09
Sep
With large-scale manufacturing long gone, we’ve come to rely on imports for everyday basic items we take for granted. From cars to phones, furniture, TVs and clothing, much comes from overseas. What is left of our once-thriving manufacturing sector, has dispersed into small-family owned companies, which in itself is not a bad thing. We get specialised products made by Australians for Australians. You’ll know that the workmanship, materials and overall quality are top-notch in everything you buy. This not only supports the local economy, especially in times like these, but it assures customers of the best products and services.
One sector springing from the closure of automotive plants and the outsourcing of related industries is the production of Australian made trailers. Many small family-owned businesses dot the country. They produce immaculate products, suited to the needs of Australian customers and Australian conditions. And their formula for success at home has proven equally effective abroad, with many companies establishing their footing in Europe, the US and Asia.
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What multinationals still lack is the intimate knowledge of local tastes. In this context, local companies have better insight into what their customers want and need. When it comes to trailers, most companies started out building trailers for themselves or for their mates. Word gets around of just how good the finished products are. This is the rough outline for success of most small companies around the country. With expertise in the field and a few years under their belt, they have come to diversify their product line up to suit an ever-growing number of Aussies.
Trailer companies manufacture a large range of trailers in as many fields. There are universal trailers for loading and unloading just about anything, to specialised trailers used in specialised industries. You’re bound to find a trailer in the dimensions, materials, features and setup to suit your purpose. If not, a benefit of choosing true blue is that you can get a trailer custom built to your specifications, and discuss the details over a few beers.
As the name implies these can be used for just about anything. Most will be flatbed designs with non-slip checker plate decks. Dimensions for the single axle trailers range from widths of 1200mm and lengths of 1800mm, or larger trailers in 1500mm width and at a longer 2500mm. These are ideal for carrying larger items of furniture, motorcycles and buggies, different types of machines and equipment, all secured in fixed tying points. The trailer sits on a heavy-duty chassis placed on a strengthened axle and can take a beating. The drawbar is longer for easier maneuvering and consists of galvanised steel. Optional extras include ramps, electric brakes and uprated suspension. If this is small for your needs, go for the tandem axle universal trailer coming in at 1800mm width and 3500mm length.
Similar in design to tandem axle universal trailers, car trailers are designed for the safe transport of vehicles and machinery. They are somewhat longer, coming in at just under 4 metres, and wider to accommodate a range of vehicles. Beds are made of non-slip galvanised steel and sit on sturdy chassis able to haul up to 3 tonnes. Painted options are also sold. For better safety independent disc brakes, leaf spring suspension and longer drawbars are included.
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Box trailers come with side, rear and front plates. There are smaller single axle box trailers with beds and plates made from innovative materials, from patented and durable polyethylene, to galvanised or painted trailers, tradie trailers, and trailers equipped with off-road specs. Larger tandem axle box trailers come in similar configurations but can haul more weight. There are also tippers with auto hydraulic tipping, handy around construction sites, farms or in house renovations. Most box trailers can be equipped with gates of different heights to protect your load. Galvanised and polyethylene models will better stand up to abuse from harsh weather and unsealed roads. Lengths vary from 1200mm all the way up to 3600mm in larger tippers.
Off-road trailers can be specced with heavy-duty single or tandem axles, sitting higher than regular trailers thanks to bigger off-road wheels and heavier suspension. Drawbars are longer and heavier and different hitch designs are available for safe hauling in tough terrain. Farm-specific trailers include livestock trailers which can be optioned with the cages and tops of your choice and designs for particular animal types. Carrying capacities and weight are also up to the customer. For remote farms, look to Water cartage trailers, available with tanks up to 4000 litres.
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Enclosed trailers for transporting fragile or valuable goods are available in standard sizes, while you can choose from lower or taller enclosures depending on your needs. Chassis are standard galvanised steel, while enclosures are quality aluminium, steel or composites, with rear or sides doors, heavy-duty hinges and recessed metal locks for security. Customers can also choose between different colours.
Other trailer types include various small industrial trailers, like scissor lifts, toy trailers for dirt bikes, kayaks and canoes and the famous Bunnings trailer.
One of the benefits of buying Australian made trailers is that you can build a trailer to suit your needs. Anything can be included from the choice of different materials, safety options, designs, and any details that come in handy. Dimensions and carrying capacity can be tailored to the loads you usually carry. You get quality build, using local materials and know-how. What’s more, all trailers built locally will stand up to anything, in all terrain types. Builders offer different warranty options and are flexible in catering to meet all your trailer requirements.
