Wondering if it may be time to replace your tried and true equipment trailer? While no one wants to say goodbye to important fleet asset (or incur the cost of replacement), the reality of hauling is that wear and tear will happen, and in time, replacements will be necessary. Routine maintenance and upkeep can drastically extend the life of your trailers, but knowing the signs that your equipment has reached the end of the line is crucial for safety and efficiency.

Below, we’ll take a look at some of the top signs it’s time to look into new equipment options. Read on to learn more. 

Excessive Wear and Tear: When Repair Costs Pile Up

No matter what you’re hauling, or where (Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan etc), the reality is, wear and tear will eventually take its toll on your equipment trailer. If you’ve begun to notice the need for more frequent, and/or costly repairs, as well as the need for lots of “temporary fixes” on the road, you’re probably looking at a unit that’s reaching the end of its lifecycle. While accidents will happen and occasional mishaps may result in one-off damage, if your once sturdy trailer looks worse for wear…it probably is. Once the bills begin to outweigh the overall value of your unit, it’s time to look elsewhere. 

Reduced Payload Capacity

As equipment trailers age, their structural integrity can slowly deteriorate, leading to a reduced payload capacity. If you find that your equipment trailer can no longer carry the same amount of weight it once did without showing signs of strain, it’s a clear indication that a replacement is in order and that your maintenance costs are likely about to steadily increase due consistent failures due to wear and tear as mentioned above. 

It’s worth noting: one of the biggest culprits for wear and tear as well as reduced payload capacity is shock loading with cargo that is well above the trailers recommended weight. Doing so can permanently damage the trailers integrity and pose a serious safety risk as well as cause poor performance. 

Safety Concerns

Safety should never be in question when hauling with a trailer. If your trailer has begun to show any signs of being compromised, it’s imperative to take action right away to protect yourself, as well as other drivers on the road. Loose or failing breaks, unstable handling, or any flaws with a hitch are a surefire sign that your trailer immediately needs to be removed from the hauling rotation and evaluated to assess future viability. Simply put: if you or your employees feel uneasy about towing your current trailer due to these concerns, it’s time to replace it with a newer model that meets current safety standards.

Falling Behind the Times

As technology evolves, so do the features and capabilities of equipment trailers. Modern equipment trailers often come equipped with advanced safety and performance features like improved braking systems, more efficient load securement options, better suspension, and more user-friendly designs. While you can certainly operate older models that remain efficient, safe, and able to keep up with evolving load needs, there comes a point where your older trailers may no longer be compatible with your current load needs. In such a case, upgrading to a newer model can significantly enhance your efficiency, productivity, and overall user experience.

Regulatory Compliance

Finally, not all trailers are compliant with the latest regulations and standards issued by safety, and other regulators. Older units may require significant retrofitting (often at a high cost) to fall in line with new mandates, and when you face the choice of a costly fine or upgrade bill…sometimes starting fresh ends up being the cheaper option for industry compliance. 

Need a Refresh

Is it time to put one of your older trailers out of commission? If you’re looking to upgrade your equipment trailers in Western Canada, Factory Outlet Trailers has you covered. We carry a large selection of enclosed cargo trailers, flatdecks, goosenecks, pintles, dump trailers, open & enclosed car haulers, ATV trailers, snowmobile trailers, motorcycle trailers, utility & landscape trailers each of our locations across Western Canada

Contact us today to learn more!