Navigating Your Options: How to Choose a Trailer That Works for You

How to Pick the Perfect Trailer

Choosing the right trailer can be an overwhelming task, especially with so many options available. Whether you have to haul equipment for your business, plan family adventures, or need reliable transport for a vehicle, finding the perfect trailer requires a clear understanding of your needs. We’re here to cover essential factors that you should consider when thinking about how to choose a trailer, from types and sizes to weight capacity and additional features.

Define the Purpose of the Trailer

The first step in choosing a trailer is to identify its primary purpose. The type of trailer that will best suit your needs depends heavily on what you plan to haul:

For Business Use: Equipment-heavy businesses like landscaping, construction, or moving often require specific trailer types, such as utility, dump, or flatbed trailers.

For Recreational Use: If your focus is on leisure, consider trailers suited for hauling ATVs, boats, motorcycles, or campers. Enclosed trailers are ideal for safeguarding vehicles from the elements.

For Personal Transport: If you need to transport a car or motorcycle, an enclosed car hauler or flatbed trailer will provide security and stability during transit. If you need a trailer to move furniture and boxes, an enclosed trailer is a popular choice.

Understanding the primary purpose helps narrow down trailer types and ensures you’re focused on models suited to your needs.

A white enclosed cargo trailer on the lot at Country Blacksmith Trailers.

Choose Between Open and Enclosed Trailers

One of the key decisions in how to choose a trailer is whether to go for an open or enclosed design. Both have unique benefits:

Open Trailers: These trailers are typically lighter and more affordable. They’re easy to load and unload, which makes them great for hauling landscaping equipment, ATVs, or building materials. The drawback is exposure to weather conditions and potential security concerns, as open trailers do not have locks.

Enclosed Trailers: Enclosed trailers offer added protection for cargo, shielding it from the weather and offering more security with lockable doors. They’re ideal for high-value items or sensitive equipment. However, they’re usually heavier and more expensive than open trailers, which could impact fuel economy and towing requirements.

Select the Right Size and Dimensions

Size is a crucial consideration, as trailers come in so many different dimensions. The right size depends on your cargo, and it’s essential to get a trailer that provides sufficient space without unnecessary bulk.

Smaller Trailers (4×6 to 6×12): Ideal for carrying smaller loads such as landscaping tools, single motorcycles, or small equipment.

Medium Trailers (7×14 to 8.5×16): Suitable for larger equipment, several motorcycles, or general hauling tasks. This size provides ample space while remaining maneuverable.

Larger Trailers (18+ feet): Ideal for car haulers, multiple ATVs, or commercial use. Be mindful of the towing vehicle’s capacity, as these larger trailers add significant weight.

Assess Weight Capacity and Payload

Weight capacity refers to the maximum weight a trailer can safely carry, and the right capacity is essential for safety and efficiency. Exceeding this limit can damage the trailer, endanger the tow vehicle, and compromise road safety.

Single-Axle Trailers: Typically have a lower weight capacity (up to 3,500 pounds) and are best suited for lighter loads and short-distance hauling. They’re affordable and easier to maneuver but may not be ideal for heavy equipment.

Tandem-Axle Trailers: Designed for higher capacities (up to 7,000 pounds or more), tandem-axle trailers provide better stability and are ideal for hauling heavier loads. These trailers are a great choice for construction equipment, cars and other large vehicles.

Make sure to add up the combined weight of your cargo and equipment to determine the appropriate capacity for your trailer. Also, check your vehicle’s towing capacity to avoid overloading.

Trailers for sale on a lot when deciding how to choose a trailer.

Consider Material: Steel vs. Aluminum

When it comes to how to choose a trailer, the material of the trailer frame and body is a key factor. The two main options are steel and aluminum, each offering unique benefits:

Steel Trailers: Known for strength and durability, steel trailers are ideal for heavy-duty use. They’re less expensive than aluminum but tend to be heavier and can be prone to rust if not maintained properly. If your trailer will be exposed to snow or rain regularly, ensure it’s treated with a corrosion-resistant finish.

Aluminum Trailers: Aluminum is lightweight, rust-resistant, and requires less maintenance than steel. While aluminum trailers are often more expensive, they’re easier to tow and offer excellent durability. If fuel efficiency is a priority or you need to haul lighter loads, aluminum may be the better choice.

A red Load Trail utility trailer on our lot.

Look for Ease of Loading and Accessibility

Accessibility is another essential factor in how to choose a trailer. Look for features that make loading and unloading easier and more secure:

Ramps and Lift Gates: Trailers with ramps or lift gates are perfect for loading heavy equipment, ATVs, or motorcycles. Some trailers come with built-in ramps, while others require detachable options.

Side Doors and Rear Access: Enclosed trailers often come with side doors or multiple access points, making it easier to reach tools and equipment stored inside. These doors are convenient and allow for efficient organization.

Tie-Down Points and Shelving: Make sure the trailer has ample tie-down points to secure your cargo. Some trailers come with shelves or customizable storage options. These can be handy if you need to store tools, smaller equipment or spare parts.

Towing Capacity and Compatibility with Your Vehicle

A crucial part of how to choose a trailer is ensuring it’s compatible with your tow vehicle. Each vehicle has a specific towing capacity determined by its engine, transmission and other components. Exceeding this limit can damage your vehicle and reduce its lifespan.

Hitch Type: Different trailers require specific hitch types, ranging from ball hitches to gooseneck hitches. Ensure your tow vehicle is compatible with the hitch setup of your chosen trailer.

Vehicle Towing Capacity: Before making a purchase, check the towing capacity in your vehicle’s manual. Match the trailer weight (including cargo) with your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity for safe and efficient hauling.

Sport utility vehicle towing a small jet ski trailer in a Michigan, USA.

Evaluate Trailer Maintenance Requirements

Maintenance is an inevitable part of trailer ownership, so it’s wise to understand what upkeep will be needed for your choice. Steel trailers often need periodic rustproofing and paint touch-ups, while aluminum trailers may require less maintenance but can be pricier to repair if damaged.

Inspecting Tires and Bearings: Check tire pressure and inspect bearings regularly to avoid breakdowns and ensure smooth towing. Regular lubrication of moving parts also prevents wear and tear.

Cleaning and Protecting the Frame: For steel trailers, corrosion-resistant treatments will help protect against rust, especially in wet or snowy environments. Aluminum trailers should be cleaned regularly to maintain their shine and prevent minor corrosion.

Set a Budget

The final aspect in how to choose a trailer is setting a realistic budget that accommodates both the upfront purchase and any additional features you may need. Consider the following:

Total Cost of Ownership: Factor in the cost of insurance, registration and potential maintenance expenses.

Financing Options: Many dealerships offer financing plans to spread out the cost. This can be beneficial if you’re investing in a high-quality trailer that may be more expensive but offers superior durability and functionality.

Get the Right Trailer with Country Blacksmith

When it comes to how to choose a trailer, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. By carefully evaluating your needs and understanding the importance of size, weight capacity, material, and additional features, you can confidently select a trailer that will serve you well for years. At Country Blacksmith Trailer Sales, we’re here to help you find the perfect trailer that meets your needs and budget. We have trailers for sale in a wide range of brands and models, from lightweight utility trailers to enclosed cargo trailers for sale. With the right trailer, you’ll be ready to tackle any job, haul your equipment safely and make the most of your investment.

Cargo Trailers: The Best Brands to Shop

There are dozens of manufacturing companies producing high-quality trailers of every size and color. However, how do you know which brands make the best cargo trailers? Well, we’re going to highlight a few names we feel have earned a spot as some of the most trusted and reliable trailer manufacturers around. In addition, we’ll note important features you may want to consider during your next purchase. 

Enclosed Trailer Manufacturer Highlights 

The amazing thing about enclosed trailers is that they can be used for almost anything! They provide your cargo protection from the outside elements, so you can store anything from sensitive equipment and tools to big-ticket items like cars and ATVs. It’s also possible to customize these trailers with shelves, sinks, and other fixtures, turning your trailer into a mobile workshop or temporary home. Standard sizes for enclosed trailers are between 5 and 8.5 feet wide. Lengths can vary from 8 to 32 feet long, and heights can be customized to be raised incrementally by 6 inches. Below are some brands we chose that are both well-built and reliable. 

Homesteader enclosed cargo trailers red

Homesteader Trailers

GVWR: 7,000 – 9,950 pounds (bumper pull)

This trailer brand currently produces six different bumper pull models of enclosed trailers, from more affordable (like the Challenger Series) to more expensive models. All Homesteader models come standard with a 32” side door for easy access to the front of the trailer, as well as front aluminum treadplates to protect your trailer from bouncing road debris.  These trailers come in single or tandem axle for heavier loads, along with several rear door options.  Many models are built with a V-Nose which is said to be more aerodynamic and definitely increases floor space. Homesteader also makes a horse cargo trailer called the Stallion for horse enthusiasts, and for extreme heavy lifting, their gooseneck series has a GVWR of up to 15,600 pounds! Whether you are looking for a small cargo trailer to pull behind a car or SUV, or larger models that can hold a car inside, this brand has a model for you! Browse our Homesteader enclosed cargo trailers for sale!

Gray stealth cargo trailers

Stealth Trailers

GVWR: 2000-21,000 pounds (bumper pull)
Offering up eight different lightweight cargo trailers, Stealth delivers a lot of features for the price. From their entry-level Mustang to the heavy monster hauler like the Predator. Many models have the choice between a rear single barn door or a ramp, as well as a side entry door option. Most bumper pull models sport the aerodynamic V-nose and front aluminum treadplates. Stealth also produces an enclosed trailer with a gooseneck called the Raptor that has a GVWR of 15,240 pounds. For transporting heavy loads and handling hard work, browse Stealth cargo trailers for sale! 

White Featherlite enclosed trailers.

Featherlite Trailers

GVWR: 7,000-10,000 pounds (bumper pull)

Featherlite has many design options for its enclosed trailers to suit many purposes. Recreational models are made for ATVs, motorcycles and snowmobiles. Their horse trailers have models with living quarters, which resemble fifth wheel campers. With 30 years of NASCAR experience, Featherlite prides itself on its aluminum car haulers that are both heavy-duty and lightweight. Another point worthy of mentioning is that this brand can do large-scale custom builds that can turn any trailer into a mobile business. Featherlite Trailers may be light, but they are loaded with features that make your enclosed trailer more than a storage space, but an extension of your home or business. Looking for a trailer that will make you and your tools feel at home? Check out these Featherlite enclosed cargo trailers for sale! 

Gray Country Blacksmith enclosed cargo trailer.

Country Blacksmith Trailers

GVWR: 3,500-10,400 (bumper pull) 

We couldn’t finish a list without highlighting our own brand of trailer. Country Blacksmith produces our very own custom enclosed trailers. Coming standard with side doors and aluminum built with a steel frame, our trailers can carry heavy loads without being heavy themselves. See our new and used enclosed cargo trailers for sale! 

Whether you need a new enclosed trailer or another trailer type, our team here at Country Blacksmith Trailers is happy to assist you with all your trailer needs. We offer many new and used cargo trailers for sale in Illinois, from reliable brands like Homesteader, Featherlite more! From trailer parts and accessories to new custom trailers, Country Blacksmith is here to serve you!  

Manufacturer Spotlight: Aluma Trailers

All images courtesy of Aluma Trailers.

All About Aluma Trailers

In the world of trailers, few names resonate as distinctly as Aluma. Known for their unparalleled commitment to quality, durability, and innovation, Aluma Trailers stand out in a crowded marketplace. Here at Country Blacksmith Trailer Sales, an esteemed Illinois-based dealership, we take immense pride in offering Aluma’s exceptional range of trailers, perfectly suited for a variety of uses and industries.

At Country Blacksmith Trailer Sales, we value quality, dependability, and innovation in every product we offer. That’s why we are proud to feature Aluma Trailers, a brand synonymous with excellence in the trailer industry. Delve into the rich history of Aluma, the highlights of what sets them apart, the reasons to choose Aluma, and why Country Blacksmith Trailer Sales is your go-to dealership in Illinois for Aluma Trailers.

The Legacy of Aluma Trailers

Aluma’s journey began over two decades ago with a vision to revolutionize the trailer industry. Recognizing the limitations of traditional steel trailers, Aluma promoted the use of aluminum to construct trailers that are lighter, more durable, and resistant to rust and corrosion. This innovation marked the beginning of Aluma’s legacy, transforming it from a small operation to a leading name in the industry. Today, Aluma continues to push the boundaries with its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

A classic, antique black car loaded onto an Aluma Trailer.

The Aluma Difference

What truly sets Aluma apart is its unparalleled commitment to quality trailers. Each trailer is crafted from the highest-grade aluminum, offering a lightweight yet tough solution that stands the test of time. This unique combination not only enhances fuel efficiency by reducing tow weight but also ensures longevity, as aluminum is naturally resistant to rust and corrosion. For those in the Midwest, where weather conditions can be harsh and unpredictable, this feature is invaluable. Here are a few key aspects that define the Aluma difference:

Durability: Aluma trailers are designed to withstand harsh conditions without succumbing to rust or corrosion, ensuring longevity and reliability.

Lightweight Design: The use of aluminum makes Aluma trailers significantly lighter than their steel counterparts, enhancing fuel efficiency and making them easier to tow.

Innovative Features: Aluma continually incorporates cutting-edge features into its trailers, from specialized solutions, like their wide-body trailer line, to a reliable 5-year warranty. They ensure that every trailer is as functional as it is reliable.

A Wide Array of Choices for Every Need

Aluma’s product range is as diverse as the needs of its customers. There’s an Aluma trailer for every purpose, from utility trailers perfect for weekend projects or landscaping needs, to car haulers designed for the auto enthusiast or professional. They even make aluminum truck beds, picnic tables, and benches!

Why Choose Aluma Trailers

Choosing an Aluma trailer means investing in a product that delivers on multiple fronts. Whether you need a trailer for personal use, such as hauling equipment for weekend play, or for professional purposes, like transporting vehicles or machinery, Aluma offers a versatile range of options to meet every need. Here’s why you should consider Aluma for your next trailer purchase:

Versatility: With a wide range of models, including utility trailers, car haulers, and tilt trailers. Aluma offers solutions for almost every hauling need.

Customization: Aluma understands that one size doesn’t fit all, offering parts and accessories options to tailor your trailer to your specific requirements.

Low Maintenance: The durability and corrosion resistance of Aluma trailers translate to lower maintenance costs and fewer repairs over time.

Resale Value: Aluma trailers retain their value better than many other brands, ensuring that your investment holds its worth.

Motorcycles loaded onto an Aluma trailer.

Aluma at Country Blacksmith Trailer Sales

When it comes to purchasing an Aluma trailer, there’s no better place than Country Blacksmith Trailer Sales. Our commitment to excellence mirrors Aluma’s, making us the ideal partner for your trailer needs.

Our knowledgeable team understands the intricacies of every Aluma model, ensuring that you find the perfect match. We work closely with Aluma and our other partnered manufacturers to provide many model options, ensuring that your trailer is precisely what you need. A long-standing relationship with Aluma means we offer not just trailers, but comprehensive solutions and a five-year warranty backed by expertise and trust.

Plus, you can be confident in your purchase after the initial sale is complete. From the moment you step into our dealership to the after-sales support, we’re dedicated to providing an unmatched customer service experience.

Shop Aluma Trailers in Illinois at Country Blacksmith

Aluma Trailers represents the pinnacle of aluminum trailer design and manufacturing, offering an unmatched combination of durability, functionality, and innovation. At Country Blacksmith Trailer Sales, we’re proud to stand behind a brand that aligns with our quality and customer satisfaction values. Whether you’re in the market for a lightweight utility trailer or a durable car hauler, Aluma and Country Blacksmith Trailer Sales have you covered. Visit us today and experience the Aluma advantage firsthand.

Choosing a Trailer for my Landscape Business

Picking a trailer for your landscape business can be an overwhelming task. There are tons of aspects to consider, and you want to choose the best trailer within your budget. This trailer is an investment for your business, and you don’t want to choose the wrong one. Here at Country Blacksmith Trailers, our experts can help you choose the right trailer for your landscape business. This blog includes some of the most important questions to ask when choosing a landscape trailer.

How heavy is my cargo?

The first consideration when picking a trailer for your landscape business is what you plan to haul. Do you have many small tools? Or larger, heavier materials you need to bring? If you have a lot of equipment, or large equipment, you need to choose a trailer that’s large enough and has a high payload capacity. Make sure your trailer deck is longer and wider than all your equipment. Look into the weight of your heaviest lawn equipment to ensure the combined weight is within the trailer’s payload capacity. This might be the most important question when choosing a landscape trailer.

A person carries shears toward a lawnmower.

What can my truck tow?

Another item you need to research is your vehicle. It’s fairly easy to search the make and model of your car online to find the tow and payload capacity. Make sure the trailer is much lighter than your work vehicle’s tow capacity, because you’ll need to add the weight of the equipment onto the trailers GVWR.

Where will my materials be stored?

The next question to ask yourself is where your trailer and equipment will be stored. If you plan to store your trailer and materials outside overnight and on non-work days, enclosed trailers are probably your best bet. Enclosed trailers can be locked shut so your lawn equipment can’t be stolen. Enclosed trailers also protect your equipment from environmental factors, like sunshine, rain and snow. On the other hand, if you have a shed or garage to secure your trailer in open trailers are okay too. You can store your entire trailer, or unload your equipment at the end of the day into a safe storage space.

A man lays out sod grass next to a walkway.

What can I afford?

One of the most important considerations in picking a trailer for your landscape business is your budget. While you may be hesitant to spend a lot of money on a new trailer, remember that it’s an investment for your business and should be treated as such. You may be tempted to choose a smaller trailer for a lower price, but an overloaded trailer is dangerous and can cost you more money in the long run. At Country Blacksmith Trailers, we offer financing options on our trailers. Fill out a loan application on our website to see what we can do to get you the right trailer with the right payment plan for you.

Is it easy to load?

The last aspect to consider is how difficult the new landscape trailer is to load. Easy, safe access to lawn equipment for you and your crew is important. Easily getting to the necessary equipment makes the job faster and safer for everyone involved. This is where open utility trailers have an advantage. Your landscape team can easily reach over the sides of open trailers to grab what they need, instead of walking through an enclosed cargo trailer.

There are benefits to both open and enclosed trailers when it comes to choosing a trailer for your landscape business. If you need help picking a trailer for your landscape business, our expert sales team at Country Blacksmith Trailers is happy to help. Visit us online or in person to see our full trailer inventory. If we don’t have the right trailer for your landscape business on the lot, we’ll work with you to order a custom trailer. Stop by, call or shop our online inventory today!

Manufacturer Spotlight: PJ Trailers

All images courtesy of PJ Trailers. 

At Country Blacksmith Trailers, we consider ourselves experts on all things related to trailers and their accessories. Our dealership takes immense pride in being the go-to destination for new and used trailers in Illinois. We strive to offer our customers top-notch service and a diverse inventory to choose from. To ensure we provide the best of the best, we are thrilled to offer trailers from PJ Trailers.

We believe that they are one of the leading trailer manufacturers in the industry and are proud to have them in our dealership. In this blog, we will delve into the history of PJ Trailers, highlight some of their most popular models, and discuss why they have become a top choice for trailer enthusiasts across the country. So, continue reading to discover more about the company and explore what makes their trailers stand out.

About PJ Trailers

As one of the leading trailer manufacturers in the industry, PJ Trailers is a highly respected and well-known trailer manufacturer. Since its establishment in 1991, PJ has become a premier trailer manufacturer in North America, offering a broad range of trailers for both business and personal use.

This manufacturer certainly has an extensive selection of trailers to choose from, including flatdeck, deckover, tilt trailers, dump trailers, carhaulers, and utility trailers. Their trailers are built with the latest technology and materials to ensure maximum durability and performance. And each trailer is equipped with premium components and features a 3-year frame warranty.

PJ Trailer with ATVs

PJ Trailers at Country Blacksmith

Indeed, this manufacturer has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality trailers that cater to a variety of needs. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular PJ Trailers for sale at our Illinois dealership!

Flatbed Trailers

PJ Trailers offers flatbed trailers with impressive features that make them stand out from the competition. Their I-beam goosenecks, which come standard on every PJ gooseneck, are stronger and more durable than the commonly used c-channel necks. Lifetime LED lights are also included as a standard feature on every trailer, offering bright lighting and energy efficiency. Their flatbed trailers are equipped with rub rails with stake pockets and pipe spools on 12″ centers, providing numerous tie-down points and increased strength. PJ Trailers also uses 3″ channel cross-members on 16″ centers for increased deck strength and tightly spaced cross-members. Additionally, the trailers have a 6″ x 2″ tube outside frame for fully enclosed wiring and lighting protection. Underframe bridging and 21″ wide flip-over ramps add extra strength and ease of use. Finally, PJ Goosenecks come standard with a front locking toolbox made of steel diamond plate, providing ample storage space for tools and equipment.

A PJ Trailers dump trailer dumps dirt in front of a house.

Utility Trailers

They also offer a wide selection of utility trailers, each designed for optimal performance and built to last. One of the standout features of PJ Trailers’ utility trailers is the patent-pending Ready Rail® system. This innovative rail system allows users to easily customize their trailer with bolt-on accessories to meet their specific needs. Whether you need to haul ATVs, lawnmowers, or any other type of cargo, Ready Rail® can be configured to accommodate your needs. This unique feature is only available on PJ Trailers, making them the go-to choice for those looking for a versatile and customizable utility trailer. See our inventory of PJ Trailers for sale.

Dump Trailers

Their dump trailers are built with durability and performance in mind. The heavy-duty 10-gauge smooth plate sides and floors make these trailers stand out from others on the market, preventing warping and deformation of the bed. With over 40 features and benefits, including two-way gates as a standard feature, these trailers are designed to make your job easier. The two-way barn door and spreader gate provide versatility when loading and unloading materials. Additionally, all PJ dump trailers over 14,000 lbs. include a scissor hoist as a standard feature, ensuring more lifting power than single or twin hydraulic cylinders. The scissor design is also more stable when raising and lowering uneven or shifting loads. Trust PJ Trailers to provide you with a high-quality and reliable dump trailer that can handle any job.

Tilt Trailers

PJ tilt trailers are designed with a focus on durability and efficiency. The car hauler tilt tails have a unique “knife-edge” design that lays flush to the ground, eliminating the need for the driver to drive over a bump when loading equipment with small wheels, winching vehicles onto the deck, or in wet/icy conditions. The cross-members on these trailers are made with 3″ channel spacing, which is closer than most other manufacturers, providing increased deck strength. Additionally, PJ Trailers use radial tires on their tilt trailers, which offer superior fuel economy, less vibration, a softer ride, and longer life due to less heat being generated. These features make PJ tilt trailers a reliable and efficient option for those looking to transport heavy equipment.

Shop PJ Trailers for Sale in Illinois at Country Blacksmith

Country Blacksmith is proud to offer a vast array of PJ Trailers, including flatbed, gooseneck, utility, dump, and tilt trailers. Additionally, we provide a user-friendly trailer customization option that lets you add almost any feature you desire. To customize your trailer, all you have to do is select the options you want online and add them to your cart. For trailer customization questions or quotes, feel free to contact us or visit our trailer specialists at our stores located in Carterville, IL, and Mount Vernon, IL.

Manufacturer Spotlight: Diamond C Trailers for Sale in Illinois

All images in this blog are courtesy of Diamond C Trailers. 

At Country Blacksmith Trailers, we pride ourselves on being your source for new and used trailers for sale in Illinois. From our service to our inventory, we aim to give our customers the best of the best. This is why we are happy to carry Diamond C Trailers. Read on to learn more about the company and why we are proud to provide their trailers at our dealership.

About Diamond C Trailers

Diamond C is a leading trailer manufacturer that has been operating since 1985. The company is based in Texas and produces a wide range of trailers, including utility trailers, car haulers, tilt trailers, dump trailers, and equipment trailers. Over the decades, they have built a reputation for quality and durability, and their trailers are used by businesses and individuals across the country.

What sets this brand apart from other trailer manufacturers is their commitment to innovation and quality. They invest heavily in research and development to ensure that their trailers are built to last and meet the needs of their customers. They use advanced technology and materials to manufacture their trailers, and they have a team of experienced engineers who work to design and build trailers that are both functional and reliable.

The Diamond C Difference

Another way that this manufacturer stands out is their commitment to customer service. They understand that buying a trailer is a significant investment, and they want to make sure that their customers are satisfied with their purchase.

Undoubtedly, Diamond C knows how to build a trailer that is long-lasting, heavy duty and offers all the right options. Their trailers have features like lifetime LED lights, sealed wiring harnesses, Lippert axles, radial tires, DM difference maker coating system, and a patented engineered beam frame.

Diamond C trailers also have a baked-on powder-coat finish. This finish holds up very well under high salt conditions and is, in our opinion, the best of any trailer manufacturer. They use a detailed prep process and special primer to make sure their trailers look fantastic after years of use. Beyond that, they are truly trailer pioneers with many industry-first trailer innovations. Diamond C has led the trailer industry with innovations such as the low-profile I-beam dump, I-beam equipment trailers and the Engineered Beam gooseneck.

Closeup of Diamond C name on a green trailer.

Why We Love Diamond C Trailers

Diamond C Trailers is a family owned and operated company, and they truly operate their business with a foundation of traditional family morals, like honesty, respect, humbleness, and integrity. Not only do they build one of the best steel-framed open trailers that you will find, but they have an unparalleled company culture. We truly enjoy doing business with them and are confident in their brand for this reason. The Country Blacksmith Trailers team is also consistently pleased with the quality of their products. They are leaders in the field, and we enjoy being part of their dealer network!

At Country Blacksmith Trailers, we sell more than 50 models of Diamond C Trailers and can customize them with additional features. The trailers come with tons of standard features and continue to lead the trailer industry through excellent quality and value, cutting edge innovation, and superior customer service. Shop our inventory of Diamond C tilts, car haulers, flatbed, equipment, skid steer, gooseneck, and dump trailers.

Popular Trailer Types

One aspect that we appreciate about this manufacturer is the variety of trailers they offer. Whether you need a trailer for hauling heavy equipment, transporting livestock, or moving furniture, Diamond C Trailers has a trailer that will suit your needs. Their trailers come in different sizes and designs, and they can be customized to fit your specific requirements.

Gray Diamond C dump trailer in use.

Dump Trailers

Their dump trailers are one of the most popular Diamond C trailer types. These trailers are designed to handle heavy loads and make it easy to unload materials. Their dump trailers come in different sizes and capacities, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. They are built with heavy-duty materials and have hydraulic systems that make it easy to lift and lower the trailer bed.

Equipment Trailers

Another popular trailer manufactured by Diamond C is the equipment trailer. These are flatbed trailers constructed to transport heavy equipment, such as bulldozers, backhoes, and excavators. Their equipment trailers are built with heavy-duty materials and have features like ramps and tie-downs to make it easy to load and secure your equipment.

The new Fleetneck Engineered Beam showcases Diamond C innovation. This heavy equipment trailer model is taller, lighter, and stronger than other I-Beam trailers. With an arch in the middle to help prevent sagging, this trailer is optimized end-to-end. And the tandem-dual gooseneck weights can be reduced by 300 to 1,000+ pounds, all the while able to handle a higher payload. If you have any questions about these trailers, please give us a call!

Utility Trailers

This manufacturer also produces a wide range of utility trailers. These trailers are for general-purpose use and can be used to haul anything from firewood to furniture. Their utility trailers are built with high-quality materials and have features like ramp gates and tie-downs to make it easy to load and secure your cargo. They come in different sizes and hauling capabilities. At Country Blacksmith Trailers, we carry new and used utility trailers of any size, with options that cater to any budget and preference.

Cars loaded on a trailer. Closeup on loading ramps.

Car Hauler Trailers

Another type of flatbed trailer produced by Diamond C Trailers is the flatbed car hauler. These trailers are designed to transport cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Their car haulers come in different sizes and connections, like gooseneck or bumper pull. They are built with heavy-duty materials and have features like ramps and tie-downs to make it easy to load and secure your vehicles. Moreover, we have flatbed car haulers with steel floors, standup ramps, slide-in ramps, toolboxes, and more. At Country Blacksmith Trailers we have tons of options for you to choose from!

Where to find Diamond C Trailers for sale in Illinois

Diamond C is a leading trailer manufacturer that has built a reputation for quality and durability. Their trailers are used by businesses and individuals across the country, and they offer a wide range of trailers to suit different needs. Whether you need a trailer for hauling heavy equipment, carrying cargo, or transporting cars, they make a trailer that will suit your needs. Their commitment to innovation and quality ensures that their trailers are built to last and meet the needs of their customers.

At Country Blacksmith, we have a huge selection of factory authorized Diamond C trailers including flatbed, dump, gooseneck, and equipment trailers. We also offer customizable add-on features that make trailer customization easy! You can customize your trailer online by checking the options you want and then adding them to your cart. If you have any questions, give us a call or stop by our Carterville, IL, or Mount Vernon, IL, stores to talk to a trailer specialist!

Your Rent to Own Trailers Questions Answered!

Finding affordable new trailers for sale is not always an easy search. This has been compounded by the negative effects the pandemic had on almost every industry. Supply chain delays, rising costs of building materials and inflation have made trailers and most other products much more expensive. For anyone, especially a startup or small business, rent to own trailers are the best option when you need to buy new on a budget.

Renting trailers can be costly if done over a long period of time, and you may not get the nicest model. Additionally, no matter how long you rent a trailer, you’ll never own it. Consequently, buying a nice new trailer outright comes with a hefty price tag, and may require passing credit checks, financing, and massive down payments.

A truck and trailer full of watermelons parked outside a shopping center.

What Are Rent to Own Trailers?

Rent to own programs are a great way to finance a new trailer purchase with poor credit, little cash and low risk. When the trailer is paid off within the agreed term, ownership is transferred to the renter. Unlike a traditional lease, there are no penalties for ending the contract. The only requirement is that the trailer is returned, and the current month is paid. But why lease to own a trailer? There are many reasons this is a desirable option:

  • Lower down payments compared to buying.
  • No need for a bank or financing agency.
  • Option for people with bad credit or no credit at all.
  • It’s easier to budget, especially for businesses trying to lower startup costs.
  • Early payoffs are rewarded with trailer discounts.
  • Trailer can be returned at any time during the term without extra charges.
  • Ownership is transferred to renter at the end of contract.

A trailer for rent to own is returnable if you change your mind or can’t afford it anymore. However, you will be on the hook for things like downpayments and other dealer fees which may be non-refundable. It’s important to always review the return policy and fees associated with returns.

How Does Rent to Own Trailers Work?

After downpayments and initial dealer fees are paid, the remaining cost is divided into equal monthly payments. After the final payment, you own the trailer! You can also save money if there is an early buyout opportunity in your contract. Typically, a downpayment is charged when the lease is signed, at pickup, or divided between both. If you prefer to have your trailer delivered, then some trailer dealerships will offer an inhouse or third-party delivery service and include that as part of your cost.

Some trailer dealers may include trailer insurance as part of the scheduled payments. However, it’s recommended that the customer purchase general liability insurance as well if you are using the trailer regularly for your business.

Two people shake hands over a signed contract.

As far as choosing the right contract payment structure, it always saves money to choose the shorter terms. Although a contract with a longer term may bring your monthly payment down, it can also bring the total cost up. For example, a calculated monthly payment for a 36-month term contract on a $10,000 trailer could be $480 a month, but on a 48-month term it might be $440 a month. Despite the higher monthly payment for the 36-month term, you save thousands due to lower interest and fewer payments.

What You Need to Get Started

Lease to own requirements may differ due to variables like the business and the trailer’s retail value. If you are looking to purchase an expensive or custom trailer, like a concessions trailer, the process could involve proof of income, listed assets and expenses, or more. However at Country Blacksmith Trailers, we have a simple process for our rent to own trailers in Illinois. All we need are the following items:

  • A valid driver’s license.
  • A valid vehicle insurance card.
  • Official proof of address.
  • The initial down payment.

Visit Our Rent to Own Trailers Page!

Where to Find Rent to Own Trailers

Many trailer dealerships now offer this program to customers as a flexible way to finance new trailers. However, you need to find a trailer dealer near you or that offers their rent to own program to your state. At Country Blacksmith Trailers, our rent to own program extends to the following twenty-seven states:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Whether you need a bumper pull or gooseneck trailer, Country Blacksmith Trailers has dozens of new flatbed, dump and utility trailers available for rent to own customers. You can apply online or in person at our trailer dealerships in Carterville or Mount Vernon, Illinois. Contact us today if you have any questions or wish to get a quote on one of our lease to own trailers. We’ll get you towing in no time!