Types of Trailers
Automotive Technology

What Are the Different Types of Trailers That Exist Today?

Have you ever tried to transport something with the wrong trailer, or worse, no trailer? It’s a real pain in the neck and can cause some stress and confusion for everyone involved.

If you want to know what trailer you should be using, you need to know the difference between the types of trailers that exist today.

Keep reading this article to find out more.

Dry Van Trailers

Dry van trailers are box trailers that don’t have any temperature or climate control systems inside them. Most hauling trailers that you see on the roads today are dry van trailers.

The trailers are fully enclosed, and they have a door on the back that cargo is loaded and unloaded from. The floor of these trailers is usually made of wood and is nailed down.

Refrigerated Trailers

Refrigerated trailers, also known as ‘reefer trailers’, are similar to dry van trailers in their shape. The main difference is that these specialty trailers have specialist refrigeration systems that help to keep the trailer cold.

They are most often used to transport food and drinks that need to stay refrigerated at all times so that they don’t spoil. These trailers are also sometimes used to transport fine art that must be kept in a temperature-controlled environment.

Flatbed Trailers

Flatbed trailers are also one of the most common types of trailers that you’re likely to see anywhere on the roads. They get their name from the fact that  they consist of a singular flat surface with no roof or sides.

They are incredibly versatile and popular because of the ease with which they can be loaded and unloaded. They’re usually the best trailers to transport bulky, non-perishable items that don’t need the protection of a roof or sides.

Step Deck Trailers

Step-deck trailers are similar to flatbed trailers in that they are open and have no roof or sides. The key difference is that step deck trailers have two flat tiers, or decks for transporting goods.

The height of the lower deck is adjustable to suit the cargo. This makes step deck trailers perfect for carrying tall loads that might be too tall to carry on a typical flatbed trailer.

Double Drop Trailers

Double drop trailers are nearly identical to step deck trailers. The only key difference is that you can adjust the lower deck even further than on a step-deck trailer.

This lowers the center of gravity and allows for even taller loads and materials to be transported.

Types of Trailers for All Needs

As you can see, there is no one size fits all trailer. Individual jobs require different types of trailers, so the best thing you can do when shopping for a trailer is assess the kinds of cargo you’re going to transport.

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