Top 5 questions to ask a trailer manufacturer before buying
Whether you need a new trailer for personal use, commercial use, agricultural use, or industrial use, selecting a reliable trailer manufacturer is crucial to the outcome of your purchase. With so many of them to choose from, the process can be a bit daunting. However, arming yourself with the right questions before parting with your hard-earned cash can help ensure you choose a manufacturer who can stand up to the competition when it comes to quality, performance, and customer service. Here are the top five questions you should never forget to ask a trailer manufacturer before you buy.
What kinds of trailers do you offer?
The first question that should be asked is about the kinds of trailers the manufacturer specializes in. Some may concentrate solely on flatbed or utility trailers, while other dealers might specialize in enclosed cargo trailers, dump trailers, car haulers, or even custom trailers. Once you know the type of trailer you want, it will be easier for you to know if the manufacturer has expertise in your desired trailer, as not all manufacturers are specialized in the same type of trailer. Understanding their primary focus will allow you to better judge how well their trailers are designed for your type of load, environment, and usage.
What construction materials do you use?
The other question to ask is what kind of materials will be used in the construction of the trailer. This is crucial as the longevity and beauty of the trailer will directly depend on the quality of its materials and components. The majority of them are constructed of steel or aluminum, both of which have their merits.
Steel trailers are strong and hard-wearing and are suitable for heavy loads. However, they can still be prone to rust unless covered well. Aluminum trailers are equally heavy but are also corrosion-resistant, so they are better for use in a coastal or hyper-humid climate. Knowing these details will tell you how the trailer will hold up over time in the conditions you plan to use it in.
Do you offer customization?
The same trailer isn’t right for every customer, so ask if customizing is a possibility. You should be able to expect a great trailer builder to provide you with a variety of customization options to fit your needs. This could be in the form of trailer length, axles, carrying capacity, lights, floors, tie downs, and more.
Customization is especially key for commercial clients or those with unique needs for things like hauling oversized equipment, livestock, or unique cargo. The fact that a company wants to do custom orders means they are ready to accommodate your individual requirements, and signals that they are not just trying to sell you a one-size-fits-all option. Inquire what changes are possible and whether they would add to the lead time or cost.
What about warranty and support?
Before buying, you should ask about what kind of warranties and after-sales support the trailer manufacturer provides. A lifetime warranty means that the company is confident in their product. Ask about the warranty, what it covers, how long it lasts, and what the process is for submitting a claim.
Other support to ask about include repair availability, product lines, original replacement parts, and advanced customer service support. Can you get help if something breaks six months or a year down the road? A good trailer manufacturer while continue to provide excellent post-purchase support in the years ahead and provide excellent customer service too.
Do you offer references or testimonials from customers?
The last question you need to ask is whether the manufacturer of your trailers provides references or customer reviews. Testimonials from former buyers can provide much-needed knowledge regarding how these trailers hold up in the real world and the type of customer service you can expect. Legitimate vendors will have customer testimonials, case studies, or may be featured on a third-party review site. Don’t hesitate to request contact information for a couple of former clients, especially if you’re making a large or custom order. If the manufacturer won’t provide reviews or refuses to answer your question, take it as a red flag.
A trailer is a big investment, so you should spend time researching trailer manufacturers to select a reliable one that’s right for your needs. Be sure you ask the right questions about their specialties, materials, if they can customize, if they have warranty protection, and what kind of reputation they have with customers. Having the answers to these questions will put you in a much better spot to make a wise decision.
The perfect trailer company doesn’t just create a product that suits you and send you on your way; a great manufacturer will back up the quality of their work with unparalleled service and support. Whether the trailer you’re purchasing is for business or personal use, taking time to do your research and ask questions now might save you money, time, and frustration down the road.