PRODUCTS
Trailer Buying Insight
What will you be hauling with this trailer?
Most home owners are fine using a 2000# GVWR rated 5'x8' or 5'x10' trailer for hardware store runs and hauling yard debris with SUVs & minivans. If you intend to haul firewood or gravel you will need to look at a 3000# GVWR rated steel or aluminum trailer, or even a tandem axle trailer or dump trailer. Buying a lesser trailer for doing these tasks will only result in damage to the axle and frame and will cost more to repair than the up charge to a properly equipped trailer at time of purchase.
Hauling a mower?
What is the "overall" deck size and are you planning on getting a bigger one in the future?
Steel or aluminum construction?
Our motto is this "only downside of aluminum is it costs more". If you can afford an aluminum trailer you get less maintenance, better suspension, better wiring, and more payload since the trailer is lighter.
What is my vehicles towing capacity?
Look at your
owner's manual or consult your car dealer for this information on your
vehicle. Our general rule for vehicle towing based off customer
feedback is as follows:
4 cylinder Vehicles = 2000# trailers
6 cylinder Vehicles = 3000# trailers
1/2 Ton Trucks and SUVs with V-8 Motors = 7000# trailers
3/4 Ton & 1 Ton Trucks = 10,000#+
Please keep in mind that ramp gate trailers and enclosed trailers act as
"parachutes" when towing and will further burden your vehicle.
If you need a hitch for your vehicle, we can make a "package" deal.
Should I buy used?
Things to think about when looking at a used trailer: how many times was the trailer overloaded, were bearings maintained, and what is the condition of the decking. We have seen it many times where someone has purchased a used trailer and ended up spending more than a new one to make it safe for hauling.
Will you be using this trailer around town or on the highway?
This question is concerning the type of tire that is on the trailer, not the size. A bias ply tire is great for around town due to its stiffer sidewall and its ability to handle being twisted when turning with a tandem axle trailer, but under consistent highway use, a bias tire can only dissipate heat through the tread and create premature tread wear. A radial tire is better suited for consistent highway use due its construction and its ability to dissipate the throughout the whole tire, thus it runs cooler at highway speeds. Radials are usually an up charge that can be added to most trailers. Keep in mind that a 12" radial will do as good if not better than a 15" bias tire on the highway. One more thing to keep in mind is it takes up to 40% more energy to turn a 15" tire than a smaller tire. All of the tires that come on our trailers are 6 ply. (Load Range C), or greater no matter what the size is.
Keep an open mind when looking for a trailer.
Last modified: 01/06/12
1657 Rohrerstown Rd. • Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone 717-581-9020 • Fax 717-581-9055
*All information on this website is as accurate as humanly possible, but information and prices are subject to change without notice.
**Trailers shown on this website do not indicate what trailers we have in stock, but are examples of what can be ordered from each manufacturer, please contact us for availability of the model you are looking for.
***All photos and information are owned by Keystone Trailers Inc. or Keystone Trailers Inc. has permission to use photos and information from the owner.