Picking the Right Trailer

When selecting the perfect trailer for your marching band's equipment transportation needs, you may not know where to start. Thankfully, Clubhouse Trailer Company offers several options to match your program size, budget, and specific requirements. Here's how to determine which trailer type is right for you:

Semi Trailers

Semi trailers provide the ultimate in storage capacity and efficiency. With 4,200 cubic feet within a typical 53-foot moving van, these trailers offer innovative solutions to space utilization challenges facing most marching programs. The creative use of available space ensures safe, effective, and efficient storage for large inventories of instruments, uniforms, and equipment.

Brand New Trailer

New trailers are picked up from the manufacturer in Kentucky, taken to paint, then arrive at the Clubhouse for buildout. These trailers offer the latest in manufacturing standards and come with full warranty coverage on the trailer itself. Every new trailer gets repainted prior to vinyl wrap installation to ensure proper adhesion and professional appearance.

Brand New Trailers from the factory, before painting and buildout, are roughly $120,000.

Refurbished Used Trailer

A Clubhouse-spec’d refurbished trailer is a great cost-effective solution compared to starting with a brand new trailer shell. We begin by finding a gently used moving van, which we then refurbish by sandblasting and hand sanding, identifying areas of concern, patching large scrapes, installing new roofs, and updating the wiring before painting. We then apply the digitally printed vinyl wrap. The build-out process is identical to new trailers, ensuring the same high-quality features and functionality. All refurbished trailers are DOT-certified with key systems brought up to a high standard, regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Gooseneck & Bumper Pull Trailers

Many customers have a desire for more efficient storage, but don’t need a full-sized semi trailer. Clubhouse builds custom bumper pull and gooseneck trailers from the ground up specifically for marching band use. These custom trailers feature extra interior height in order to more efficiently utilize the space. These trailers are not simple enclosed cargo trailers. We include features that make them built to last.

Bumper Pull Trailer

Smaller Programs or as supplementary transport

Bumper pull trailers are offered up to 32′ in length, and the option of 7′ to 10′ interior heights. These trailers provide excellent versatility and are easier to maneuver than larger options. The interior is fully customizable with options for instrument shelving, second floor configurations, custom graphics, uniform storage, and specialized drum shelving.

Gooseneck Trailer

Maximum Storage in a compact design

Gooseneck Trailers are a great option to maximize storage capacity in a smaller footprint than a semi. All the features from bumper pulls and semis, in a medium-sized package. These trailers bridge the gap between bumper pull convenience and semi-trailer capacity, offering an ideal solution for growing programs. Sizes can range in length from 20 – 48′, with interior heights of 7-10′.

Customer Provided Trailers & Kits

If you already have a trailer, we can still help. Sending it to The Clubhouse, you can get the customized solution that works for you!

Alternatively, if you are wanting to build your band trailer yourself, we have kits available to make that process easier.

Customer Provided Trailers

If your program already owns a trailer that’s structurally sound but needs improvements, Clubhouse can work with your existing equipment. If your trailer is in need of a refresh or you want your tractor to match as you head to contest, we are here to help! This option allows you to maximize your current investment while adding professional-grade features and customization.

DIY Kits

DIY Kits are a great way to get safe, innovative features on a budget! Door Spans, Stairs, Ramps, Lighting and more are available as kits, shipped to you! These kits allow band programs to add professional Clubhouse features to their existing trailers or build custom solutions while managing costs effectively.

Making your Decision

Regardless of which option you choose, consider your program’s year-round needs when making your decision, as the right trailer can serve multiple purposes beyond just marching season transportation.

When choosing your trailer size and type, consider:

Your program’s current and projected enrollment
Budget constraints and funding timeline
Storage space requirements for instruments, uniforms, and equipment
Towing vehicle capabilities & driver qualifications
Frequency of use and travel distance

Sourcing a Semi Trailer

The search for a used trailer suitable for marching band use can be difficult. Here are some things to look out for:

Look at the frame, subframe, kingpin plate, landing gear, and crossmembers for for rust, corrosion, and signs of repair. These can be repaired, but can be costly.
Check the axles, brakes, air lines, air tanks, air bags, wheels & tires. Everything here is repairable or replaceable, but will eat into your budget.
Check the roof for leaks, patches, or low spots. The wood panel ceiling inside the trailer can show if water has entered the trailer. A new roof is approximately $5,500.
Check the skin panels for gouges, significant scrapes, or corrosion. The skin near the door handle pockets and holdbacks will typically be replaced on older trailers.
Look at the flooring inside. The oak flooring is over an inch thick, but holes and rot can be a pain to fix. New boards are around $12/ft.
Check all doors (side doors and rear doors) for smooth operation. Ensure there are no broken hinges.
Ensure the trailer has a current DOT inspection, or is able to get a clean DOT inspection.

The Type of Trailer Makes a Big Difference

We only recommend buying a used Kentucky Trailers Moving Van Trailer with vertical e-track, and side doors.

Frito-lay trailers, trailers with roll-up doors, and straight-deck dry van trailers are not conducive to efficient storage or easy loading for band equipment.