Flatbed trailers are great for a wide range of hauling needs. The open deck design helps you move oddly shaped loads, and the lack of walls and enclosed space keeps the cost lower. If you’re looking for a flatbed trailer for sale, here’s a buying guide to help you decide on the best trailer for you.

BUDGET

Before you visit us for a trailer, you’ll want to think about how much you’re willing to spend. A budget will narrow down your options so our staff can show you quality trailers that fit within your price range. You can also look into financing options to help you pay for the trailer you need.

If you have a lower budget, you can find used flatbed trailers for sale at Nationwide Trailers. Buying used is a great way to reduce costs while still getting a quality hauler.

TRAILER SPECS

Different trailers come in a range of lengths, widths and weights. Before you start looking for a trailer, you’ll want to have an idea of your required specifications to help you narrow the search. If you’re unsure, our staff can discuss how you intend to use the trailer and help you pick one to suit your needs.

AXLES

Local laws and regulations often require specific axle configurations, so you should discuss any applicable hauling rules with your trailer seller to make sure the model you buy complies with shipping regulations. Axle configuration can also change the size of loads you can carry, so you’ll need to choose one that can handle the weight of your cargo.

LOAD SIZE

The size, weight and dimensions of the load you’re hauling may change your flatbed trailer needs. You’ll want to have a pretty firm estimate of the shape and size of your typical cargo so you can get a trailer that will fit everything without too much space left over — you don’t want to have to take multiple trips or store a large trailer that’s only ever half full.

TOW VEHICLE

The vehicle you’re using to tow loads has a specific towing weight capacity. When you come looking for a trailer, make sure you know that number so you can choose a trailer you can still haul when it’s fully loaded with cargo. Your trailer should also be the same width as your towing vehicle, so keep that measurement in mind as well.

HITCH STYLE

If you’re looking for a flatbed gooseneck trailer, make sure that your hauling vehicle has the hardware required to tow it. If your truck isn’t already equipped with a ball hitch in the bed, you will have to modify the vehicle to add one, a process that is considerably more involved than installing a bumper hitch. Many of our trailer dealership locations have on-site parts and service departments that can help upgrade your vehicle with the right trailer hitch for the job.

BRAKE OPTIONS

ELECTRIC DRUM BRAKES – The vast majority of 10-15 ton trailers use electric brakes and they work well trailers used in low-medium mileage applications in areas with flat terrain. For high mileage applications, most dealers will recommend hydraulic disc brakes. We typically do not recommend standard electric trailer brakes for hot shot trailers.

ELECTRIC OVER HYDRAULIC BRAKES – Due to the high miles and varying topography flatbed trailers see, we believe electric over hydraulic disc brakes are the only way to go. Electric over hydraulic brakes use your typical electric brake controller to control a hydraulic disc brake system that resides solely on the trailer. Hydraulic disc brakes will stop faster, last longer, and are cheaper to maintain for high mileage trailers. All of our axles from 7k to 12k can be ordered with hydraulic disc brakes with hydraulic drums available on 15k axles.

DECK OPTIONS

BLACKWOOD RUBBER INFUSED LUMBER – Blackwood is a wooden lumber product with a rubber insert that is infused throughout the center of the board. Blackwood solves several age old trailer lumber problems.

ROUGH OAK FLOOR – Rough oak floor is our most durable floor option. We always recommend using rough oak for any trailer that will be hauling steel tracked vehicles.

SUSPENSION

SPRING SUSPENSION – The most common suspension choice for flatbed trailers is your typical leaf spring with equalizer suspension. The leaf spring suspension is very durable, requires minimal maintenance, and is the most affordable suspension choice.

HUTCH SUSPENSION – The Hutch 9700 suspension has become quite popular on flatbed trailers. The Hutch suspension is more durable than your typical spring suspension offering torque arms allowing for adjustment, million mile bushings, and maintenance free hub fasteners.

AIR SUSPENSION – We also offer air ride suspension on our flatdeck trailers. The air ride suspension makes for a smoother ride for the driver and the cargo. With air ride you can also raise and lower the deck of the trailer for loading & unloading. Air ride also gives you the ability order the lift axle option to reduce tire wear and save on tolls when hauling empty.

Buying a new or used flatbed trailer is easy when you have a knowledgeable team on hand to help. If you’re not sure what you need, contact the pros at Nationwide Trailers to discuss your applications and find the perfect new or used flatdeck trailer. Our trailer experts have many years of experience in the industry, and they know which trailers are right for the job you need to get done.