Safety is always the top priority on the road. A trailer that is loaded safely is going to be easier to control, and less likely to cause any incidents.
If you are new to towing you might be wondering how to load your trailer in the safest and most secure way. Or, if you’ve been towing for a while, you might be curious to know if you’ve been doing it right!
So we’ve rounded up our best tips for loading your trailer safely.
Let’s find out what they are.
Top Tips On How To Safely Load A Trailer
Before You Load
Some of the most important things are done before you even start loading. This includes:
Trailer type
Consider whether you are using the correct trailer type for your load. For example, if you are carrying a lot of loose items, or tall or less stable items, a caged or enclosed trailer might be a safer option than a flatbed trailer.
Load Capacity
Your towing vehicle will have a maximum weight that it can safely tow. This is referred to as Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) or Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM). It is important to know this limit as going over the load capacity can cause damage to the vehicle over time, making it unsafe to drive.
Your vehicle owner’s manual should contain the load capacity details.
Roadworthiness
Current Warrant of Fitness and registration labels must be displayed. Check your reflectors and lights to make sure they are all working. Take a quick look at the tyres to make sure they’ve got enough air and there are not any obvious signs of damage.
Once all of that is sorted, you are ready to start loading.
While Loading
Load the trailer evenly
Make sure to distribute the load evenly across the trailer deck. Keep the load level as low as you can. This reduces the risk of the trailer becoming unbalanced when you drive, which can cause the trailer to sway.
It is also a good idea to keep items as close to the axle as possible. If you have a tandem axle trailer, be sure to spread the weight of the load equally across both axles. This helps to prevent uneven wear and tear.
If you are carting a lot of loose items or some larger items, there might be some Tetris-like stacking required. Make sure the bigger and heaviest items go on the trailer deck first to provide a stable base for whatever is being stacked on top.
It would be best if you also took care to minimise anything hanging or sticking out over the sides of the trailer. Use the width of your towing vehicle as a guide and do not exceed this.
Securing the load
Anything you are carrying on a trailer needs to be properly secured to prevent it from moving or falling during transit. Depending on the trailer you are using there might be racks or compartments to secure things safely, or you will need to use straps or tie-downs to hold everything in place.
Be mindful of weather conditions, too. Covering your trailer (with a trailer cover or tarp) will not only keep the rain out, but it can also be helpful on windier days to minimise the airflow over the trailer, which can impact vehicle balance.
After Loading
Stay aware while driving
It is important to remain vigilant while you are on the road in case of any movement within your trailer load. Turning, speeding up, slowing down, or changing incline could all cause something to come loose or move around on the trailer deck. Use your mirrors to keep an eye on your trailer and pull over to fix anything up if you need to.
Regular maintenance
Being proactive with the regular maintenance of your trailer keeps it in the safest condition. Check it regularly for any required repairs and keep up with your Warrants of Fitness. A trailer that is not maintained well could be unsafe and more difficult to handle on the road.
Need a trailer that you can load safely? Then, contact our team at Lucca Trailers to discuss your needs. We have all the info you need to select the right trailer for your needs.
