Following the acceptance of the articles on major modifications and how to install a tow hitch without problems , at Actualidad Motor we want to close this unexpected trilogy with an article on the different types of trailers you can find on the market.
Today, when looking for a trailer, you can find a wide range of options adapted to almost every need and, fortunately for the user, manufactured to very high quality standards. However, analyzing the market objectively reveals three main groups: camper trailers, cargo trailers, and the innovative wheel-less trailers that attach directly to the car's hitch.
It is true that from a professional standpoint, there is a fourth group of trailers that includes those manufactured to meet the specific requirements of clients with particular business needs. Examples include flatbed trailers used by moving companies or fire engine trailers used by fire departments. However, due to their characteristics and the limited interest from individual customers in this type of trailer , I have excluded them from this article.
trailer housing
Also called caravans or even "roulottes" by the trendiest folks, I'm talking about a type of trailer that, broadly speaking, is based on a lightweight structure made primarily of plastic or fiberglass, mounted on a frame . Although, as with everything, there's a lot of engineering involved.
the frame
The frame serves the dual purpose of supporting the weight of the upper structure and providing the assembly with sufficient rigidity to prevent any deformation. Currently, the frame is typically made of galvanized steel with large circular, or at least oval, holes, which contribute to lightness without negatively impacting the overall rigidity. The reason for the round or oval shape is that holes without sharp edges provide greater rigidity than those with sharp edges, such as a square.
One component of the frame that has its own name due to its importance is the drawbar , which is the front part of the frame and the point where the trailer connects to the towing vehicle's hitch. I consider this part vitally important not only because it ensures a secure connection between the vehicle and trailer , but also because it houses the control that operates the caravan or trailer brakes.
Annex elements in the frame
The brakes? Aren't they on the axle? Well, yes, of course the brakes themselves are on the axle or axles of the trailer, but since there is no mechanical connection between the brakes of the tractor vehicle and the trailer, for years now they have used what is called an inertia brake to avoid overworking the brakes of the tractor vehicle.
A caravan's brakes receive information about the pressure the caravan's hitch exerts on the car's tow ball . When a vehicle brakes, it loses speed more quickly than it would through simple kinetic drift. This causes the trailer hitch to exert greater pressure on the car's tow ball. This pressure activates a mechanical sensor that engages the caravan's brakes. Hence the name "inertia brake," because it is the caravan's own inertia that activates the trailer's braking system.
Logically, technical advances allow this technology, which can be explained in such a simple way, to be extremely effective, but it is also true that there are other improvements applied to the frames of this type of trailer, such as improvements in the shock absorbers or the delta-shaped axles , which eliminate the drop of the wheels on irregular ground and improve the stability of a camper trailer.
Once the camper trailer is at its destination, stabilizing legs are attached to the frame to level the unit and prevent movement . These legs are used to keep the trailer straight regardless of uneven ground, but should never be used to lift the caravan.
Inside
The interior of a camper trailer is a combination of a customer's purchasing power and leisure needs. Today, there are caravans for all tastes and budgets , from very simple models with a single bed for two people to the most luxurious, accommodating six or seven people, with full kitchens and bathrooms, premium upholstery, and natural wood finishes.
What is more or less common to all caravans, except the most basic models, are the electrical outlet, the fresh water supply, and the wastewater outlet (the "black" water outlet, in caravan lingo), features that make life easier and more pleasant when camping. When the caravan is in an undesignated area, the fresh water and black water tanks that many caravans have integrated are used, and these require some maintenance. The fresh water tank should be refilled when it is going to be emptied and cleaned occasionally. The black water tank, on the other hand, should be emptied when it is going to be filled and, for the sake of the passengers' comfort, cleaned thoroughly each time it is emptied—and be warned, this operation is not very pleasant…
light trailer
Light trailers, as their name suggests, are usually lighter and their frame does not often show the technological advances that are applied in caravans. As would be expected, its price has nothing to do with that of a home trailer and in recent years it has been possible to purchase them in specialized fast-mechanic centers or department stores.
Without going into excessive categorization, light trailers can be divided into three groups :
- Consumer Relations Platform – The platform trailer is the simplest of all: guides are installed on the frame to transport motorcycles, bicycles or even a boat.
- Car – This type of trailer is recognized because a small metal or plastic box is installed on a frame that serves, for example, as a complement to the trunk of the towing vehicle or to carry dogs. In this section you can include even the largest ones that can even carry horses or any other farm mammal.
- camping trailer – This type of light trailer is quite difficult to describe, but roughly speaking, on the frame of a light trailer a folding “housing” module is installed. Said in a nice way (without intending to offend anyone) I can say that little more than a tent with wheels.
Despite the simple construction of lightweight trailers, the rapid evolution seen in markets other than Spain is striking. For example, while researching for this article, I found (in America, admittedly) a lightweight trailer that functions as a platform, car, and camper all in one ; it's manufactured by Sylvan Sport and is quite appealing. Of course, it also costs as much as buying three separate trailers…
trailers without wheels
Recently, a type of trailer without wheels has appeared on the market. It attaches to the trailer hitch , so it's literally suspended in the air . Initially designed for transporting bicycles, improvements in the attachment system have allowed for solutions to be offered for transporting motorcycles or animals as well.
Second-hand or rental trailers
The idea of having a trailer for some kind of leisure activity or simply to complement the trunk volume can be very attractive, but the economic aspect may hold us back a little.
As I've already recommended, always install a new, top-quality tow hitch . You can do this at your vehicle's official dealership or at any of the hundreds of specialists located throughout the country. However, if you're looking for a trailer, whatever type it may be, or if you want to try caravanning for the first time, you can start by looking for a used trailer . Luckily for us, new technologies can help, and you can search for a bargain from any computer or electronic device with an internet connection.
While I'm not an expert, I've personally found quite a few deals on classifieds websites. I've found some camping trailers for just over a thousand euros and a few smaller trailers for around two hundred euros. In this sense, the simplicity of this type of trailer means you don't need to pay special attention when buying a lightweight trailer: just make sure there's no twisting or rust on the chassis . If, on the other hand, you're looking for a camper trailer, my advice is to consult a professional in the field who can better advise you on your needs and offer at least some kind of guarantee.
Finally, if our need for a trailer is limited to a few occasions throughout the year (holidays or the occasional long trip), there's always the option of renting , which is quite common in other European countries. Without doing an exhaustive search, I was able to find a trailer with a capacity of almost 30 liters for €25 per day or €290 for two weeks. It's true that you can find a used trailer for around €300, but in this case, there are two clear advantages to renting over buying :
- In case of buying the trailer, we must have a space for its storage.
- In the event that the trailer is going to be stopped for eleven months, it runs the risk of rusting and its mechanical parts becoming stiff, which would make its repair exceed the price we have paid for it.
Happy summer!!!
Although thousands of classifications can be made according to our needs when choosing a trailer, with what we have told you we believe that most of the doubts that a private user may have are resolved, so now that you know how to install a hitch, how to legalize it and how to choose the right trailer, all that remains is for you to enjoy the summer and the road, but of course, with safety and prudence.