by admin | Aug 14, 2024 | Towing Tips | 0 comments
Whether you’ve got a light or heavy load in tow, hauling any trailer can be tricky. The staff here at Kate’s Trailer Sales knows this, and we want you to be prepared before you begin hauling. Safe trailer hauling is one of our top priorities for our customers, so we’ve collected a list of our best practices and top tips to keep you and others on the road safe.
Guide to Safely Towing Light or Heavy Loads
Use the Proper Trailer
First and foremost, finding the right trailer is so important to a successful haul. Luckily, our extensive inventory of trailers is available to browse online, any time! We have enclosed trailers to protect your cargo, equipment haulers for heavy-duty jobs, and open utility trailers for the lightest of loads. Depending on what and how much you’re hauling, you’ll need to research different axles and configuration types. If you’re not sure where to start, our team is happy to help you find the perfect trailer for the work you have in mind.
Thoughtfully Pack and Secure Your Cargo
Before you hit the road, make sure the weight of your cargo is evenly distributed across the trailer. This will help combat trailer sway and make the ride smoother. A smooth ride might seem trivial, but when you ride in a truck or SUV with a poorly packed trailer in tow, you’ll know its importance! An uneven load also increases the risk of tipping and makes it harder for the driver to stay in control of the trailer.
Once the load is safely distributed, make sure everything is tied down or packed in securely if you have a large load. If you have a smaller load, it makes more sense to use tie-downs so your items aren’t tossed around your trailer during the drive. With heavier loads, you can use tie-downs, or you can pack everything in super snug, so nothing has a chance to move.
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Adjust Your Mirrors
Before heading out, make sure your mirrors are adjusted so you can see to the end of the trailer. You’ll need to adjust them so you can back up like a pro, and so you can keep an eye on things as you travel. Many newer vehicles have backup cameras, or even birds-eye-view cameras, that can make reversing much easier. However, it’s important to make sure your mirrors are in place in case of a last-minute malfunction.
Check Your Tires
This is another important step regardless of the weight of your cargo. Once you check the trailer tires, don’t forget to check your tow vehicle as well. Incorrectly inflated tires mean your engine works harder, which burns more fuel and could even cause a blowout. Check out your owner’s manual for both your tow vehicle and your trailer to ensure you inflate your tires to the right amount of pressure.
Check Your Taillights
The lights on your trailer are extremely important in safe trailer hauling. They help signal what you’re doing to other drivers. Larger trailers may hide the lights on your tow vehicle, so you should always ensure your trailer lights are working properly. If they aren’t working, it will be difficult for other drivers to see your moves, especially after dark. To check, have a friend stand behind the trailer while it’s in park to watch the turn signals, taillights and brake lights.
Always Use Your Turn Signal
Blinkers are there for a reason – use them! You should, of course, use them all the time, but it’s even more critical when you’re hauling. Turning on your blinker lets the driver behind you know to give you space to slow down and turn, especially if they’re following too close behind you.
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If you have an oversized load, you can ride with your flashers or hazard lights on. Doing so will give other drivers on the road a warning to steer clear in case a piece of cargo falls out of your trailer. Blinkers and hazard lights are essential for safe trailer hauling. If you need help wiring your trailer lights, schedule trailer service with our team.
Map Your Route Ahead of Time
While it may not be possible to run the whole route in advance, especially if you’ve got a long drive ahead, it’s a good idea to map out which roads you’ll be taking and avoiding ahead of time. Try to avoid any heavily trafficked roads, low bridges, roads under construction and even rush hour.
Don’t Speed
It’s so tempting to go just above the speed limit, but this is a crucial mistake in safe trailer hauling, and safe driving in general. Speeding with a trailer in tow only increases the risk of an accident. If you need to, you can always turn your hazard lights on and drive slightly under the speed limit to safely transport you and your cargo. Staying in the right lane can also reduce the risk of an accident by avoiding speeders.
That’s a wrap for our best tips on how to haul it all! If you’re in search of a new trailer, you can shop trailers for sale in Central Illinois at Kate’s Trailer Sales! We hope our advice helps, but don’t hesitate to reach out should you have questions about choosing the right trailer or about safe trailer hauling.
Need a New Trailer?
Check out our full trailer inventory online today! We have trailers from top brands like Load Trail, Aluma, Cross Trailers, Midsota, H&H, Lamar and more. You can also shop by trailer type with our open, enclosed, dump and gooseneck categories on our website. Contact us online or stop by our Illinois trailer dealership when you’re ready to make a purchase.
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