Regardless of the dinghy trailer you choose for your boat, it is important to choose a road-worthy trailer that is street legal. Buying used is a good idea if you are on a tight budget, but it is important to choose a dinghy trailer that is in good condition; inspecting the trailer for damage or rust is vitally important, and all the components that make the trailer street-legal in your area must be present or must be able to be added. The size of the trailer will ultimately depend on the size of your dinghy.
The dinghy trailer should feature carpeted bunks, which are guide rails that help keep the vessel in place when it is mounted on the trailer. The bunks are carpeted to prevent the hull of the boat from becoming scratched or otherwise damaged. Make sure the dinghy trailer you choose has bunks that are the proper size, and has adequate carpeting to protect the hull of your boat. In many cases, the bunks can be re-carpeted, so if they are not in great shape when you are inspecting a used trailer, take note as to whether the carpets can be replaced easily for a low cost.
Many dinghy trailer models feature a bow roller or a pulley system that makes mounting the boat onto the trailer much easier. Be sure to take note of any such systems on the trailers you are considering, and take note, too, of the cost of the trailer. A trailer with features such as bow rollers or pulleys will generally cost more, but they will be instrumental in preventing damage to the boat and potential injury to you or other users of the trailer and boat system.
Be sure the dinghy trailer features a hitch that will work with the same system as your car’s receiver. Most trailers will feature a hitch attachment for a ball receiver, so be sure to choose the right size ball for the trailer. The trailer should also have an electrical hook-up to ensure the brake lights mounted on the trailer work in conjunction with the brake lights of the vehicle. The wheels and axle should be large enough to handle normal road driving; some regions will laws regarding the adequate size of the wheels and axles, so be sure to do this research before purchasing. The trailer should also have a place to mount a license plate.