Transporting goods is impossible without the proper equipment to carry it, obvious right? Well sometimes it can be a little difficult to predict what you\u2019ll need for the job. Even if you know the size of the goods they might have certain needs you need to care for. Or perhaps you are starting out and are considering what you should invest in, van or trailer? Here are some headache avoiding pointers on what to bring on your job.<\/p>\n
By van we mean something with a roof and walls. Flatbed vans are more similar to trailers in this section because they offer similar features. A van offers a closed, sheltered environment for goods, excellent for delicate or soft goods like furniture or domestic electronics.<\/p>\n
The problem is space. Having a bigger van solves this issue but that\u2019s expensive. Also most vans just come with a flat empty space, good for putting items in but not offering much in anchor points for straps. These can be added of course. Rails and clips are conveniently sized but your size of van and the type of support can vary costs wildly.<\/p>\n
The benefits to a trailer are pretty much the opposite of a van\u2019s weaknesses. They usually have secure points to strap things down and can have more bolted on. Space is less of an issue because no roof means you can put taller objects on than any van (With proper securing of course).<\/p>\n
Problems are, as expected, the opposite of a van\u2019s strengths. Unless you get one with a roof they expose your goods to the elements. Even with a roof and door they\u2019re less sheltered than a fully enclosed van. This means delicate objects will be more at risk then if they were in a van.<\/p>\n
Whichever you choose for how practical they are to carry things you have to take into account how much driving you\u2019ll be doing with them. Vans are the easier option when it comes to driving. They are all one unit and drive like any other car. Hitching a trailer means you\u2019ll be doubling the length of your vehicle and the turning point in the middle makes them easier to turn but reversing becomes near impossible. Jack-knifing is the enemy of many trailer users from caravaners to lorry drivers.<\/p>\n