Archive for the ‘Trailers’ Category
Monday, December 15th, 2008 |
There really are two main reasons for purchasing a utility trailer or cargo trailer. The rising price of fuel today has caused small business owners to really examine their daily operating costs. Nothing expands the hauling capability of a small vehicle more then a small utility or cargo trailer. The second reason is for a specific recreation or hobby use.
At one time, the business owner would buy the largest truck possible which was capable of hauling all of his equipment to the jobsite. It really didn’t matter if you used all the equipment on every job or not.
In today’s world of high fuel costs, it makes much more sense to operate your business with as small a vehicle as practical and depend upon a good quality utility trailer to haul your tools and equipment for the specific job at hand. Many owners of traditional “box-type” trucks are trading them in for standard and small size pickup trucks. At first, the owners suffer a bit of anxiety while deciding exactly what equipment is absolutely necessary to have with them every day and what equipment can be stored in their garage until they have that specific need.
The second benefit of owning a good quality utility or cargo trailer is that it allows you to store your equipment in the yard instead of taking up valuable room in your garage. I’ve known more then one contractor who actually has two trailers for job specific equipment.
One convenience to look for when buying a cargo trailer is a side door if it is over 10 feet in length. This allows much easier access then climbing over equipment to find that one tool you stored in the front of the trailer and you only use once every six months. I’ve known some contractors who purchased large cargo trailers and actually set up a mobile shop inside the trailer for sale. Another option to consider is a drop-down ramp door if you will be moving heavy equipment in and out of your trailer on a regular basis.
Be sure to check the manufacturers suggested trailer pulling weight and remember to judge what your trailer will weigh with your full load of equipment. Frankly, I’ve learned as have many contractors, that most full size pickup trucks with a small 8 cylinder engine will perform almost as well and in some cases even better then the 6 cylinder models in the area of fuel consumption. The additional benefit is you will quickly find that most 8 cylinder trucks come equipped with class 3 trailer hitches plus it will present less stress on the drive train.
In any case, there are countless reasons why buying a cargo or utility trailer is an excellent investment.
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Monday, November 3rd, 2008 |
Horse trailers are non-motorized trailers that attach to your new or used truck for transporting horses. There are several different styles and models to choose from, depending on your preferences and requirements.
Extensive price ranges allow you to choose from a used livestock trailer, starting around $500 US Dollars (USD) to the elaborate gooseneck or fifth wheel luxury horse trailers with living quarters. These can run well over $100,000 USD.
The simplest and most economical of horse trailers is a livestock trailer. They have an open bay interior for loading and transporting horses. Most fit three or more horses with a step up for loading in the rear of the trailer. Their lightweight steel frames with aluminum shells make them less stable or comfortable than an actual horse trailer, however. Rusting is the biggest concern for this option.
If you do not trailer your horse often and just need an emergency, medical transport, you might want to consider a bumper pull trailer. Most people that transport their horses to occasional shows or trail rides also prefer this style, as they are cost effective, comfortable and safe. A ball hitch coupler connects to a ball under or on the rear end bumper of your vehicle. Many are fitted with a tongue jack to raise or lower the coupler for easy connection.
The slant-load horse trailers load the horses so they stand at an angle with padded partitions between each horse. They are better for smaller horses, as larger horses prefer the roomier, straight load stalls. One of the main advantages of slant load trailers is that your horse can lower his head and breathe more comfortably and naturally. His muscles are more relaxed in this position as well. In the stall straight-loads, there is a shelf in front of your horse for feeding.
The bumper pull trailers have end loading with full-width rear ramps or step up loading. They are much more stable and solid than the livestock trailers. With the exception of livestock trailers, most horse trailers come with tack quarters to store your tack, feed and gear. They also have good ventilation systems, which is imperative on long hauls.
The gooseneck and fifth wheel horse trailers are the most comfortable, elaborate, functional and reliable. The gooseneck involves installing a ball in the bed of your truck that connects to a coupler. The fifth wheel is a more durable version of the gooseneck and installs to a kingpin on the bed of your tow vehicle.
The new or used horse trailers for sale come in all sizes ranging from two stalls to five. Most have exceptional ventilation systems, ramp loading and large, comfortable stalls. Living quarters involve sleeping quarters, bathrooms with showers, kitchenettes with self-contained or hook up options.
The larger gooseneck or fifth wheel horse trailers have side loading ramps so horses can load and unload head first without having to back out. Normally, two horses will face forward and two backward with one on the side. For those who prefer the slant-load models, they can comfortably fit 6-8 horses.
In the United States, professionally transporting horses ranges from $2 USD per mile for cross-country destinations to $5 USD per mile for local, within 200-mile (322-kilometer) trips. The price will depend on the destination, conditions and how fast you need your horse transported. Often it will take weeks to transport your horse across the country because they have to organize routes to pick up and drop off horses on the way.
If you are moving horses on a regular basis, you can easily justify purchasing your own horse trailer, even if you choose to hire someone to drive it for you. It is also nice for your horse to become familiar with his own transportation vehicle. Transporting your own horses assures you that they are comfortable and safe while traveling.
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Wednesday, September 10th, 2008 |
Fruehauf Trailers was established in 1918 by August Charles Fruehauf after four years of building custom trailers for a merchant. The company has come a long way since then and is now the leading manufacturer of trailers in New Zealand. They stand behind their heavy transport trailers, guaranteeing the quality of the product. This commitment to excellence has established Fruehauf Trailers as a leader I the industry. They are known worldwide and are recognized for their quality work.
Fruehauf’s team of engineers and production workers labor diligently to provide the best quality, innovative designs possible. Their research and development team continually looks for ways to advance technology to increase the quality and strength of the products. The staff at Fruehauf has extensive years of experience. The sales staff’s commitment to customer service ensures the customer gets a trailer that exceeds their expectations.
Fruehauf carries a line of trailers that are built to their standard specifications as well as produces custom semi trailers built to the specifications of the customer. There are over thirty five models of semi trailer available from Fruehauf. Fruehauf even carries a line of trailer guaranteed to be ready in ten days. Their FFF brand is guaranteed to be available to the customer, built to the customer’s specifications, in no more than ten working days.
Fruehauf also has used semi trailers for sale. They can be found in the United States and all over the world. The quality and durability of these trailers make buying used a solid investment. Fruehauf has a parts and service department that is built to service all Fruehauf manufactured trailers. This will help reduce the amount of down time if there is ever a need for parts or service.
From livestock trailers and curtain side trailers to bathtub and tipper trailers, Fruehauf has a semi trailer for every need. Their guarantee of quality lends confidence to the customer that they will get a well built piece of equipment that the company will stand behind. Fruehauf Trailers is an increasingly popular choice in trailer for their commitment to excellence.
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Monday, December 10th, 2007 |
When lawmen need a tow truck at a crash scene, they call one of 43 wrecker companies on an official county roster. The rotation is meant to ensure that companies get a fair share of potentially lucrative towing jobs.
But an investigation by The Fayetteville Observer has found that nearly half the wreckers on the list are double dipping — one owner, two different company names or addresses. In one case, an owner has three wrecking companies on the county list, one of which shows an address that doesn’t appear to exist, according to tax records.
Appearing multiple times on the rotation isn’t necessarily against the rules. Several wrecker companies have found creative ways to skirt the spirit of city and county ordinances, forming companies with identical staff and ownership solely for the purpose of getting a bigger share of official towing jobs.
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Saturday, December 8th, 2007 |
Mammoth, powerful engines rumble, roar and shake the marrow of fans and the very foundation of The Palace of Auburn Hills during today’s Extreme Monster Truck Nationals. And of course, stuff will crash, blow up and burn because, well, that’s entertainment!
Monster truck drivers from all over the country will compete for money and bragging rights. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin hosts the event and will drive one of the monster trucks during the opening ceremonies.
Austin, an action-film star and six-time World Wrestling Entertainment Champion, admits he has nothing but love for monster truck events.
“I enjoy the action and I enjoy the drivers,” Austin said by telephone Tuesday from Los Angeles, where he is looking into movie projects for 2008. “I have always been a fan of anything with a motor in it.”
This seems to be the draw not only for fans but for the monster truck drivers, as well. Jim Koehler of Columbus, Mich., boasts about his vehicles like a proud parent. His truck, the Avenger, weighs 10,000 pounds, stands 12-feet high and has a 1,600-horsepower engine under the hood.
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Thursday, November 29th, 2007 |
A semitrailer carrying a load of logs overturned and collided with western Indiana couple’s pickup truck, killing both of them, authorities said.
man,59, and his 58-year-old wife, Joyce, died in Friday’s accident along Indiana 63. The Prairie Creek couple’s bodies were not identified by the Vigo County coroner until Saturday.
Vigo County police said a semitrailer carrying a load of logs failed to negotiate a curve on Indiana 63 and overturned near New Harmony Cemetery, colliding with the Strains’ truck.
Firefighters used the jaws of life to retrieve the couple’s bodies from their truck at the crash scene a few miles southwest of Terre Haute.
A second pickup truck that was traveling about 50 feet behind the Strains’ truck when the accident occurred was able to avoid the trailer, but still hit some of the logs.
The driver of the semitrailer was taken to Terre Haute Regional Hospital where he was treated and released, according to a Vigo County Sheriff’s Department news release.
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Thursday, November 29th, 2007 |
Life is good in The Villages, with a lifestyle that offers plenty of recreation, social interaction and entertainment, and is proving to be a mecca for retail and restaurant options.
The community thrives on its motto: “It’s a beautiful day in The Villages,” for those who enjoy playing golf, dining, shopping, having fun or simply spending time at home. But like anyplace else, life without problems isn’t a realistic scenario.
Accidents happen and mistakes can be made. Mother Nature can unleash her fury. The human body can’t always stay in tip-top shape or ward off the latest bug. Fortunately for Villages residents, there’s a group of professionals who are committed to being there when cars collide; a storm wreaks havoc; someone suffers from illness or injury; or smoke, or even a flicker of flame, appears. They are here, 24 hours a day, while the community works, plays and sleeps.
They are the men and women of the District Public Safety Department, providing first-response emergency medical service to The Villages and fire protection to a vast portion of the community and points beyond. They protect and serve from five existing stations, and capitalize on their ability to provide quick responses from the occasional roaming vehicle.
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