Choosing the Right Trailer
This page is designed to help customers understand trailer selection, towing safety, maintenance, and legal requirements in both Arkansas and Louisiana. It should be used as the primary knowledge and educational page on the website and linked throughout the site as the main authority resource for trailer buyers.
What size trailer do I need for a skid steer?
Most customers need a 16 to 20 foot equipment trailer rated £14,000 GVWR. The machine fitting physically on the trailer does not mean it is safely rated. Weight capacity matters.
What trailer do I need for a tractor?
Sub compact tractors often require a 12 foot 7,000 pound trailer. Mid size tractors typically require a 16 foot 10,000 pound trailer. Larger utility tractors usually need an 18 to 20 foot 14,000 pound trailer. Attachments and ballast must also be included in total hauling weight.
What trailer is best for a lawn care business?
Most moving businesses do best with a 6x12 or 6x14 utility trailer with 3,500 or 5,200 pound axles, trimmer racks, and spare tire mount. Buying too small is one of the most common mistakes and often results in replacing the trailer within a year.
Can my half ton truck tow an equipment trailer?
It depends on payload capacity rather than tow rating. The payload number on your door sticker must include trailer tongue weight, passengers, cargo, and fuel. Many half ton trucks can tow smaller equipment trailers but not fully loaded heavy duty 14K trailers.
What is tongue weight and why does it matter?
Tongue weight is the downward force placed on the hitch by the trailer. It should be approximately 10 to 15 percent of the loaded trailer weight. Too little causes trailer sway. Too much can overload the truck suspension.
Why does my trailer sway while towing?
Sway is usually caused by improper load placement, insufficient tongue weight, uneven tire pressure, or exceeding payload capacity. Correct loading solves most sway issues immediately.
Trailer Laws in Arkansas and Louisiana
Do I need a CDL to tow a trailer?
Arkansas: A CDL is required when the combined GVWR exceeds 26,001 pounds and the trailer exceeds 10,000 pounds GVWR. Most pickup truck towing does not require a CDL.
Louisiana: Louisiana follows the same federal standard. A CDL is generally only required when the combined GVWR exceeds 26,001 pounds and the trailer exceeds 10,000 pounds GVWR.
Louisiana: Louisiana follows the same federal standard. A CDL is generally only required when the combined GVWR exceeds 26,001 pounds and the trailer exceeds 10,000 pounds GVWR.
Do trailers need brakes?
Arkansas: Brakes are required on trailers over 3,000 pounds gross weight and require a brake controller in the tow vehicle.
Louisiana: Brakes are required on trailers over 3,000 pounds and must be connected to a properly installed brake controller.
Louisiana: Brakes are required on trailers over 3,000 pounds and must be connected to a properly installed brake controller.
Do trailers require a title?
Arkansas: Most trailers over 2,500 pounds require a title and registration. We provide the Manufacturer Statement of Origin for registration.
Louisiana: Most road use trailers require titling and registration through the Office of Motor Vehicles using the MSO and bill of sale.
Louisiana: Most road use trailers require titling and registration through the Office of Motor Vehicles using the MSO and bill of sale.
Do trailers need license plates?
Arkansas: Nearly all road use trailers must be registered annually and display a license plate.
Louisiana: Louisiana requires trailer registration and a license plate for trailers used on public roads.
Louisiana: Louisiana requires trailer registration and a license plate for trailers used on public roads.
Do I need trailer insurance?
Arkansas: Liability coverage typically comes from the tow vehicle while attached, but physical damage coverage can be added through your auto policy.
Louisiana: Liability is commonly covered by the towing vehicle, but comprehensive and collision coverage should be added separately for protection.
Louisiana: Liability is commonly covered by the towing vehicle, but comprehensive and collision coverage should be added separately for protection.
Ownership and Maintenance
How often should trailer bearings be serviced?
Trailer bearings should be serviced every 12 months or 12,000 miles and more often if submerged in water or used heavily in dirt environments.
How long do trailer tires last?
Trailer tires typically age out before wearing out. Replace every 5 to 6 years regardless of tread depth due to sidewall deterioration risk.
What maintenance does a trailer require?
Routine maintenance includes bearing service, brake inspection, tire pressure checks, light wiring inspection, and lug nut torque checks.
On new trailers, the wheels and hubs seats into place during the first trips after purchase.
As the trailer settles, lug nuts can loosen. If not corrected, this can cause wheel damage, elongated stud holes, hub damage, or even wheel loss.
For safety, all customers should retighten lug nuts after:
• the first 25 miles
• 50 miles
• one week of use
• then monthly thereafter
Always tighten in a star pattern using a torque wrench set to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification for your wheel size. This simple step is one of the most important ways to protect your trailer, axle, and wheels.
We check lug nut torque before delivery, but the settlement process occurs after the first few trips and cannot be prevented.
On new trailers, the wheels and hubs seats into place during the first trips after purchase.
As the trailer settles, lug nuts can loosen. If not corrected, this can cause wheel damage, elongated stud holes, hub damage, or even wheel loss.
For safety, all customers should retighten lug nuts after:
• the first 25 miles
• 50 miles
• one week of use
• then monthly thereafter
Always tighten in a star pattern using a torque wrench set to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification for your wheel size. This simple step is one of the most important ways to protect your trailer, axle, and wheels.
We check lug nut torque before delivery, but the settlement process occurs after the first few trips and cannot be prevented.
Why buy a trailer locally instead of online?
Buying locally provides proper truck matching, help with registration, warranty support, and ongoing parts and service support. Many online buyers later discover the trailer was not properly rated for their equipment.