for choosing another means of conveyance.

First, check the hook-up to be sure it is stable and secure. Does it appear rusty or loose? If so, call the owner or driver’s attention to this area and ask if it can be double-checked. While you’re at it, see if the doors close snugly and can be bolted adequately to contain a horse that may become distrait in an enclosed space. Inspect the door latch and lock to ensure that it is strong and in good condition. Also, examine any windows in the trailer to see if they can open, or will be open, during the trip. Some horses seem to enjoy the fresh air, while others don’t, so you will be the best judge of your horse’s preference.

Then check the tires of the trailer to be sure they have the right amount of air. If they have too much, they can blow while in transit. If they contain too little air, they could easily go flat. Ask about taking along a spare tire and jack if these are not already included. Other emergency equipment should include jumper cables and standard roadside items in case of a breakdown.

Next, check the interior of the trailer. Is there fresh straw? Will the van be vented in some way, depending on the length of the trip, so the urinary ammonia odor won’t build up to become a hazard? Are there crosstie hooks to help hold a horse securely? If a human will ride with one or more horses in the trailer, is there a seat of some kind? Will the animals have access to fresh water? Check to be sure the loading ramp has been stored on the vehicle if it is not built on as part of the door . If you are getting help in loading your horse, find out what the person does if an animal should balk. You will want to agree on tactics before they are needed rather than argue about them at the point of necessity. If you want to use a blindfold but the driver pulls out a whip, you may be at odds and delay the unloading task as well as possibly upset the horse.

Make sure the trailer is clean when you load your horse. Look for sharp edges due to protruding nails or rusted edges. Hopefully you will find none. Keep all of these things in mind when using your own trailer or conducting periodic maintenance.

No matter how you crack it, at some point we all need to haul a large item from one point to another. Whether it’s a homeowner cleaning out a garage and needing to get rid of some debris, or it’s a small business that needs to get equipment to a job site, hauling is a fact of life. The costs of truck purchases for some jobs are just too great, and this is where a good utility trailer can really step in and save the day.

A utility trailer is simply a platform for hauling items. It can be an elaborate add on to a vehicle that includes safety walls and other features, or it can just be a wheeled slab on which to secure a piece of machinery or item for hauling. There are a number of things to consider, however, when adding a trailer onto a vehicle. They include:

* Local laws. Many states require even simple trailers to have their own license plates. They also require lighting systems that include break lights and hazards. This is for the safety of everyone on the road, the hauler included.

* Proper hook up. Trailers are wonderful for homeowners who occasionally need to pick up big items, but don’t own trucks. Easy to add to a car or a small, personal use pickup truck, trailers free their owners up from having to rent a big hauler or hire someone else to do the work for them. They must, however, be hooked up safely. This means the attachment to the towing vehicle must be safe and secure and the lighting system needs to be in place correctly. Doing otherwise might not only result in an accident, but also the loss of the load being hauled.

* Weight considerations. A small, wooden trailer with a wheel system that’s meant to hold only 500 pounds, cannot and should not be loaded up with a ton of debris or lawn equipment. Make sure you know what your trailer is rated for and follow all safety precautions.

Businesses, too, often use trailer systems to help them get their work done. Plumbers, electricians, other construction trades and especially lawn maintenance companies rely on trailers to help them get from jobsite to jobsite with their equipment intact. The benefits of trailers over much larger trucks for hauling equipment and supplies are many. They include:

* Increasing the capacity of a regular work truck without having to purchase more expensive vehicles.

* Ease of access of equipment. Open trailers or even enclosed ones make it much easier for employees to get at the equipment they need when they need it. Ramps on lawn equipment trailers, for example, are ideal for rolling equipment out when it’s needed. Plus, it makes it even easier to put equipment away after a long, hot day. After all, who wants to lift a heavy lawn mower onto a truck?

Utility trailers are oftentimes much more affordable and economical to keep up with than a full-sized truck or even a larger commercial truck. They are perfect for homeowners who need to do occasional hauling, great for businesses and simply irreplaceable to lawn maintenance crews.

There are many things we can buy used that are just as good as new. It is one of the best ways to save money! This is especially true with used trailers.

Many people buy used trailers because new models can be very expensive. For cost conscious consumers it is best to buy used trailers. Before making any decision or purchase, you need to do a little research.

The first thing you need to do is decide on is the type of used trailers you’re on the lookout for. If you are going to be traveling a lot and want a living space you will need a toy hauler trailer. If you are simply transporting a few things here and there an economy trailer will do nicely for you.

Once you’ve chosen the type of used trailers that will work for you, think about the manufacturer you respect the most. Two well-known options are Haulmark Trailers and Roadmaster Trailers. Choosing a manufacturer that has a good track record is essential when buying used trailers, as you know their products will have stood the test of time.

Another thing you’ll want to think about is the size and capacity the used trailer can hold. What type of cargo will you be transporting? You have to make sure the weight of your cargo will not exceed the limit for the trailer. Used trailers require a lot research to be sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

When looking into buying used trailers, you also need to consider whether it should be an open or closed model. Many people like closed models because they protect your cargo from the weather and can be locked. Open models are a bit lighter and less expensive. You should choose which is best for you before buying used trailers.

Once you’ve decided on the used trailers you’re interested in, make sure the condition of the ones you find is top notch. Your first goal is to buy a good sturdy model. Safety is a very important consideration when buying used trailers. Parts you should check are tires, brakes, and any lights the used trailer might have. If these are shoddy, the seller may replace them or offer you a further discount.

If you find used trailers that need a lot of work done to them, it may still be a worthwhile investment. Make sure you won’t be spending more money than a new trailer would be though! It is also important to factor in your time as part of the cost. Never sacrifice safety for a cheaper price, you have to find the right balance.

A great way to find the right used trailers is to shop online. You will be able to read any reviews of the model, seller, and used trailer itself. Always use caution and do your research.

Buying used trailers is a great way to save money. If you investigate your options, you can find a used trailer that meets your needs and is full of safety measures and value. Do not settle and find the perfect used trailers for you!

A cycling enthusiast, I used to spend numerous weekends riding against the wind with my hubby. To me, it was not just a great way to exercise, it was also an excellent opportunity for couple bonding. As a matter of fact, it was cycling that brought us together. We were chatting online via a cycling discussion board then and after several cycling trips, our passion for cycling eventually turned romantic.

Since the birth of our daughter 2 years ago, things started to change. Our committment to our baby denied us of our time with our biking hobby. So much so that going on adventure trips is now considered a luxury. At first, I thought that indicate the end of my love affair with cycling. Well, for the next few years at least. But a good friend’s recommendation altered all that. He proposed that we affix a child bike trailer to our bicycles so that our baby could tag along on our trips!

Frankly, I was kind of worried initially since both of us love speeding on our bikes. But once we made the decision to just try it out, there was no looking back. The experience was fantastic! In fact, our girl enjoyed her maiden ride so much that she would now smile and laugh whenever we position her comfortably in the bicycle trailer!

Child Bike Trailers, What Are Those?

For those of you who are not aware, child bike trailers are chariot-like coaches usually set up to the rear of a bicycle. such bike trailers are actually quite dependable since they use lightweight yet durable frames and materials. A canopy is also included so that you can keep your child away from the harsh weather. Other than that, safety concerns are also factored into their design. For example, many bike trailers contain safety belts and build in other measures to avoid tipping. If you’re into multi-functionality, I’m sure you’ll be delighted to know that some bike trailers can be converted into strollers too.

The Bike Trailer Experience

I’ve really got my child bike trailer to thank for. It not only allowed me to continue my love for cycling, it has also granted me a chance to bond with my 2 year old tot. For example during our trips, we would stop by for a family picnic. My little girl just loves it!

While having fun, don’t forget to look into safety. Ensure that the ride is comfortable and safe for the kid. In any case, always make your child wear a rider helmet and fasten his safety belt before you move off. Personally, I would also control my speed just to ensure that the ride was not too bumpy for the kid. At the end of the day, there was something I can confirm.

I would only enjoy the trip if my baby did.

If you are an avid motorcyclist it is likely that you’ll want take your motorcycle with you whenever you travel. The easiest way to do this is to purchase a motorcycle trailer. There are so many different kinds available that it can be hard to make the right choice.

The best way to make a decision is to think about where you’ll go with your motorcycle trailer. Traveling to rougher locations in harsher elements will require a top of the line, tough model. Many bikers need a motorcycle trailer that is durable and safe to protect their most important investment.

Before you can even begin to decide what kind of motorcycle trailer to buy, you have to check and see how much weight your vehicle can hold. Safety always comes first! You don’t want to end up getting a motorcycle trailer that is too large or too small. The information you need in order to choose can be found in your owner’s manual.

Once you’ve determined how much weight your vehicle can tow, you can match that capacity with the motorcycle trailer you are interested in. If you have smaller motorcycle, you can make do with a smaller trailer. Keep in mind that you may want to carry more cargo at some point. Find a happy medium so that you won’t be dissatisfied later on.

Even though you’ve considered the weight and size of the motorcycle trailer, you need to factor in what the weight will be when you put your motorcycle in. You body weight counts as well! You definitely don’t want to overload your vehicle with your motorcycle trailer or you will have a safety issue on your hands.

After you’ve fully considered the size and weight of the motorcycle trailer you’ll want to decide if you need an open or closed model. If the motorcycle you’ll be transporting in your motorcycle trailer cannot get wet, you’ll need a closed version. Another consideration is that you can lock the doors on a closed motorcycle for security reasons.

The doors on a motorcycle trailer will add some weight, but the added security and flexibility is a must for some bikers.

You’ll also need to consider how the motorcycle trailer will ride behind your vehicle. This is one of the reasons it’s necessary to get a high quality motorcycle trailer.

It is important to always make sure you load your bike onto the motorcycle trailer evenly. It can throw you off balance if not. If your vehicle dips and weaves it is possible that the motorcycle trailer is not evenly packed. If this is the case it may mean that you cannot stop quickly in case of an emergency.

If you’re driving down the road with your fully packed motorcycle trailer and you notice that you’re being thrown off balance you’ll want to stop and pull over to redistribute the weight.

There are many things to consider before you buy your motorcycle trailer and put it to good use. Always put safety first and double-check how much weight your vehicle can handle. If you do enough research you’ll find a motorcycle trailer that fits your needs perfectly.

Maneuverability and safety should be of prime consideration when towing any non-powered vehicle or trailer. Whether you choose a fixed hitch or one that pivots to enhance enhance or unloading material, special care must be taken to ensure the trailer is attached safely and securely to the vehicle that is towing it. All utility trailers should be attached by a backup security chain in case the hitch and ball fail.

Nearly all utility trailers have a floating axle construction to allow adjustments to various load requirements. A few come in single axle for smaller, shorter trips, but for longer hauls and larger loads tandem axles offer greater security and ease of towing.

Other safety features include heavy-duty spring suspension, adequate tires engineered to hold the manufacturers suggested weight requirements and side and rear LED trailer light mechanisms that can be wired to the controlling vehicle. An aluminum utility trailer must also be equipped with a secure bumper, reliable tow bar and larger trailers must have a competent braking system.

An aluminum utility trailer that is welded together far surpasses one that is designed to stay together with bolts. The constant jarring a aluminum utility trailer receives during transport could easily loosen bolted parts, thus making the vehicle unstable and a safety risk; a utility trailer that is welded together can tremendously decrease chances of this happening. Make sure to inspect welded joints on a regular basis with particular attention being paid to small, undersized welds, which can sometimes compromise the safety and durability of the trailer.

Another huge factor to consider before loading a utility trailer is to pay particular attention to its recommended load capacity. All utility trailers are engineered with a maximum load in mind and its construction should be relative to the intended weight - that is, the heavier the anticipated load, the stronger its construction should be.

Really, load distribution should be of the utmost importance. Materials that are not evenly distributed can result in risky damage to the trailer not to mention the auto towing it. Trailers that are overloaded or those with weight not evenly distributed can also lead to instability on the road, and has the potential to become a very costly safety hazard.

In short, utility trailers offer a versatile and economical way of transporting a wide diversity of goods; nonetheless, care must be taken not only in the choosing of the utility trailer, but also in its safe operation. Making sensible choices and adhering to standard safety practices can go a long way in making sure all your towing experiences are successful.