Trailers play a crucial role in transporting goods and equipment, but without the right accessories, they can be inefficient. That's why it's important to equip your trailer with the right accessories to make sure it runs smoothly and safely. With a wide range of trailer accessories available in the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. But with this guide, you will get all the information you need to select the perfect accessories for your trailer.
The team at Trek Hardware presents a comprehensive list of must-have trailer accessories for every trailer setup.- Toolboxes: Storing Your Essential Tools
- Trailer Pack Racks: Organizing Your Cargo
- Cages: Securing Your Load
- Drawer Slides: Maximizing Your Storage Space
- Coupling Locks: Keeping Your Trailer Secure
- Pintle Hooks: Towing Heavy Duty Trailers
- Towbars and Towballs: Connecting Your Trailer to Your Tow Vehicle
- Towing Mirrors: Enhancing Your Visibility While Towing
- Weight Distribution Systems: Improving Your Trailer's Handling and Stability
- Corner Steadies: Stabilizing Your Trailer While Parked
- Hoists and Jacks: Easily Loading and Unloading Your Trailer
- Paint: Keeping Your Trailer Looking Great
- Other Trailer Accessories: Enhancing Your Towing Experience
Toolboxes for Trailers
Toolboxes are essential accessories for trailers that are used for transportation of goods and materials. They provide a secure and convenient storage solution for tools, equipment and other items. When choosing a toolbox for your trailer, consider its size, material, and the level of security it provides. There are several types of toolboxes that are designed to suit different needs and preferences.
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Top-Mount Toolboxes: These toolboxes are mounted on the top of the trailer and provide easy access to stored items. They come in different sizes and shapes and are made of either steel or aluminum.
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Underbody Toolboxes: These toolboxes are mounted underneath the trailer and are ideal for trailers with limited space. They are also made of steel or aluminum and come in different sizes.
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Chest Toolboxes: Chest toolboxes are a popular option for their durability and security. They are mounted on the floor of the trailer and come in various sizes and shapes.
Trailer Pack Racks
Trailer pack racks are a convenient accessory for trailers that are used for transportation of goods and materials. They provide additional storage space for items that are too large or too bulky to be stored in a toolbox. When choosing a trailer pack rack, consider its size, material, and the level of security it provides.
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Fixed Trailer Pack Racks: These racks are fixed to the floor of the trailer and provide a sturdy and secure storage solution. They are ideal for transporting heavy items and come in various sizes.
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Removable Trailer Pack Racks: Removable trailer pack racks are ideal for those who need additional storage space occasionally. They can be easily removed when not in use and are available in various sizes.
Trailer Cages
Trailer cages are an accessory that provides additional security and protection for items being transported on a trailer. They are ideal for transporting fragile items and come in various sizes and shapes. When choosing a trailer cage, consider its size, material, and the level of protection it provides.
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Steel Trailer Cages: Steel trailer cages are a popular option for their durability and strength. They are ideal for transporting heavy and bulky items and come in various sizes.
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Aluminum Trailer Cages: Aluminum trailer cages are lightweight and rust-resistant. They are ideal for transporting fragile items and come in various sizes.
Drawer Slides for Trailers
Drawer slides for trailers are accessories that provide a convenient and secure storage solution for tools and equipment. They are mounted inside the trailer and come in various sizes and styles. When choosing drawer slides for your trailer, consider the weight of the items that will be stored in them, the length of the slide, and the level of security they provide.
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Ball-Bearing Drawer Slides: These drawer slides are smooth and durable, making them ideal for heavy-duty use. They are available in various lengths and sizes.
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Roller Drawer Slides: Roller drawer slides are lightweight and offer a smooth and quiet operation. They are available in various lengths and sizes.
Coupling Locks
Coupling locks are an essential accessory that helps to secure the coupling of your trailer to the tow ball of your vehicle. There are several types of coupling locks available in the market, including:
- Padlock coupling locks: Padlock coupling locks are simple yet effective in securing your trailer. They are designed to be locked onto the coupling of your trailer and prevent the release of the coupling from the tow ball. They are the most affordable type of coupling lock and are widely available in different sizes to fit most couplings.
- Deadlock coupling locks: Deadlock coupling locks are a more secure option for securing your trailer. They offer a higher level of security as they are made from heavy-duty materials and are designed to be harder to cut, saw or drill through. Deadlock coupling locks can also be locked with a key, making them more secure than padlock coupling locks which can be opened with a bolt cutter.
- Hitch locks: Hitch locks are a type of coupling lock that are designed to fit into the hitch of your vehicle. They work by preventing the removal of the hitch from the vehicle, making it impossible to steal the trailer or detach it from the vehicle. Hitch locks are made from heavy-duty materials and offer a high level of security for your trailer.
Pintle Hooks
Pintle hooks are a type of trailer accessory that are used to connect a trailer to a towing vehicle. They are most commonly used for heavy-duty towing, such as for military or construction equipment. Unlike the more common ball and socket hitch, pintle hooks have a single point of attachment to the tow vehicle and a loop on the trailer side, which fits over the pintle. This makes them much stronger and more secure than other types of hitches, as they are not susceptible to the same level of wear and tear.
The basic function of a pintle hook is to transfer the weight of the trailer and its load to the towing vehicle, while also allowing the trailer to pivot and move independently. This is achieved through the use of a pintle, which is a small metal pin that fits into the loop on the trailer side of the hook. This allows the trailer to move in any direction, which is especially important for heavy-duty towing, where precise control is needed.
There are two main types of pintle hooks, each with its own unique set of benefits:
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Fixed Pintle Hooks: As the name suggests, these hooks are permanently attached to the tow vehicle and cannot be removed. They are ideal for heavy-duty towing, as they provide a secure and stable connection between the trailer and tow vehicle.
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Removable Pintle Hooks: These hooks can be removed from the tow vehicle when not in use, and are often used for lighter-duty towing. They are designed to be quickly and easily attached to the tow vehicle, which makes them a convenient option for those who tow trailers frequently.
Regardless of the type, all pintle hooks are designed to provide a strong, stable and secure connection between the trailer and tow vehicle. When selecting a pintle hook, it is important to consider the weight of the trailer and the type of towing that will be required, in order to choose the right hook for the job. With the right pintle hook, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your trailer is safe and secure during towing.
Towbars
Towbars are the essential component for attaching your trailer to your tow vehicle. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it is important to choose one that is compatible with your vehicle and trailer. Following are the popular types of Towbars:
- Fixed Towbars: Fixed towbars are a permanent fixture on your vehicle, and are ideal for those who regularly tow.
- Detachable Towbars: Detachable towbars are a more convenient option, as they can be removed when not in use. This makes them ideal for those who only tow occasionally.
- Flange Ball Towbars: Flange ball towbars are the most common type of towbar, and are compatible with a wide range of trailers.
Towballs
Towballs are the ball-shaped component that fits into your towbar, and connects to the trailer's coupling. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it is important to choose one that is compatible with your towbar and trailer.
Types of Towballs
- Standard Towballs: Standard towballs are the most commonly used type, and are compatible with a wide range of trailers.
- Detachable Towballs: Detachable towballs are a convenient option, as they can be removed when not in use.
- Swivel Towballs: Swivel towballs are ideal for those who need to manoeuvre their trailer in tight spaces, as they allow the trailer to rotate.
Towing Mirrors
Towing mirrors are essential for ensuring you have a clear view of the road while towing. They attach to your vehicle's existing mirrors, and provide an extended view of the road.
Types of Towing Mirrors:
- Clip-On Towing Mirrors: Clip-on towing mirrors are the most affordable option, and are easy to install and remove.
- Magnetic Towing Mirrors: Magnetic towing mirrors are a more secure option, as they attach to your vehicle using strong magnets.
- Telescoping Towing Mirrors: Telescoping towing mirrors are ideal for those who need to adjust the angle of their mirrors for improved visibility.
- Manual Towing Mirrors: As the name suggests, these mirrors are adjusted by hand. They attach to the existing side mirrors of your vehicle and can be easily removed when not in use. These mirrors are a cost-effective solution for those who only occasionally tow a trailer.
- Power-Operated Towing Mirrors: These mirrors are equipped with an electric motor that can adjust the mirror with the push of a button. They are usually a more expensive option, but they offer added convenience and comfort, especially on longer towing trips.
Weight Distribution Systems
Weight distribution systems are designed to distribute the weight of a heavy load evenly across all four wheels of the towing vehicle. This helps to improve stability and maintain better control, especially when driving on uneven surfaces. There are two main types of weight distribution systems: friction-based and spring bar systems.
- Friction-Based Weight Distribution Systems: These systems rely on friction to transfer weight from the hitch to the vehicle's frame. They are easy to install and adjust, making them a popular choice among trailer owners.
- Spring Bar Weight Distribution Systems: These systems use spring bars to distribute weight from the hitch to the vehicle's frame. They offer a smoother ride than friction-based systems and are ideal for towing larger trailers or loads.
Corner Steadies
Corner steadies are used to support and level a trailer when it is not being towed. They are essential for maintaining stability, especially when loading and unloading heavy items. There are several different types of corner steadies, including:
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Drop-leg corner steadies: Drop-leg steadies are designed to be adjustable to different heights, making them ideal for use on uneven ground.
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Scissor corner steadies: Scissor steadies are a simple, yet effective solution for supporting a trailer when it's not being towed.
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Wind-up corner steadies: Wind-up steadies are a compact and easy-to-use solution for supporting a trailer. They work by winding up a spring-loaded support leg.
Hoists and Jacks
Hoists and jacks are essential for lifting and moving heavy loads, especially when loading and unloading a trailer. There are several different types of hoists and jacks, including:
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Trailer jacks: Trailer jacks are designed to support the weight of a trailer, making it easier to load and unload heavy items.
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Electric hoists: Electric hoists are ideal for lifting heavy loads, and they are easy to operate with the push of a button.
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Hydraulic hoists: Hydraulic hoists are designed to lift heavy loads, and they are typically more powerful than electric hoists.
Paint
Paint is an essential accessory for protecting your trailer from the elements and improving its appearance. There are several different types of paint, including:
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Enamel paint: Enamel paint is a hard-wearing and durable option, making it ideal for use on trailers.
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Acrylic paint: Acrylic paint is a water-based option that is quick-drying and easy to clean.
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Epoxy paint: Epoxy paint is a two-part system that is designed to provide a long-lasting and protective finish.
Other Trailer Accessories
In addition to the main accessories listed above, there are a number of other towing accessories that can improve the safety, comfort and convenience of towing. Some of these accessories include:
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Breakaway systems: A breakaway system is designed to activate the trailer brakes in the event of a separation between the towing and towed vehicles.
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Trailer brakes: These are a must-have accessory for any towing setup, especially for heavy loads.
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Towing lights: Towing lights help improve visibility and safety during towing.
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Electrical accessories: Electrical accessories include things like 7-pin and 13-pin connectors, wiring harnesses, and trailer break controllers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the right trailer accessories can make all the difference in the efficiency and safety of your trailer. From toolboxes and racks to locks and hooks, the options are abundant, and it's up to you to choose the ones that best suit your needs. At Trek Hardware, we offer a wide range of trailer accessories to meet the specific needs of our customers. Whether you're looking to upgrade your existing trailer or build a new one, we have everything you need to get started. So why wait? Browse our collection of trailer accessories today and take the first step towards a better, safer, and more efficient trailer
