There really are two main reasons for purchasing a utility or cargo trailer. The rising price of fuel today has caused small business owners to really examine their daily operating costs. Nothing expands the hauling capability of a small vehicle more then a small utility or cargo trailer. The second reason is for a specific recreation or hobby use.

At one time, the business owner would buy the largest truck possible which was capable of hauling all of his equipment to the jobsite. It really didn't matter if you used all the equipment on every job or not. I can speak from experience here. You just wanted the security of knowing you were prepared for anything. Although that was a nice convenience, today it is simply impractical and expensive.

In today's world of high fuel costs, it makes much more sense to operate your business with as small a vehicle as practical and depend upon a good quality utility trailer to haul your tools and equipment for the specific job at hand. Many owners of traditional "box-type" trucks are trading them in for standard and small size pickup trucks. At first, the owners suffer a bit of anxiety while deciding exactly what equipment is absolutely necessary to have with them every day and what equipment can be stored in their garage until they have that specific need. From personal experience, you will learn very quickly that most equipment you have been hauling around for years, simply isn't necessary.

The second benefit of owning a good quality utility or cargo trailer is that it allows you to store your equipment in the yard instead of taking up valuable room in your garage. I've known more then one contractor who actually has two trailers for job specific equipment.

One convenience to look for when buying a cargo trailer is a side door if it is over 10 feet in length. This allows much easier access then climbing over equipment to find that one tool you stored in the front of the trailer and you only use once every six months. I've known some contractors who purchased large cargo trailers and actually set up a mobile shop inside the trailer. Another option to consider is a drop-down ramp door if you will be moving heavy equipment in and out of your trailer on a regular basis. I've found this option very beneficial for handling heavy floor maintenance equipment. Of couse the same would apply for landscaping or garden equipment.

The second reason mentioned was using your utility or cargo trailer to haul your special "toys." The special motorcycle and snowmobile trailers are set up specifically for those types of equipment. Of course open utility trailers are fine for hauling quads as well as lawn mowers. Actually today you will find a good quality utility or cargo trailer for whatever your specific needs are.

I have to add one caution here to first time buyers though. I mentioned downsizing your vehicle to the smallest possible, please use good sense here. I've known more then one business owner going to a small 4 cylinder import truck only to ruin the transmission due to the unreasonable weight of his utility trailer. Be sure to check the manufacturers suggested trailer pulling weight and remember to judge what your trailer will weigh with your full load of equipment. Frankly, I've learned as have many contractors, that most full size pickup trucks with a small 8 cylinder engine will perform almost as well and in some cases even better then the 6 cylinder models in the area of fuel consumption. The additional benefit is you will quickly find that most 8 cylinder trucks come equipped with class 3 trailer hitches plus it will present less stress on the drive train.

In any case, there are countless reasons why buying a cargo or utility trailer is an excellent investment.