Home » A Guide on Choosing a Trailer Dealership in 2023

A Guide on Choosing a Trailer Dealership in 2023

By  //  January 20, 2023

When searching for a new dump trailer, choosing a reputable dump trailer dealer should be your first move.

Finding the best trailer dealerships will require some in-depth research, though.

According to experts, you should visit a few trailer dealerships for each model and make on your shortlist to give you a complete picture of what the dealerships offer, allowing you to make an informed financial decision.

Apart from selecting a suitable trailer, the integrity and service of the trailer lot are also crucial as it impacts the overall trailer-buying experience.

This trailer dealership guide will help you find the best trailer dealers when you’re ready for a new transport conveyance by offering various helpful tips.

Tip #1: Know what you want.

Shopping for a trailer isn’t as easy as looking for brand-new footwear or a smart appliance. Most rookie trailer buyers visit dealerships with the vague notion that they only need a transport conveyance and are more focused on how much they’re to pay every month.

These individuals are the perfect marks for sales pitches that see most individuals tow away a new trailer from the first dealership they visit. Don’t make this mistake because the showroom or trailer yard shouldn’t be the place to launch your quest for a new trailer.

As a smart shopper, you should spend hours researching online at sites where you can learn what is presently available, compare features and costs, read professional reviews, and estimate financing costs.

Many trailer dealerships have an internet sales department that allows potential customers to cross-shop. This enables adequate comparison of what’s available and a thorough negotiation of prices before setting foot in the dealership’s parking lot.

Tip #2: Read online reviews.

Reading reviews on trailer-focused online platforms will give you an excellent idea of what to expect from a particular trailer dealership. A few negative reviews shouldn’t be enough to write off a particular dealership, though. On the other hand, when an organization has many positive reviews, consider giving them a try.

Start your research on Google, Yelp, and other aggregate sites. Overall, you should be more focused on industry-specific review trailer sites.

Tip #3: Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website.

When researching trailer dealerships, consider checking them out on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) site. When a dealership or business organization seeks accreditation from this robust independent firm, it reflects a commitment to fair and ethical dealings.

Accredited organizations earn a Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating from A+ to F, depending significantly on the number of complaints against the trailer dealership, customer ratings, as well as whether the organization has taken positive steps to resolve every customer complaint.

Tip #4: Consult your network or people you know.

You’re probably not the first person in your circle of friends to purchase a trailer. Therefore, check with your network and ask which reputable dealerships they used when purchasing their respective dump trailers.

You’ll most likely get the best recommendations from people who’ve recently purchased a trailer. Ask about their experience to see if it was bad or good.

Pay attention to any complaints or what they didn’t like. Ensure they have valid complaints so you don’t avoid a good dealership.

You can also gauge their overall experiences by asking if they’ll purchase another trailer from the same dealership. Their reaction or response will determine whether or not you should patronize the trailer dealership.

Tip #5: Consider longevity.

It makes a lot of sense to choose a trailer dealership with several years of serving the community. There’s every chance that a location that popped up recently may also disappear just as suddenly. However, a trailer dealership that has already stood the test of time must have an excellent reputation among locals to thrive and survive against all odds.

Tip #6: Inquire about service.

Before signing the dotted line, an in-depth conversation with the service department is crucial. Ask about possible maintenance deals as well as other perks for customers who purchase trailers from the dealership.

Tip #7: Confirm if the dealership has what you need.

You must also find out if the trailer dealership has what you need. However, you should verify your vehicle’s maximum allowable towing weight before doing this. You can locate this information by going through your vehicle owner’s manual.

After determining the maximum allowable load your truck or pickup can haul, deduct the weight of the trailer you have in mind from the figure. This will be the payload your automobile can theoretically haul with your chosen trailer.

Bear in mind that the trailer’s rating may limit the actual number. When determining your vehicle’s capacity, you should also think about pulling the vehicle and stopping.

This is because bringing the vehicle to a halt will be much more difficult if the payload and trailer weigh more than your vehicle. 

Lastly, ensure your vehicle has a full-size Class 3 trailer hitch rated for up to 10,000 lbs. If you don’t have one, purchase and install it in your vehicle.

Tip #8: Consider other supplies you may need for your cargo trailer.

You should verify if the dealership sells other necessary accessories or supplies. For instance, if this is the first trailer you’re purchasing, you’ll require a plug-in wiring harness.

You may need to also consider purchasing additional items with your dump trailer, such as:

  • Spare tires
  • Trailer ball
  • Electronic brake controller
  • Ball mount
  • Taillight protector
  • Trailer utility rack
  • Clip, coupler, and pin lock
  • Light accessories such as plug-in wiring harness
  • Spare tire carrier
  • Proper hitch hardware (may require an adapter)
  • Receiver tube

In addition, when buying the coupler, ensure it has the matching size with the ball, i.e.:

  • A 1-7/8-inch coupler requires a 1-7/8-inch ball.
  • A 2-5/16-inch coupler will require a 2-5/16-inch ball.
  • A 2-inch coupler will require a 2-inch ball.

Conclusion

A lot goes into the process of buying a trailer, and it can be daunting if you don’t know where to start or what to do. However, following the tips shared in this guide will boost your chances of finding a trailer dealership that offers the dump trailer you want at a great price and with a no-hassle and smooth experience.