#1 Rated Trailer Dealer in the Carolinas!

Landscape and Utility Trailer Buying Guide

If you are planning to buy the first utility trailer for commercial use and you have no previous experience of buying a trailer, the options can be overwhelming. There are various questions that you should ask yourself when you are ready to buy a trailer.

  • Should I get a closed or open trailer?
  • The type of warranty and coverage I will get from the seller?
  • The kind of cargo which I will be hauling in the utility trailer.
  • What is the difference between a bumper pull hitch and gooseneck hitch?

We know that you want the best trailer. That is why here we have a list of things you need to consider while buying.

1) Pay attention to specifics of the frame

The first and most important thing you have to consider is the construction of your trailer. The construction of utility trailer will give you the idea about how long it will last as well as whether it will be the right fit for your cargo or not.

To get the idea whether the trailer will be good for you or not, check its frame. Does it support the entire utility trailer or not?

Commonly, there are 4 types of shapes that are used for the construction of a utility trailer.

  1. Channel iron
  2. Box tubing
  3. Angle iron
  4. I-Beams

If you don't know a lot about frames, there's no need to worry! Just keep reading, give our sales team a chance to assist you, or reference the product description of the trailer you're viewing on our site.

So, let's talk about frames. Channel iron, Box tubing, and Angle iron will be used in among all the trailers we sell. Basically, trailer frames are constructed utilizing different types of shapes. You will see a mixture of these shapes throughout the trailer frames we sell. I-beam frames are generally used on large open equipment trailers and gooseneck trailers.

It is good idea that you look and inquire about what type of frame your trailer has. More expensive and sturdy trailers will typically use boxed tubing, channel iron, and I-Beams. Angle iron is mostly used on smaller utility trailers. The type of frame your trailer has will determine how long it will last, how much you can haul, and the price.

In the end, you have a few different things to consider with trailer frames. Once you've understood the mechanics behind what makes each frame different you'll have an easier time buying the quality trailer of your choice here at North Carolina Trailer Sales.

2) Open trailer vs. Enclosed trailer

Once you have inspected the frame of your trailer, the next step is deciding whether you would like to have a closed trailer or open trailer. It all depends on the type of cargo that you have to load. Is it something that needs more space or do you have to insulate it?

If you are planning to buy a utility trailer for landscaping, hauling your four-wheeler, ATV, or other any other outdoor activities an open trailer might be the best option. You will be able to easily adjust your cargo and deliver it to the given location. No doubt, enclosed trailers are a good option for these things as well, but it will limit the space that you have. That is why you'll want to consider the types of items you'll be hauling and whether or not they need to be protected.

Buying an open trailer will be the best for you if you're looking for something more lightweight, easy to adjust and economical. It will be quick and convenient for you to deliver any type of cargo that you have with an open trailer. However, if you'd like to keep your cargo out of the elements and away from theft, an enclosed trailer will best suit your needs. Enclosed trailers are a great option if you'll be using trailers more frequently or for commercial use. Please speak with our sales team to figure out what type trailer will be best for you.

3) Pay attention to suspension

A common mistake most people make is they do not pay attention to suspension they will get with the trailer. That is why they are unable to get the durability and quality they have been looking for. A good suspension will protect your trailer from any kind of shocks and will assure that you will have a smooth towing experience. In order to assure that you will use your utility trailer for a long time, it is important that you get a high-performance suspension. It is an important and under-looked feature when you are buying a trailer for sale.

Most utility trailers will have a leaf spring suspension system. This is the most common suspension available on the market. This type of suspension system is just fine for utility trailers. Plus, it is less expensive than torsion suspension which means that if you have to repair the springs or other parts involved it will be cost effective. Another option, we offer usually by custom order is torsion suspension. This option is a bit more expensive because the trailer axle's will be welded to the frame which provides a little smoother ride. It also means there is a small increase in structural strength. However, you'll most likely be dealing with leaf spring suspension.

4) Specifications & Customization

There are some specifications or customizations that you also may consider when you are planning to buy a utility trailer for sale. You must be aware that selecting these specifications might cost you a little extra, but it will enhance the performance and life of the trailer that you have. Some of the important features you can consider having are.

      1. Spare Tires
      2. Trailer Ball
      3. Lighting Accessories
      4. Spare tire carrier
      5. Proper hitch hardware
      6. Trailer utility rack
      7. Electronic brake controller
      8. Taillight protector
      9. Coupler Lock
      10. Adapter for hardware support
      11. Ball mount
      12. Pin and clip
      13. Receiver tube
      14. Much more

5) Cost and warranty

One of the most important things you have to consider while buying a utility trailer is the cost of the product. The cost commonly depends on the quality of the trailer as well as the extra features you would like to have. When you are looking for utility trailers for sale it's always nice to be covered by a warranty. Here at N.C. Trailer Sales all of our trailers are covered by 1-5 year structural warranties depending on which trailer you buy. Also, depending on which axle your trailer has it will be covered by 1-2 year warranty. We offer a protection plan and one-year service plan quoted at a certain price based off the trailer you purchase.

In closing, if you have any questions when purchasing your next trailer please don't hesitate to call and speak with our wonderful sales team. There is a reason we have become the highest rated trailer dealer in North Carolina. We believe in quality products, quality customer service, and quality repairs. We make trailer buying easy so call us at 336-276-0329 to speak to us now.

Keep up with our products, services and offers on our Facebook Page and Youtube Channel!

About the Author

Hi, I’m Johnny Shelton with NC Trailers, the #1 rated trailer dealer in the Carolinas. With over 300 trailers in stock, we’ve proudly served contractors, adventure seekers, and everyone in between since 1996. Having sold and serviced over 10,000 trailers, we’re grateful for the trust our customers have placed in us. We’re committed to using our experience to help you succeed in all your trailer and towing needs. Let’s thrive together!

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Josh H. profile picture
Josh H.
15:02 25 Jan 26
I had been wanting a dump trailer for a while so I stopped by to take a look and I'm glad I did. Sam took the time to explain the difference and quality of the brands they had. I have always been a quality over value kind of person and by her explaining the difference in the brands the Maxx-D was by far my choice. Sam and the whole crew made this buying process as smooth as it could possibly be. They all took the time to answer all of my questions and never once was pushy about anything. Shancie made the paper work and title process smooth and simple. Never trying to push anything that I didn't need and making sure I had everything that I did need for the intended use of the trailer. When it came time to leave Noah made sure I had a full understanding of all the features and further recommendations to keep the beast of a trailer in top condition. Thanks to the whole team here for your world class service.
Pascal profile picture
Pascal
04:51 23 Jan 26
I would definitely give six stars if I could!
I visited NC Trailers in Thomasville today and had a fantastic experience. We were welcomed and advised in a very friendly and professional manner. The team showed us many different options for modifying the trailer and explained everything in detail.

Within just 60 minutes, I was able to take home the perfect trailer and I’m already looking forward to putting it to use for the first time.

Keep up the great work — an amazing team at NC Trailers!
Andy profile picture
Andy
15:31 15 Jan 26
We recently purchased a 6x12 Cynergy trailer from the Thomasville location. I spent some time online looking for a trailer that fitted my needs and the huge selection offered by NC Trailers made it easy to find what I was looking for. I gave them a call and discussed with Sam my needs and options / add-ons. She sent me a quote for the trailer as discussed in a matter of minutes. We locked up the deal and I made a deposit over the phone the same day as I do not live in the area. Sam's outstanding customer service and knowledge confirmed the decision to make our purchase from them.

When I arrived to pick up the trailer Sam immediately got the purchase process started. Shaun explained all the maintenance and other protection plans available to us. There was no pressure to purchase any of these plans, but we did decide to take advantage of a couple of them for peace of mind as they were very reasonably priced for 5 years of coverage.

Tammy took care of all of the paperwork including the DMV stuff. It was nice to leave with a permanent tag in place and knowing that I didn't have to go to the DMV and handle it myself.

Noah and Christian installed the add-ons and did a full check on the trailer while all of the paperwork stuff was going on. They even stood by patiently while I told Tammy way too many stories about my old cat. Noah and Christian hooked the trailer to my truck and went over the suggested maintenance schedule and a few other recommendations for care. I felt comfortable when I pulled out of the parking lot that things were handled very well.

We traveled about 5 hours from the Outer Banks to pick up the trailer in Thomasville and they had me hooked up and on my way home in a little over an hour. Exceeded my expectations.

Overall flawless purchase from a friendly, knowledgeable and hard working staff.
Kevin W. profile picture
Kevin W.
13:46 29 Dec 25
Everyone was working hard since it was the day after Christmas and these guys were challenged because they had several coworkers out because of covid and flu. Sam was very helpful showing me the trailers that I was looking for, Shawn and Tammy were running around trying to get everyone's paperwork and contracts done, and Chris and Tony were very helpful during hookup even setting the braking on my truck and showing me how to adjust it and what it should be set on. They also went over when I should get everything serviced, best tire pressure and several other helpful tips. I'm sure it was a trying day for all of these guys but it was definitely nice to see a business that had employees that seemed to care.
nehemiah gowens J. profile picture
nehemiah gowens J.
21:42 16 Dec 25
I found this place by chance. I was looking for a used trailer to replace one that had got stolen, when I loaned it to someone. They had one that was very similar, even let me put a little something on it just to hold it while I waited to get reimbursed for the one that got stolen that hasn't happened yet.long story short I ended up getting a new one the people there are great. Sam sold me the trailer.
Shancie went over the contract with me.
Tammy handled my DMV/paperwork
Noah hooked the trailer for me
Thank you all for making this experience as painless as possible
Anthony E. profile picture
Anthony E.
00:47 04 Dec 25
After going to different trailer places and all over to buy a dump trailer, I finally went to the closest trailer dealer to me. I dealt with Sam as a salesperson and she was very knowledgeable about the different types and brands of dump trailers they had to offer. After picking out the dump trailer I wanted , I then inquired about a equipment trailer, after she showed me the different options available, she gave me time to look at them and make a decision while she was working up the deal for the dump trailer. And had all the paperwork done in no time. While they were very busy it was a smooth transaction. Shaun who went over the final paperwork was very knowledgeable and helpful with explaining the contracts and insurance information. Then I dealt with Tammy the title clerk who explained the registration and title process. Then Noah did an outstanding job in going over the trailers each time he hooked them up to my truck, wiring, tire pressures, torque of lug nuts and putting the tags on , guy was very busy and knowledgeable but didn’t hesitate to answer any questions I had. While living in the area all my life and hearing rumors about this place and hearing they were most expensive trailer dealer I was 100% satisfied and will definitely be back. They have every kind of trailer you would need or can get it , in house parts department, in house service department. A 1 stop place for all your trailer needs. They also have flatbeds for trucks!
David B. profile picture
David B.
12:06 26 Nov 25
I recently purchased a Cynergy 8.5x20 Pro Series Trailer from NCTrailer, and this was easily one of the smoothest trailer purchases I have ever made. From my very first request for a quote to the moment I walked out the door, Sam was absolutely exceptional.

Sam went above and beyond in every way, incredibly helpful, responsive, and genuinely kind. There was zero pressure, no haggling, and no back and forth about add ons. I told her exactly what I needed, and she had a detailed quote to me almost immediately. Even when I changed my mind and decided to go with a larger trailer, creating more work for her, she replied instantly with “No problem! I want you to get what you want. I will update it!” That level of customer service is rare these days.

The checkout process was quick and efficient. Everything was ready when I arrived, even though I showed up late and right before a holiday. While I finished the paperwork, one of the techs hooked up the trailer, and we were on our way in no time.

Everything was exactly as described, and the entire experience was refreshingly straightforward. Sam is truly the reason this purchase was so great, and I am grateful for the way she handled every step. I highly recommend asking for her if you are considering a trailer from NCTrailer.
Robin P. profile picture
Robin P.
02:31 24 Nov 25
We recently bought a 36 foot food trailer from NC Trailer Sales in Thomasville, NC. The entire buying experience was top notch. We are very satisfied with our purchase as we have revived a family restaurant in a mobile form.
Our sales rep, David bent over backwards to make us feel at home and took care of every detail of the purchase. He was very knowledgeable and easy to work with. Once we arrived we had the same experience with Shancie in finance. She knew her stuff and made the process very comfortable. Tammy had all of our DMV work completed and made sure we had all of our paperwork in order before we headed out. Noah got us hooked up to hit the road and spent a great deal of time out in the pouring rain to add an electric jack for us and made sure we were safe to travel 2 hours home.
We will definitely recommend this team to our friends and be back for future trailer purchases!! Thank you for a flawless experience!
Robin and Amy
Archie R. profile picture
Archie R.
21:33 28 Sep 25
5 stars from the start. Of the. Sale through the end. I drove 2 hours to Thomasville to this location . My salesman David was very prompt and on point! All the ladies in the office was helpful also! I highly recommend this business to anyone looking to purchase! Thank you David! 2021 5th wheel 40 ft😃
Alianette Del V. profile picture
Alianette Del V.
01:43 10 Aug 25
Thank you to the awesome team at NC trailer! David went above and beyond making it easy for us to choose the right one while giving us a great deal. Shancie was a great help with getting the contract process done quickly. Then there was Tammy in the tag/title department doing an awesome job. Last but not least was Ryan, hooking up our trailer correctly and making sure everything was set. While taking the time to go over every aspect and details of the trailer. Thank you to each team member that helped us. I highly recommend anyone needing a trailer to check them out!
Josh U. profile picture
Josh U.
23:49 06 Jul 25
What a pleasant experience during an incredibly busy day the day before a holiday, David was extremely nice and easy to work with, very knowledgeable. Shancie, Tammy, Ryan and Noah were very helpful and thorough. I was in and out in about an hour which is amazing. Would highly recommend this company to buy a trailer
First Last N. profile picture
First Last N.
12:41 13 Apr 25
Nctrailers Team are awesome !!! Sam the sales representative was very helpful on the phone and when I should up on site. Shanice with my contract. Tammy explaining each process during the DMV registration and paperwork. Ryan was very patient in the pouring rain preparing and getting me connected to the truck and doing the safety checks 5 times to make sure no issues. Thanks nctrailers of Thomasville for professionalism and attention to detail. I definitely be seeing you guys in a few months for a car trailer .

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