5 Ways To Find Affordable, Quality Parts For Your Vehicle

 by: Matthew C Keegan

The latest offerings from American automakers has the industry buzzing. Coupled with steep discounts, cars are rolling out of showrooms at a record clip. Not everyone is buying a new car these days, instead a significant number of car lovers are maintaining and keeping their cars for five or ten years, even longer. However, finding affordable, quality parts for any model car can be difficult particularly as the car ages. Let’s look at five ways you can find parts for your soon to be classic.

1. The Dealers. Some dealer inventories are extensive and include parts for classic models including the Dodge Charger, Coronet, and Omni; Ford Mustang, Thunderbird, and LTD; and Chevrolet Camaro, Caprice, and Vega. Their prices, however, can be steep as you are paying the dealer rate and receiving genuine manufacturer parts.

2. The Junk Yard. The cheapest parts out there can be pulled off a wreck that has been placed in a salvage yard. Of course finding the particular make/model part and hoping that it isn’t damaged or worn out is another thing.

3. Parts Stores. Your local parts store may stock what you need. If not, the better ones can place an order and have it shipped in.

4. Ebay. What isn’t sold online through eBay and other auction sites? Precious little! There is one important caveat with purchasing through an auction site: fraud is rampant. Only purchase through these types of businesses if you know the buyer and you can get a guarantee.

5. Shop Online. Brick and mortar stores are receiving stiff competition from online purveyors. Some are good, some aren’t. Things to look for in an online merchant: check to make sure that they are a recognized name in the industry, stock quality parts, offer toll free phone support, ship from a U.S. address, and their shipping and handling fees are clearly stated. Prices at these types of stores are usually very competitive; they are also the same stores that many of your local parts stores order from. If you order from them directly, you will cut out the middle man and realize significant savings.

So, if your 1996 Chevrolet Impala is your pride and joy you can keep it going for many more years by acquiring affordable, quality car parts from a reputable seller. Shop informed!

Every individual who violates the personal or property rights of another is financially responsible for the damages cause by his or her act. To collect money for this civil wrong there must be damages or injury; without one or both, there can be no recovery of money.

If you have a claim that has a complicated set of circumstances or evidence, one which obviously demands legal advice, than you need a lawyer.

If you hired Attorney I. M. Sharp and he had to burn the midnight oil for you and/or even win your case, there can be no objection to his collecting his fee. But, far too often, in cases of a completely uncontestable claim, one finds themselves handing over a huge percentage of that recover to a lawyer for doing minus-zip!

I’m referring to the average motor vehicle accident case, one where it’s absolutely clear that the other individual, “Fumbling” Fred Fuddle, is clearly at fault. Attorney Sharp sends out his routine Letter Of Representation to Fuddle‘s carrier THE GRANITE MOUNTAIN INSURANCE CORPORATION, secures the Medical Bills and Reports from your “Ole” Doc’ Comfort, and procures a Police Report, if one is available. Then, for less than two dollars worth of stamps and an hour spent on negotiations Sharp (depending upon where you live) extracts a fee of between 331/3/% to 50% in settlement.

For example, say Attorney Sharp settles a case for $3,000, and then takes a fee of 1/3 of that $3000. It doesn’t take a degree in mathematics to figure out that you’re paying him $1,000 for what is usually - - less than a few hours work.

After you’ve paid Attorney Sharp’s fee, along with your medical bills to Doc Comfort, and after deducting the money recovered from the time lost from work out of that $3000 settlement, the bottom-line monetary compensation to you has been plundered !

IN THEORY, the money you have left, after deducting these expenses, is your Financial Reward for the “Pain and Suffering” you‘ve been forced to endure. But with the naive signing on with a lawyer (to settle a claim that’s clearly not your fault) you’re left with a feeling of decimation because you’ve definitely not been left with what you deserved for the physical and emotional ordeal you’ve been forced to deal with.

When Attorney Sharp settles your claim he doesn’t deduct your out-of-pocket expenses before he takes his fee. Instead, he takes his fee “Right Off The Top” where the cream floats. Then, with what’s left, your out-of-pocket expenses are paid.

FOR EXAMPLE: The damage to your Motor Vehicle is $1,500, your Medical Bills are $400, and your Lost Wages are $600, for a total of $2,500. Even in a case of Clear Liability, the lawyer not only takes a one-third cut from the “Pain and Suffering” portion of the settlement, he also takes a third of your out-of-pocket expenses !

Now, think it out: Your Property Damage was $1,500, Your Medical Bills $400 and your Lost Wages $600 came to a total of $2,500. Then you’re paid $3000 for your “Pain and Suffering” so the total settlement is $5,500.

In a perfect world, in a case of clear liability, Attorney Sharp’s fee should have been taken from the $3000 you were paid for your “Pain and Suffering”. If he did, his fee would have been 1/3 of $3000 or $1,000. But, without fail, Sharp will take his 1/3 of the grand total of $5,500, bringing his fee to $1,833.33. That’s outrageously unfair because, in a case of clear liability, GRANITE MOUNTAIN would have paid you your out-of-pocket expenses of $2,500, - - whether you had a lawyer representing you or not !

ALWAYS REMEMBER: When you handle your own case (should you and GRANITE MOUNTAIN later disagree as to the value of your claim) there’s a Time Limit established at which you can break off your negotiations and then proceed to obtain the services of Attorney Sharp. This time limit is called a “STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS“ it’s never less than a year and in most cases it’s two or three; some states provide you with this kind of protection for as long as five or six years. To be sure you must check out how much time you have to fuss with Fuddle’s insurance company before you hand your case to a lawyer to handle for you.

Dan Baldyga’s third and latest book AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM (How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss) can be found on the internet at http://www.caraccidentclaims.com or http://www.autoaccidentclaims.com. This book explains, in simple language, ”How To” handle your motor vehicle property damage and/or personal injury claim so you won’t be taken advantage of. It also contains BASE (The Baldyga Auto Accident Settlement Evaluation Formula). THE BASE FORMULA will explain how to determine the value of the “Pain and Suffering” you endured - - because of your motor vehicle accident injury!

DISCLAIMER: The only purpose of this article “LAWYERS AND THEIR FEES” is to help people understand the motor vehicle accident claim process. Neither Dan Baldyga, Peter Go nor ARTICLE CITY make any guarantee of any kind whatsoever; NOR do they purport to engage in rendering any professional or legal service; NOR to substitute for a lawyer, an insurance adjuster, or claims consultant or the like. Whenever such help is desired it is THE INDIVIDUALS RESPONSIBILITY to obtain such services.

Copyright (c) 2005 By Daniel G. Baldyga. All Rights Reserved

About The Author

Dan Baldyga is now retired and spends his time writing articles to assist those who are in motor vehicle accident claims so they won’t be take advantage of: dbpaw@comcast.net

Finding the truck accessories distributor

Truck accessories distributor

It wasn’t too long ago that finding a truck accessories distributor meant a lot of work, miles and effort. These folks are the lifeblood for most of our truck needs. There was a time we could drive the street and see them all over but finding what we needed may have taken more than a few stops. Today, most of the small and even specialty shops have fallen by the wayside as the truck accessories distributor most likely swallowed up by the big chain stores.

The new kid on the block today are the outstanding internet website for general or specialty truck parts, supplies and accessories. The fun is now back in shopping as we grab our favorite drink, kick off our shoes and let the click of the mouse do the work. We can purchase online anything you could possibly conceive. From pickups to atv’s there’s the product we’re looking for.

Not only are we going to enjoy our experience but we’ll find good bargains and generally wholesale pricing with good money back guarantees. In just a few short days our order lands up on the front door with no muss no fuss.

We don’t need to hunt help and deal with the total lack of interest we’ve become exposed too today in the store front. Anymore I feel that I’m intruding when I go for help. Enough of that nonsense. So much for the mighty chain stores marketing – it’s simply the bottom line but we’ve lost that people feeling.

No wonder the internet has become rapidly our choice in shopping. Accessories for Toyota, Dodge, Chevy, Ford, GMC and Nissan trucks are now easy to find, at the right price, shipped normally the same day fro m major manufactures through the truck accessories distributor. So enjoy your shopping experience.

About the Author

For your automotive accessory needs visit http://www.lift-kits-4u.com

Truck lift kits

Buy truck lift kits online

Suspension and truck lift kits combine for your great off road rides. With such a large variety you can’t but help having some fun. Grab your favorite drink and that mouse to go shopping for your truck lift kits. Whether serious off-roading or just some aggressive fun great auto accessories makes all the difference.

Dodge lifts, Ford lifts, Gm, Chevy, 4×4 lift parts, adjustable coil lift, shocks all combine for some great shopping items to enhance that truck experience in your life. It’s no longer hard or annoying to find those truck items you’re looking for. Isn’t it neat to grab your favorite drink, sit back and relax, click the mouse and let you index finger do all the work.

Your new goodies will be drop shipped to your front porch with a great money back 100% satisfaction guarantee. Most all the online products are manufactured by outstanding reputable well experienced companies that have been in the business for years. They can also equipment you with the knowledge you need along with instructions. Try getting that type of help at the dirt world store.

Keep in mind that off-road suspension packages also will provide greater suspension travel. Again, this allows you to negotiate rutted trails more easily and travel over bigger rocks. Plus, increased suspension travels makes your vehicle’s ride more comfortable when it’s going over the tough stuff–even if the tough stuff is a road full of potholes. You can buy your truck lift kits wholesale online.

About the Author

For all your automotive accessory needs visit us at www.lift-kits-4u.com

Debt Consolidation Loans Great Idea Or Dumb One ?

Is this you or someone you know? Are you up to your eyeballs in debt and feel like your swimming in a pool of piranhas and do you have a wallet or purse full of credit cards all maxed out ?
On top of that you have a home loan mortgage payment to make every month, leasing on the car and for good measure you have probably got a couple of personal loans for furniture you brought three years ago which is already showing signs of wear and tear. I wouldn’t mind betting that currently you are also struggling to make even the minimum payments and the foreseeable future is looking pretty bleak and the likelihood of ever getting out of debt seems at best 10 years down the road if ever.
Many people have chosen debt consolidation loans as the option to put their house in order and pay of the various debts by one larger loan often secured on value of equity in your property.
But in spite of the potential relief this act may bring you short term as the ads of contented customers would have us believe this may not always be the best solution or at very least may only be part of the solution and a range of other measures will need to be considered in conjunction with any proposed solution.
Looking at the positives of debt consolidation you will be only making a single payment as opposed to payments to as many as 15 creditors , not only can this be a depressing thought it can totally devastate your cash flow month on month causing domestic and family unrest. Additionally in all likelihood since your loan will be secured on property you should be able to negotiate a better rate of interest than on unsecured borrowings such as credit cards.
You will benefit generally as a result of lower interest rates with lower monthly out goings although a compromise between the reduced cost and increased term must be reached and it recommended you aim to pay at least the maximum you can afford each month and can pay with out penalty On top of this one significant advantage is that you will only be dealing with the one source of borrowing so that means only one customer service department , one phone call to make etc.

Sounds great, but before you pick up the phone and sign away your life just lets look at the potential downside as well.
You could potentially fall into greater debt if the spending habits continue as they did prior to the debt consolidation in all likely hood unless your mind set changes your debt problems are likely to grow not shrink as next time having used your equity you will have exhausted that option already. In addition to this you will extended the debt and with most people’s pension provisions woefully inadequate anyway this could just be moving the problem to a later date. You should not forget also that over the longer term the actual amount paid may exceed the orginal amount that would have been paid with the shorter term loan.
But the most significant thing of all is money borrowed unsecured and not repaid on schedule may leave you with a badly damaged credit rating but a loan secured on your home could if not paid will leave you and your family homeless as the lender will have the right to call in their security that being your home.
So before making any decision seek out expert advice but don’t forget that your advisers will as a rule only get paid when you borrow money and are working for the lender and may not only have you interests at heart.
Hans Geldermon is the owner of http://www.flfloans.com which is the premier resource for loans information. For more information go to:
http://www.flfloans.com

What’s With Those Noisy Lights?

 by: News Canada

(NC)—Not too long ago, you hopped in your car and turned the key. A couple of lights flashed for a second, the motor started and you were ready to go. Not true anymore. A modern car or truck has bells and whistles and flashing lights galore – most of which briefly light up or sound off, as you settle in and start the engine. So what do they all mean, and how much attention should you pay to them? Well let’s find out. But keep in mind that not all vehicles will have the same type or number of lights, bells, whistles or computer generated voices. And before we start, there are a couple of key points to remember. All of these devices have the same basic purpose. To communicate with you. Sometimes this communication is about friendly advice; like your keys are still in the ignition. Most of the time, this communication is an important warning that you should acknowledge, respect and act upon. So let’s start with leaving the vehicle.

• Ding, ding, ding or beep beep beep – You have just left the car, the door is still open and the car is talking to you. Most likely you have left your keys in the ignition or your lights are still on. Relax. It happens to everybody.
• Ding ding ding again – You’re in the car and you’ve started the motor. For the next few seconds you hear the ding. Most likely that’s because you haven’t fastened your seatbelt. So buckle up right away. In fact, you should buckle up before you turn the key. This is one ding you should never hear.
• Lights Galore – When you first start your car or truck all sorts of lights flash and then you never see them again. Below, we are going to talk about those lights and how you should react to them. Which is great. But what is more important is that you read your owner’s manual carefully. That way, you will know exactly which lights are which, and if your car is different in any way.
• Seat Belt Light – Pretty obvious. You didn’t pay attention to the ding ding ding. Once again, don’t do this. Fasten your seat belt for your own good.
• Airbag Light – Usually orange in colour, it flashes briefly as you start the car and often shows what looks like a person holding a beach ball. If this light comes on when you are driving, take your car to your dealer as soon as possible. Your airbag system might not be working properly.
• Brake Light – Usually red, it often shows a little round disk or the word “brake”. It indicates that your handbrake is on and that you should release it before driving away. If the light does not go out after you have released the handbrake, it could indicate low brake fluid or a malfunction in the brake system. Call your dealer. Do not drive the car until this problem is fixed.
• Temperature Light – Often looks like a little thermometer. If it goes on when you are driving it means your engine might be overheating. This can be caused by not enough coolant (antifreeze and water) or not enough oil. Stop the car to let it cool down, then add coolant and/or oil if necessary, or call for help. Always use brand name coolants and high quality motor oils like Castrol GTX or Castrol Syntec. They provide superior protection for your engine.
• High Beam Light – Usually blue. Indicates that your high beams are on, which you should always be aware of. Remember, only use your high beams when necessary.
• Engine Check Light – This one is a little tricky as its function varies from car to car. But basically, it is part of your engine diagnostic system and is indicating that something is malfunctioning. This problem could be very minor, like a fuel cap not properly attached, or something potentially serious. The best idea is to drive carefully to your dealer as soon as possible. But not before you have got your haircut, finished your shopping, whatever. Just don’t go on any trips.
• Alternator / Battery – You can drive with a dead battery and a good alternator or a good battery and a dead alternator. But not for very long. If this light comes on you have an electrical malfunction. It might be as simple as a loose engine belt, or something more serious. Attend to the problem quickly.
• Oil Light – This is one of the most important lights. It indicates that oil pressure is too low. If it goes on while driving, stop the engine as soon as possible and check the oil level. Add a high quality oil like Castrol GTX if necessary. If the light stays on when the engine oil level is normal, stop the engine immediately and call your dealer for service.
• ABS / Anti-Skid Light – This important light will normally flash when your ABS system is actually in use and remain off the rest of the time. Often the same light will flash if an anti-skid or traction control system is actually in use, and once again, remain off the rest of the time. If this light comes on during normal driving, your brake system might be malfunctioning and you should see you dealer as soon as possible. Note: In some vehicles you can turn off the ABS or traction control system, and the light remains on all the time.
• Big Brother Lights – These convenient little guys tell you what you should already know. Which means they are possibly the best loved lights of all. They include, in no particular order, lights that warn you about things like low fuel, low windshield washer fluid, doors that are ajar, trunks that are open, defoggers that are still on, heated seats that are still hot, brake pads that are almost worn and everybody’s favourite, catalytic converters that refuse to convert.
• Sayonara – Some cars, trucks and SUV’s aren’t satisfied with beeping and dinging and flashing at you. They talk. And say things like “your fuel is low, your fuel is low, your fuel is low…..” . You get the idea. And being Canadian, they talk in French and English. On that note, sayonara.

A wealth of interesting and valuable information on motor oils and lubricants can be found at www.castrolcanada.com or other well known petroleum web sites.

- News Canada

SUVs vs. Minivans: Making The Right Choice

 by: Tom McKnight

Has your family started to cram into the old sedan like a pack of sardines? Have members of the neighborhood car pool begun to look suspiciously at your battered station wagon? Perhaps it’s time to retire the old family car and move up to a bigger vehicle. Often, the choice for a more spacious family vehicle is a toss-up between a sport utility vehicle (SUV) and a minivan. Both offer flexible passenger and cargo areas, comfortable seating for five to eight persons, and rear-seat entertainment systems. Although the SUV has a slightly higher risk for rollovers than minivans do, both are equipped with similar safety features, such as air bags and anti-lock brake systems. So, which one deserves to park in your family garage? To come up with the right choice, you need to look at how the vehicle’s styling, fuel economy, passenger and cargo space, towing capacity, and safety will suit your family’s needs and lifestyle.

Styling

More than a matter of need, a vehicle’s styling is a matter of personal preference. The SUV usually wins out over the minivan when it comes to appearance. With its rugged, sporty styling, an SUV oozes urban cool, unlike the minivan, which is perpetually associated with soccer moms and suburban neighborhood carpools. Most men would recoil at the thought of driving a minivan, so if your husband would be sharing driving duties, you might have to talk it out with him. Likewise, many teenagers wouldn’t be caught dead stepping out of a minivan, so if you’d be using the vehicle mainly to drop off and pick up your adolescent children from school, you’d have to consider their preferences, too.

Fuel economy

Minivans give better mileage than SUVs, which have a reputation for being gas guzzlers. If you want to squeeze more miles out of the gasoline tank, then a minivan would make a more economic choice than an SUV. Other ownership costs, such as maintenance and insurance, also tend to be higher for SUVs than minivans. Unless you’re willing to pay the price for being cool and stylish, the practical minivan is the way to go.

Passenger and cargo space

Sport utility vehicles and minivans have comparable passenger and cargo space, but the roomy interiors of a minivan can be a delight to young kids. Unlike SUVs, minivans also have a low step-in height, so they’re easier for kids to climb into. Minivans’ large picture windows afford young passengers a better view of the passing scenery, therefore keeping your impatient young ones amused for a good part of the ride.

Towing capacity

If you own a boat and like to take the entire brood for weekend sailing retreats, then an SUV would make an appropriate choice. SUVs have superior towing capacities, enabling them to pull practically anything between a trailer and a small boat. Otherwise, if you’re only schlepping groceries and your kid’s soccer team, then there’s no reason to overlook the minivan.

Safety

Although both have comparable safety features, SUVs have a higher rollover risk than minivans. SUV devotees counter this by pointing out that rollovers account for only three percent of all traffic accidents and claiming that SUVs offer excellent passenger protection in two-car collisions. It remains to be seen whether this supposed collision safety factor outweighs the risk of rollovers. If the threat of rollover accidents keeps you awake at night, then a minivan could give you a little peace of mind.

An electric trailer brake controller is a device that supplies power from a tow vehicle to a trailer’s electric brakes. There are two types of brake controllers on the market today - Time Delay Activated and Inertia Activated.

While the controllers operate differently, they are very similar. Both types have the same wiring configuration. Both allow the driver to adjust the amount of braking power and both have a pressure sensitive manual override switch that can be used to apply the trailer brakes independently of the tow vehicle.

Time Delay Activated Brake Controls

Time Delay Activated or “solid state” controllers are enabled by the depressing of the brake pedal in the tow vehicle. Once enabled, time delay activated controllers apply a gradual voltage to the trailer’s brakes using a Time Delay Circuit.

The advantages of a solid state brake control unit are the inexpensive cost, low profile, and they can be mounted at any angle. The disadvantages mostly pertain to Hazard Flashers issues. In most applications the digital display will flash with the hazard flashers and if the gain is set aggressively, some pulsing of the trailer brakes may be felt.

Hazard Flasher issues can be resolved by using a Pulse Preventer that will isolate the brake control from the vehicles flashers, thus eliminating the pulsing.

Inertia Activated Brake Controls

Inertia Activated Brake Controllers or Pendulum Style controllers are enabled by the depressing of the brake pedal and activated by a Pendulum Circuit that senses the stopping motion of the vehicle. The Pendulum Circuit applies a proportional voltage to the trailer’s brakes.

When the Inertia activated brake control is properly adjusted, the trailer will decelerate at the same speed as the towing vehicle. A result of this is increased braking efficiency and reduced wear on the brakes.

Advantages of pendulum style controllers are efficient braking under a variety of braking conditions including adverse conditions. They also have a smooth braking motion.

Pendulum style controllers have a few disadvantages also. They tend to be larger than solid state controller. They usually more expensive and they must be mounted in a level position. Tekonsha’s Prodigy controller is an exception. Due to its innovative technology, it can be mounted in almost any position.

Whether the brake control is Timer Activated or Inertia Activated, the gain can be adjusted by the user. Both feature a pressure sensitive switch that can be used to apply the trailer brakes independent of the tow vehicle. Most importantly, both styles achieve the same goal safely and reliably. Visit http://www.trailerbrakecontrols.com for more information.

About The Author

You may reprint/republish this article on your own site, in your own ezine, auto-responder series, product, bonus items, or any other format you wish as long as you adhere to the following:

1. The article must not be altered in anyway and the links must remain active.

Should I Buy a Car at A Car Auction?

Car/Auto Auctions have been around for years and dealers get a lot of stock from auctions.

But for the average person buying a car from an auction is not so simple.

Yes, you can get a cheaper car, but you the reason it is cheaper is that you are not getting all the guarantees. Basically, you bid on it. You own it.

If you are a conservative person without much experience in motor vehicles, I would recommend that you do not just go out and buy a car from an auction.

However, if you have a mechanical eye, good observation and are willing to familiarize yourself with the process, then it can be a good way to pick up a bargain.

If you don’t like the car you can usually sell it again and get your money back, even with a profit.

I have bought and sold several cars at auctions with great results and you can too. If you really want to get the lowdown before you start, then I recommend you read my book Motor Auction Profit Secrets. This will prepare you and incidentally also shows you how to profit from this activity as well.

Check it out.

Happy Bidding

About the Author

Graeme Sprigge is the author of The 90 Minute Car Salesman. His latest book is a guide to auto auction profits.
http://www.90minutecarsalesman.com/motorauctionprofitsecrets.html

Copyright 2005 Graeme J. Sprigge

Trailer Buying Guide

 by: Derek Chastain

Thinking about buying a cargo trailer, horse trailer or even a motorcycle trailer but aren’t sure which trailer to buy? As you might have realized, choosing a trailer now-a-days can be perplexing. It’s not surprising given the amount of trailer manufacturers and different types of trailers available.

There are many factors to consider when purchasing a trailer. One of the first considerations is to choose an established trailer manufacturer. As with most everything, you usually get what you paid for, so try to choose the best trailer that you can afford.

Deciding on what type of trailer you need for your application will help in narrowing down the manufacturers. There are trailers for almost every conceivable type of cargo, from motorcycles to horses to concessions. If you have to haul it, then there’s a trailer made to haul it or at least one that can easily be converted to do the job.

After choosing a manufacturer, figure out what size trailer you’ll need. Trailers come in several different widths and lengths. If you’re considering an enclosed trailer, you’ll also need to consider the height of the interior. If your trailer towing needs require that you spend very much time inside the trailer, choose one with enough interior height to keep you from bending your neck or back when standing.

Open or Enclosed Trailers

The next step in choosing a trailer is figuring out whether you will need an open or an enclosed trailer. An open trailer is one which exposes the cargo to the outside elements. If inclement weather isn’t a factor for your cargo, then an open trailer may be the most economical choice. Open utility trailers can range in price from about $900 to $2500 new.

Open utility trailers are well suited for many applications including small landscaping businesses that are just starting out and need a way to haul their landscape equipment. As their business grows and they decide to move up to an enclosed trailer, the open utility trailer will still be incredibly useful for hauling all sorts of material such as mulch, rock and plants.

Another plus for open trailers is their weight. Open utility trailers tend to be lighter and provide less aerodynamic drag than enclosed trailers.

While open trailers are economical and very useful, they do not provide the protection from the outside environment that an enclosed trailer will. Enclosed trailers also offer an added measure of security because the trailer functions as a portable, lockable storage building.

Enclosed trailers tend to be heavier and less aerodynamic than open trailers. Enclosed trailers usually cost in the $1600 to $5000 range new, but can go much higher.

Single or Tandem Axle

Once you’ve decided on either an open utility trailer or an enclosed cargo trailer, you’ll need to decide whether the trailer should have a single axle, dual axle or possibly even three to four axles.

Single axle trailers have just one load bearing axle. Trailers with single axles come with and without brakes, but as a general rule of thumb, most single axle open and enclosed trailers come without brakes. If you plan on hauling more than 3000 lbs, trailer brakes need to be considered. In fact, it’s a legal requirement in most states.

Anything heavier than 3000 lbs should be hauled on a dual axle trailer, be it an open or enclosed trailer. Dual axle trailers use two load bearing axles and usually feature either leaf springs or independent torsion bar suspensions. Brakes are recommended for dual axle trailers and again may be required depending upon where you live. Also, dual axle trailers tend to track more accurately than single axle trailers over varying road surfaces.

Rear Access

If you decide on an enclosed trailer, next you have to decide on either a ramp rear door, double rear doors or one single barn-type door. Choosing the type of rear access will greatly depend on the cargo you intend to haul. If youR