Trailers are an excellent way to haul extra equipment if you do not have the space inside your vehicle. From utility trailers to moving units, they are a convenient solution for moving, recreation, travel or for contractors, businesses or events. Understanding how to properly load and use a trailer is crucial to the safety of both the individuals in the hauling vehicle, and others with whom you share the road. Here are eight tips to help you safely use a trailer:
• Load Front First – Unless otherwise noted by the trailer manufacturer, load the heaviest items to the front of the trailer. This will make the unit more stable when on the road. Load 60 percent of the weight to the front of the trailer.
• Tie down items – Regardless of whether you are using an open trailer or closed unit, it is crucial to tie down any loose items. Items can shift, causing the weight to redistribute, creating a potentially hazardous driving condition.
• Slow down – Drive at a slower rate of speed when you are hauling a trailer. It is also not recommended that you exceed 55 miles per hour.
• Don’t tailgate – Towing a trailer adds extra weight to your vehicle. This increases the amount of distance you will require to come to a full and complete stop. It recommended you leave at least 4-5 seconds of stopping distance between you and any vehicles you are following.
• Watch braking – If the trailer starts to sway, remove your foot from the gas but do not brake or speed up. Let your vehicle slow down on its own.
• Pass with care – Remember that the trailer will add more length to your vehicle. Be sure to allow more passing space and do so carefully.
• Check gears – When traveling in hilly areas, use the same gear to ascend the hill as you do descending. This will help to control your speed as you start down the hill.
• Wider turns – Turning a corner with a trailer will require a bit more room. Pull up into the intersection a bit more and take the turn wider than you normally would to avoid hitting a curb.
Do you have questions on how to properly use a trailer? Contact the experts at Terry’s Auto Body and Trailer Sales today! We are happy to service trailers and provide you with flat decks, dumps, car hauler and much more. Visit our website to learn more.
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| Weight distribution for your trailer. |
• Load Front First – Unless otherwise noted by the trailer manufacturer, load the heaviest items to the front of the trailer. This will make the unit more stable when on the road. Load 60 percent of the weight to the front of the trailer.
• Tie down items – Regardless of whether you are using an open trailer or closed unit, it is crucial to tie down any loose items. Items can shift, causing the weight to redistribute, creating a potentially hazardous driving condition.
• Slow down – Drive at a slower rate of speed when you are hauling a trailer. It is also not recommended that you exceed 55 miles per hour.
• Don’t tailgate – Towing a trailer adds extra weight to your vehicle. This increases the amount of distance you will require to come to a full and complete stop. It recommended you leave at least 4-5 seconds of stopping distance between you and any vehicles you are following.
• Watch braking – If the trailer starts to sway, remove your foot from the gas but do not brake or speed up. Let your vehicle slow down on its own.
• Pass with care – Remember that the trailer will add more length to your vehicle. Be sure to allow more passing space and do so carefully.
• Check gears – When traveling in hilly areas, use the same gear to ascend the hill as you do descending. This will help to control your speed as you start down the hill.
• Wider turns – Turning a corner with a trailer will require a bit more room. Pull up into the intersection a bit more and take the turn wider than you normally would to avoid hitting a curb.
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| Incorrect and correct way to load your trailer. |
Do you have questions on how to properly use a trailer? Contact the experts at Terry’s Auto Body and Trailer Sales today! We are happy to service trailers and provide you with flat decks, dumps, car hauler and much more. Visit our website to learn more.
