One of the first options you must consider is the type of hitch you need. Most hauling trailers used by the average person is the tongue hitch or bumper hitch. The tongue hitch connects to a ball bolted down on the back of a vehicle. Another common hitch option is the goose neck hitch or 5th wheel hitch. The goose neck hitch utilizes a forward coupler that attaches to a ball mounted in the bed of a truck. Besides these two typical hitches, a load-distributing hitch is available. The load-distributing hitch stabilizes the load within the trailers, leveling the trailer by helping distribute the load.
The jack mounted on the tongue of the trailer is also an optional piece of equipment for a hauling trailer. The tongue jack can have a wheel, as well as different size wheels, so it is easier to move the front of the hauling trailer. You can also get a telescoping jack and tongue which allows you to adjust the length of the tongue. Some hauling trailers have the jacks that can disconnected from the tongue or rotate so the tongue of the trailer has more ground clearance from the jack to the ground.
An option you will need to consider when deciding on a hauling trailer is the sides. Some hauling trailers have no sides, slatted sides, solid sides, tall or short sides or you can have removable sides. When choosing the side option, consider what your intended use of the hauling trailer. Another option that goes with the sides is whether the trailer needs a top. The top can be canvas or solid, permanent or detachable. The top can also be lift to gain access to the trailer or be completely stationary.
Depending on your requirements for the hauling trailer, ramps are a good option. Hauling automobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) or motorcycles will decide what type of ramps you need. Some ramps can detach from the trailer and be stored under the back of the trailer. Other ramps are attached to the trailer, acting as a tailgate.
One option, that most people seem to overlook, is the tie down points on a trailer. If you plan on hauling a lot of equipment or material, you will need to tie or strap the equipment down to the trailer. Most trailers have the option of different types of tie downs and tie down points. Tie down points need to be located in convenient position or you can choose the adjustable tie down points.
You can get different storage compartments or tool boxes as an option for a hauling trailer. You can have the storage boxes added onto the sides of the trailer, the tongue of the trailer or even as part of the bed of a trailer. Some enclosed trailers can have separated storage compartments located between the tongue and the bed of the trailer.
Trailer brakes is an optional piece of equipment for a hauling trailer. Most hauling trailers do not have a braking system, but this puts stress on the brakes of the truck or automobile. Adding a brake system to the trailer can also provide you with more safety. One brake system option for the hauling trailer is the breakaway braking system. The brakes will be activated if the hauling trailer is disconnected from the vehicle.
