7 Things to Know BEFORE Buying a Trailer

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So, you're going to either get a DIY kit or buy a trailer. That's all there is to it, right?

Wrong! There's a whole lot of stuff that you have to "know before you tow."

In this video, we break down everything we learned about what you need before you ever hitch up your new utility trailer and go. 

Materials/Tools:

• HAUL-MASTER 1195 Lb. Capacity 48 In. X 96 In. Heavy Duty Folding Trailer (Harbor Freight)
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• PITTSBURGH AUTOMOTIVE Foldable Metal Wheel Chocks, 2 Pc. (Harbor Freight)
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• HAUL-MASTER 1000 Lb. Swing-Back Bolt-On Trailer Jack (Harbor Freight)
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• HAUL-MASTER Trailer Jack Wheel Dock (Harbor Freight)
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• HAUL-MASTER 600 Lb. Trailer Dolly (Harbor Freight)
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• HAUL-MASTER Four-Way Trailer Light Tester (Harbor Freight)
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• HAUL-MASTER 1200 Lb. Capacity 30-1/4 In. X 72 In. Convertible Aluminum Loading Ramp (Harbor Freight)
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• STOREHOUSE Self-Drilling Screw Assortment, 200 Pc. (Harbor Freight)
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• CHICAGO ELECTRIC 1/4 In. X 14 Ft. Protective Wire Wrap (Harbor Freight)
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• STOREHOUSE Terminal And Connector Set, 150 Pc. (Harbor Freight)
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• Steel License Plate Durable Car Tag Holder Backing (Harbor Freight)
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1. What do you want to haul?

First question you have to ask yourself, "what are you going to haul?" This will determine the capacity you decide on. We went with the above because it was perfect for hauling lumber from the hardware store.

2. Can your car tow?

The next factor in your decision on what utility trailer to get is the towing capacity of your vehicle. My Honda CRV happens to be 1500 pounds. That was one of the questions we asked before buying this particular car.

3. Hitch and Harness

Before you can tow anything, you have to outfit your car with a hitch and trailer wiring harness. We had both done at the Honda dealership.

4. How will you take it home?

Depending on what kind of trailer you buy, you'll have to make decisions about how to get it home. The DIY one we bought fit easily in the back of the car.

You will not find the trailer on display at Harbor Freight. Well, at least our store did not have one. We headed to the very back corner of the store and picked up a purchase ticket for the trailer we wanted.

5. Buying process

Be patient! Because you are buying a vehicle it takes a bit of time to complete all the paperwork at checkout. If you get a cashier that has never been through the procedure, offer him or her grace! Keep that paperwork, you'll need it later.

6. Tag

Before you hit the road, head to the tag office to register and pay for a tag for your utility trailer. Take that official certificate and receipt to the tag office as you'll need both of those pieces of paper.

7. Price

As you can see, the actual trailer was just a small percentage of the cost of ownership! If you're handy, you could install the hitch and electrical harness saving a bunch of money.

Harbor Freight has a very informative sign displayed about things you need for your trailer. They actually have lots of accessories available.

What else would you add to this list of things to know before you tow? 

Please note: This is not a sponsored post. 

FYI: We are not professionals, and we don't claim to be. This is what we found worked for our project. Yours may need a little different approach. Safety first!

FYI: Affiliate links are being used on this page. Purchasing via these links help support MDP!

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