Don’t want to...

Don’t want to risk the interior of your pride and joy by ferrying around bricks, rubbish or garden waste? Perhaps your car is simply not big enough to carry rubble? Then a trailer is the answer.

You can pay thousands for a large unit, but between ?200 and ?1,000 will buy a single-axle, unbraked trailer that’s more than capable of shifting DIY and general rubbish. When the need arises, it can carry extra holiday luggage, too.

Maximum gross weights for a trailer range from 300kg-750kg, which most average cars can pull. But your choice will depend on what you plan to carry.

A tailboard is an essential piece of kit to consider. This can be fixed or hinged; the latter is ideal for easy removal of loose material such as branches, leaves or sand. If this is what you plan to do, on some trailers, the entire bed can tip up. Vertical mesh side extensions will increase your load space and are perfect for transporting bulky objects.

On the road

The load needs to be secured when it’s being moved, so check the trailer has plenty of hooks, loops and brackets for anything from simple rope and bungees to ratchet tie-downs. For luggage and camping kit, get a cover – this will also protect the trailer when not in use.

And there’s a fair chance the unit will spend most of its time stored. This is not a problem if you’ve got plenty of space in your garage, but if not, look for a trailer which will stand upright on the rear end. Sunken lights allow it to be tipped without the risk of damage, while designs with a folding wheel and draw bar will take up even less space.

Lengthy storage does the tyres no favours, so a spare wheel is a good investment. This can be kept in the car when towing, or bolted to the trailer. It’s also wise to check you have the tools to change the wheel – the kit that comes in the boot may not be suitable.

Where to buy

As is so often the case, the Internet is a great source of retailers. But if you prefer the personal touch when choosing a trailer, look in the Yellow Pages. Basic units are also available at outlets such as Halfords. Prices start at about ?200, and there’s a big range of accessories.

The usual rule of thumb follows that you get what you pay for. But check whether the trailer you’re considering is self-assembly and what sort of extras come as standard. Also, have a good look at the floor and sides: the thicker these are, the longer the unit will last.

Then there are the usual concerns when you’re buying any piece of kit. If you’re going for a new trailer, confirm what your warranty actually covers, and also ask about customer support in case you need to go back later.

You can pick up second-hand examples through magazines such as Auto Trader, and there are scores on Internet auction sites. Most local suppliers will have a selection of pre-owned trailers, too.

Second-hand supply is plentiful, but theft is common, so note the serial num?ber of what’s being offered, then contact the maker and ask if it has a database of registered owners. Also invest in a lock so you don’t become the next victim.

The law

Assuming you’re driving on public roads, you will need separate rear lights and a number plate – including when you tow your trailer home for the first time! Most suppliers sell tow bars and lampboards if lights are not part of the unit, so make sure everything is compatible. A towing car is limited to 60mph on multi-lane roads and 50mph on all other routes, unless a lower speed limit applies.

As with any vehicle, a trailer needs to be serviced regularly and meet legal requirements on tyres, brakes and lights. An annual check is recommended, so think about who is going to maintain it and how much spares will cost.

Most cars are capable of towing, but it’s wise to check your owner manual to find out what your vehicle’s limit is and whether it can accommodate a tow bar. Also, there are some restrictions on the size of trailer you can pull. A good place to start if you want to find out more is the National Trailer and Towing Association. Visit www.ntta.co.uk or call 01926 335445.