Transport Trailers Moving revegetation equipment from site to site requires trailers. Trailers can vary from small utility types pulled by an SUV or pickup to large semi-trailers.

Information in this chapter covers some of the basic types that are available, but it is not all-inclusive. Some companies specialize in one type while most companies provide a wide range of trailers.

Many welding and fabrication shops build trailers for local and regional needs. Trailers must meet state and federal requirements and have current license plates and safety inspections to be used on public highways. Safety, such as proper hitching including the use of safety chains, trailer lights working properly, and equipment securely fastened to the trailer, should always be practiced.

Cargo trailers are enclosed units designed to protect material carried from site to site such as plants, hand and power tools, research instruments, construction materials, and small tractors. The rear door opens to form a ramp for easy loading. Additional side doors are available. They can vary from 6- to 40-feet in length and may have 1 to 3 axles.

UtilityTrailers Description and Application

Utility trailers are flatbed trailers designed to haul equipment. They can vary from small units for hauling equipment such as motorcycles to large, heavy-duty units for hauling tractors, implements, and supplies. Trailer tongues attach to the rear of a truck with a ball or “pintle” hitch or a “gooseneck” hitch that attaches to a pin (fifth-wheel or king-pin) in the truck bed. Bed length varies from 6 to 40 feet. They may use 1, 2, or 3 axles with single or dual tires. Some trailers are equipped with manual ramps to facilitate loading tractors. Loading ramps are usually steep and tractors must be loaded carefully. In some cases, when implements are attached to the tractor the steep angle stalls the loading operation. Tilt-bed trailers are available to facilitate loading, and they may be equipped with a winch to aid in loading equipment. These small to medium size utility trailers can range up to about 40,000 pounds carrying capacity. Licensing agencies may rate trailer by GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) or GAWR (gross axle weight rating). Larger trailers are classified as semi-trailers, and they may reach up to 100,000 pounds capacity or more.