The True Cost of Structural Fatigue: Why Australian Made Trailers Outlast Cheap Imports

If you’re looking for a trailer that delivers long operating life, safety and value for money, you need to consider more than just the price tag. You also need to take into account what a trailer costs over the entirety of its working life, and whether any small savings made by buying a cheaper imported trailer, rather than one built locally using Australian steel, actually makes it worthwhile. 

In this blog, we outline the many benefits of buying an Australian made trailer that adheres to ADR from a local manufacturer to help you make a more informed decision and get the best possible value for money. 

Superior quality trailers reduce operating costs

Australian made trailers built from Aussie steel ultimately reduce your long-term operating costs, as over time there will be less structural fatigue and fewer repairs required. This is critical for tradies or anyone who uses a car trailer, box trailer, tipping trailer or plant trailer for work as it means there is far less downtime. 

This is because high-quality trailers designed and engineered specifically for Australian conditions are better able than imported models made to less rigorous standards to withstand the harsh road and worksite conditions commonly encountered across the country.

There is also more flexibility when buying an Australian trailer from a local manufacturer, rather than one put together overseas. It is also easier to order a custom built trailer designed and built to meet your specific work and trailer needs, in a variety of sizes, colours and finishes. Delivery times are also often faster than when you buy an imported trailer from a re-seller.

Basic Trailers designs and manufactures quality trailers in Adelaide for tradies, farmers, and small business owners across Australia using 100% Australian steel. We also offer a custom trailer design service, and all of our trailers are backed by our Superior Warranty. 

Why Australian Made Trailers offer better long-term value

Customers tell us that our box trailers, car trailers and other trailers in our range are used in a huge variety of applications, including carting heavy duty equipment and machinery, on all types of roads and worksites. This is why trailers should ideally be designed and built to suit work in Australian conditions if they are to provide genuine value.

For anyone using a trailer for work, the total cost of ownership is what matters in the end, so when you're comparing locally built trailers with imported models you should consider the following:

• Upfront price v long-term value: A well-built, superior quality trailer may cost a little more, but will provide longer operating life.
• Less downtime: Every day a trailer needs work or is out of action will cost your business money, so a trailer that offers more reliability for longer is going to be more cost-effective over the long run. 
• Maintenance and repair costs: If repairs or spare parts are required at any time, getting these from a local manufacturer is going to be easier and more convenient. 
• Warranty support: As a proud Australian manufacturer, we offer a Superior Warranty on all of our trailers. This means you can be confident about the quality and safety of any of our trailers, and that expert support is on hand should you need it. 
• Resale value: Australian-made trailers built locally tend to hold their value better than imported models, where the design and build processes can't be verified in the same way. 

There is also the added advantage that a trailer built in Australia using Aussie steel and components, and manufactured in a local workshop, means that you are supporting the local economy, as well as essential trades and craftsmanship. Under the Australian Made campaign guidelines, a product qualifies when its last substantial transformation occurs in Australia, meaning the chassis, welding, assembly and finishing all happen here.

Buying direct from the manufacturer also eliminates middleman costs, and means you get a higher standard of customer support before, during and after the buying process. 

Understanding structural fatigue in trailers

Structural fatigue is not necessarily the result of overloading; rather it happens over time when the chassis, drawbar and welds on a trailer are constantly subjected to the stress that naturally occurs as a result of driving on uneven roads and rugged worksites, in addition to carting heavy-duty loads and equipment. 

A 2018 government trailer recall highlighted that poor design and workmanship, along with the use of substandard materials in a trailer drawbar, can lead to significant structural fatigue which, in the worst cases, can mean that a drawbar separates from the trailer entirely. 

This is why high-quality materials and components, combined with expert design and exceptional workmanship, are all required to prevent structural fatigue in all types of trailers. In particular, the chassis and drawbar need to be built using higher-grade steel and materials that are able to carry the weight of heavy loads and absorb the braking and turning forces that constantly occur when towing. We are confident that our Australian trailers for personal, commercial and industry applications use higher-grade materials than imports.

Trailers also need to be welded to the highest standards, particularly at high stress points, while the trailer body and essential components also should be welded to the chassis rather than simply bolted on, which is often the case with low cost, imported trailers. Research from Monash University has shown that fatigue in welded joints is one of the primary causes of trailer failure, but skilled welding craftsmanship will ensure that joints are properly welded and are able to distribute stress more evenly so that welds are less subject to fatigue. As a local trailer manufacturer that builds trailers in our own in-house facility, we are able to guarantee the quality of our welding and workmanship. 

What to look for in an Australian Made Trailer

When you're looking for a trailer designed and built by an Australian manufacturer and using locally-sourced steel and components, here are some helpful tips that will ensure you get the perfect trailer for your specific needs, and can be confident that it is engineered to the highest standards. 

Chassis and drawbar

• Ensure that all welds are clean and consistent, and that there are no holes, undercuts or grinding marks
• Check that the chassis rails are properly braced and that the drawbar and chassis are firmly connected and welded in place.

Suspension, axles and wheels

• Inspect spring hangers and shackles to be sure that they have been mounted and welded correctly.
• Confirm that the axle ratings will meet your towing needs, and are also in compliance with Australian Design Rules and towing safety regulations. 

Trailer body and deck

• Check that the floor thickness and crossmember support will be sufficient for carrying the sorts of loads you regularly tow.
• If you're looking at a box trailer, look carefully at how the tailgate is engineered and whether the hinges are sufficiently robust.

Brakes, lights and electrical

• Ensure that the brake type and capacity are suitable for your trailer needs and are in compliance with legal towing limits.
• All cables, plugs and lights should be securely and neatly installed to ensure safe and effective operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Australian made actually mean?

Under the Australian Made campaign guidelines, a product qualifies when its last substantial transformation occurs in Australia, meaning the chassis, welding, assembly and finishing all happen here. Basic Trailers is proud to be able to say that all of our trailers are classified as Australian made.

Does Basic Trailers only sell trailers in Adelaide, or are they available Australia-wide?

Basic Trailers is a locally owned and operated business, and all of our trailers are designed and built in our Adelaide workshop. However, we regularly sell to customers across South Australia and we now offer Australia-wide delivery. No matter whether you're in Brisbane, outback WA or anywhere on the eastern seaboard, we can ensure you enjoy all the benefits of an Australian made trailer from Basic Trailers.

Can I customise a standard box trailer or car trailer, or do I need to design a fully custom-built trailer?

Our customers will often aim to purchase a standard box trailer, tandem trailer or car trailer, and then choose to enhance it with a variety of add-features, such as ramps, toolboxes, cages, tie-down points and more. However, if you have very specific needs, and a standard trailer won't fully suit your requirements, talk to us about custom trailers. Our design team specialises in creating custom trailers in all sizes and models and which offer all the reliability and value of our regular range. 

How long does it take to build a custom trailer?

The time it takes will depend on the model of trailer and the sort of customisations required. Get in touch with our friendly team and we will be happy to discuss your design requirements and the estimated lead time before a custom trailer is ready. 

What are the registration requirements for a new trailer?

When you're looking to buy a new trailer, you should check that it meets all the relevant registration requirements, and that it has a valid number plate and VIN (vehicle identification number). We can handle the trailer registration process for you, so that you can tow your new trailer home without hesitation or delay. 

How do I get more detailed specifications and pricing for an Australian-made trailer?

You can browse detailed specs for our full range of box trailers, car trailers, plant trailers, tandem axle trailers and tipper trailers on the Trailer Range page of our website. If you require a specific quote or want to enquire about having a custom trailer built, send a message via email to info@basictrailers.com.au or call us on 1300 770 770 and our friendly, committed team will be happy to answer your questions.