Choosing the Right Equipment Trailer: Expert Advice from Outdoor Motor Sports & Trailer Sales

Whether you’re hauling a skid steer to a jobsite, moving hay on the farm, or just need something tough enough to handle whatever the week throws at you — the right equipment trailer makes all the difference. Around here, we work with blue-collar men and women who depend on their trailers every single day. And when you rely on your trailer for your livelihood, “good enough” just doesn’t cut it.

At Outdoor Motor Sports & Trailer Sales, we’ve been helping customers find the right trailer for the job since 2014. From custom-ordered Diamond C goosenecks to affordable Big Tex models that deliver serious value, we take pride in matching every customer with a trailer they can depend on for years to come.

This guide breaks down what to look for, what to avoid, and why local contractors, farmers, and small business owners across Upstate New York trust our team when it’s time to haul something heavy.

Start with Your Load and Tow Vehicle

Every good equipment trailer purchase starts with two questions:
1. How heavy is your load?
2. What’s your truck rated to tow?

We don’t just throw specs at you — we take the time to put hands on the trailers and make sure it fits your real-world needs. Too often, people underestimate how heavy their equipment is or forget about what they might need to haul in the future. Buying a trailer that’s “just enough” now might leave you short later.

If you’re going to invest in an equipment trailer, think ahead. Maybe today it’s a skid steer, but next year it could be a small excavator or tractor. A little extra capacity upfront saves you a lot of money and frustration down the road.

Common Mistakes Buyers Make

We’ve seen it all — and we’ve seen what doesn’t hold up. The number one mistake customers make when shopping for an equipment trailer is not going heavy enough. Another big one? Focusing only on price without considering quality of materials, frame strength, and components.

Sure, you can find cheaper options out there, but we’ve seen too many trailers from lesser brands bend, crack, or rust far earlier than they should. That’s exactly why we only carry three brands that have proven themselves in the real world: Diamond C, Sure-Trac, and Big Tex. Each one brings something unique to the table.

Our Top Equipment Trailer Brands

Diamond C Trailers

These are top-of-the-line trailers — built for the customer who wants the absolute best. They’re fully customizable, available in multiple colors, and built with premium materials and craftsmanship. Whether it’s a tilt deck, a gooseneck, or a deckover, Diamond C gives you options to make it truly yours.

We’ve seen some incredible builds come through our shop — like Bill Moos’ custom orange Diamond C that turned heads from the moment it rolled off the truck. If you want a trailer that works as hard as you do and looks good doing it, this is the brand to beat.

Sure-Trac Trailers

Sure-Trac hits that perfect middle ground — dependable, versatile, and fairly priced. They offer everything from aluminum utility models to heavy-duty equipment haulers with hydraulic tilt decks and gooseneck options. For most customers, Sure-Trac is the “sweet spot” between budget and performance.

The variety alone makes it easy for us to fit almost any hauling need, and their aluminum line is a great choice for customers looking for something lightweight yet tough.

Big Tex Trailers

Big Tex offers incredible value without cutting corners. They’re priced well, especially in gooseneck models, and they bring a ton of bang for your buck. For customers who need something dependable and affordable, Big Tex is often our go-to recommendation.

Upgrades and Accessories Worth Considering

Once you’ve nailed down the right trailer size and weight rating, the next step is outfitting it to match your workflow. The right accessories make loading, securing, and maintaining your trailer easier and safer.

Some of the upgrades we recommend include:

  • Hydraulic jacks for quick, easy hitching and unhitching

  • Heavy-duty ramps that can handle the weight of your equipment

  • Spare tire mounts — because breakdowns don’t always happen close to home

  • Extra D-rings and tie-downs for versatility and load security

  • Winches or toolboxes for better functionality on the job

These are the kind of options we go over in person — because every customer has different needs and every job is a little different.

We Make the Buying Process Simple

When you buy a trailer from Outdoor Motor Sports, you don’t have to deal with the DMV, financing headaches, or paperwork chaos. We handle it all right here in-house — from financing to registration — so you can focus on getting back to work.

We also take trade-ins — including powersports vehicles — which helps many of our customers upgrade without tying up cash. And because everything is handled under one roof, you get peace of mind knowing your trailer is backed by warranty and supported by a local team that cares.

Why Our Customers Keep Coming Back

Our customers aren’t just names on paper — they’re our neighbors. They’re contractors who built this area, farmers who feed the community, and hardworking people who depend on quality equipment every day.

What sets us apart is how we take the time to understand what each customer really needs. We’re not here to sell the biggest or most expensive trailer — we’re here to sell the right one. That’s why people drive from all over the region to buy from us.

We live, breathe, and see these trailers every day. It’s what we do — and it’s why our customers trust that when they drive off our lot, they’re getting an equipment trailer that’s built to last.

Maintenance Matters

Like any piece of equipment, trailers need proper care. We can’t say it enough: Yearly service is important — especially if you haul all winter long. Regular brake checks, tire inspections, and keeping your wiring and bearings in good condition can save you serious money in the long run.

A little preventative maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your trailer working safely and efficiently. And if you ever need service or advice, our team is always here to help.

Built on Quality, Backed by Experience

We’ve replaced more than a few poorly built trailers over the years — ones that came from another store that didn’t hold up. Customers often come to us after realizing that quality and dealer support matter more than they thought.

That’s what you get when you work with a dealership that truly knows the industry. We’ve been doing this long enough to know what holds up — and we’ve chosen our brands, our process, and our people around that experience.

Built on Quality, Backed by Experience

If you’re within an hour of Amsterdam, NY, and you’re in the market for a dependable equipment trailer, come see us at Outdoor Motor Sports & Trailer Sales. Whether you need something heavy-duty for work or a versatile hauler for your property, our team will help you find exactly what fits your needs — and your budget.

We’ll make sure your next trailer is one you’ll be proud to own, haul with confidence, and depend on for years to come.

Stop in today, give us a call, or shop online right here — and see why more contractors, farmers, and haulers across Upstate New York trust Outdoor Motor Sports for all their trailer needs.