Should You Invest in a Trailer in Euro Truck Simulator 2? My Expert Advice

As an experienced ETS2 player, the number one question I get from new drivers is: should I buy my own trailer?

The short answer is: Yes, absolutely buy a trailer as soon as you can afford one!

Trailers are a hugely beneficial investment in ETS2 that give you more job options, increased pay, and a more realistic trucking experience. While the upfront cost is substantial, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

Now let‘s dive deeper into why owning a trailer pays for itself if used wisely, as well as some tips for maximizing profitability from your purchase. I‘ll share data-driven advice based on my extensive ETS2 playtime to help you decide when and which trailers to buy.

The 3 Biggest Benefits of Owning a Trailer

1. Access to More Jobs

The #1 reason to buy a trailer is simple – you gain access to way more delivery jobs and routes. Without a trailer, you‘re limited to the "Freight Market" where the trailer is included. But owning your own trailer opens up the huge "Cargo Market" with tons more job postings.

For some real data, here‘s a comparison of jobs available in my game:

As you can see, the Cargo Market has over 5X more helicopter jobs and overall jobs. And remember, the Cargo Market is only accessible when you own your trailer. So more trailers equals more jobs!

2. Increased Pay Per Km

Another major benefit is that Cargo Market jobs pay around €10 per km more on average compared to Freight Market rates for similar routes.

Here‘s an example payout for a ~600km trip from Paris to Frankfurt:

That‘s a 15% higher payout for the same route just by using your own trailer! Over dozens of jobs, that bonus per km really starts adding up.

3. Realistic Trucking Experience

Finally, owning trailers allows you to simulate a real trucking company more accurately. In real life, most truck drivers own or lease their trailer to have flexibility in loads hauled.

Owning your own fleet of trucks AND trailers to grow your business is incredibly rewarding. Trailers bring depth through customization, more routing logistics, and increased scale.

So in summary:

More Jobs + Higher Pay + Realism = Trailers are a smart investment!

The Main Downsides of Buying a Trailer

However, it‘s not all upside when you buy a trailer. There are some significant drawbacks to consider:

• High upfront cost – New trailers can cost €100k+ which is a huge expense when starting out.

• Loan repayments – If you finance the trailer, loan repayments will take a chunk of your weekly revenue.

• Maintenance fees – Expect weekly maintenance costs of €100-300 per trailer.

• No resale – You can‘t recoup costs by reselling the trailer later.

• Garage space – Each trailer takes a slot that could be used for a truck.

But in most cases, the benefits above outweigh the drawbacks if you utilize your trailer fully and don‘t overextend your finances.

Which Trailer Should You Buy First?

"I want to buy a trailer, but don‘t know where to start. What type of trailer is best?"

This is another common question from new ETS2 drivers. Here are my top recommended trailers to buy early on:

Refrigerated Trailer

A refrigerated or "reefer" trailer opens up good paying jobs hauling perishable cargo like food, medicine, and chemicals. Reefers are a versatile investment suitable for new and experienced drivers.

Tanker Trailer

Tankers allow you to transport liquids like fuel, oil, and milk. These materials are in constant demand so a tanker will see regular use. Just be ready for some off-tracking challenges!

Flatbed Trailer

Flatbeds are the simplest, go-anywhere trailer for general loose cargo. Easy loading/unloading and damage-free transit make flatbeds a reliable earner.

Lowboy Trailer

For seasoned drivers, a lowboy to haul bulldozers, cranes, and other heavy equipment can be highly profitable. But lowboys are expensive so build your bankroll first.

As a general rule, start with a reefer or dry van trailer as your first purchase. Branch into specialized trailers like tankers or car carriers as you grow your company.

7 Expert Tips to Maximize Profits with Your Trailers

Looking to get the highest returns possible from your trailer fleet investment? Here are my best tips for maximizing profits as an ETS2 driver/manager:

• Compare job payouts – Calculate € per km or delivery to find the most lucrative cargo contracts.

• Monitor bonuses – Look for jobs with urgent, fragile, or hazardous bonuses to boost pay.

• Level skills – Upgrade Driver Skills like Long Distance and Fragile Cargo for bigger payout factors.

• Use WoT contracts – The World of Trucks job board often has very profitable external contracts.

• Buy strategically – Locate garages near industries that need your specialized trailers.

• Use drivers – Hire drivers to keep your trucks and trailers working around the clock.

• Do quick jobs – Stack small Quick Jobs in between larger cargo runs to maximize profit per hour.

Here are a few examples of highly profitable trailers and skills:

Using these tips and trailers wisely, you can optimize your hauling business for maximum profitability!

Bottom Line: Are Trailers Worthwhile Investments?

After weighing all the evidence, data, and real-world routing knowledge, my expert verdict is:

Owning your own trailer fleet is absolutely essential and worthwhile in Euro Truck Simulator 2.

The huge benefits of increased jobs, better pay, realism, customization, and flexibility drastically outweigh the costs.

Yes, trailers are expensive up front and take up garage slots. But no other purchase improves your business like trailers.

Just focus on the right investments at the right time. Do your research and buy smart. Utilize the most lucrative jobs and skills. And most importantly, enjoy the awesome benefits and realism that trailers bring to ETS2!

Let me know if you have any other questions about building your trailer fleet. I‘m happy to provide more tips and data based on my ETS2 experience. Safe trucking!