Buzz
Trailers simplify the transportation of goods from one place to another. Properly loading and connecting a trailer is crucial to ensure safe and efficient travel. Before loading your trailer, determine the maximum weight capacity for both the trailer and your towing vehicle. This knowledge will enable you to organize your cargo effectively, ensuring optimal weight distribution and minimizing risks during transit. If you're uncertain about loading or hitching your trailer, remember that most rental companies offer assistance to first-time haulers.
Essential Steps
Determining Trailer Weight and Towing Limits
Verify your towing vehicle’s Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR). This information is typically located near your vehicle’s VIN number, often displayed on a sticker on the windshield or the driver’s side door frame. GTWR indicates the maximum weight the vehicle can support, encompassing cargo, passengers, and accessories.
- Understanding your vehicle’s weight limits aids in proper trailer loading.
- Exceeding your towing vehicle’s GTWR can strain critical components like the engine, transmission, and brakes, leading to accidents or permanent damage.
Pro Tip: If you can't find the GTWR on your vehicle, refer to the owner’s manual where it's usually listed along with other specifications.
Take Note of Your Trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Similar to a towing vehicle's GTWR, a trailer's GVWR denotes its maximum loaded weight. Nowadays, manufacturers typically provide GVWR information in product descriptions or literature. You can also find it on a sticker attached to the trailer.
- A spacious 8.5 ft (2.6 m) x 25 ft (7.6 m) flatbed trailer typically has a GVWR around 38,000 pounds (17,000 kg).
Calculate Available Cargo Capacity by Subtracting Trailer Weight from GVWR. If you know your trailer's weight, subtract it from the GVWR. Otherwise, weigh it yourself by hitching it to your vehicle and using a certified scale at a truck stop. Subtract the scale reading from the GVWR to determine the available cargo capacity.
- Find nearby truck stops or businesses offering certified scales for public use. Some may charge a small fee for weighing your trailer.
- The weight of an empty trailer is its “curb weight.” For example, if a trailer has a GVWR of 7,000 lb (3,200 kg) and a curb weight of 4,000 lb (1,800 kg), it can safely carry 3,000 lb (1,400 kg) of cargo.
Determine Tongue Weight to Properly Distribute Cargo. The tongue is the metal shaft extending from the trailer to the towing vehicle. Use a hitch with a built-in tongue weight scale or place a bathroom scale on a sturdy object to measure it manually.
- Ideal tongue weight falls between 10% and 15% of the loaded trailer weight. Too heavy a tongue makes vehicle maneuvering difficult, while a too light one causes sway during turns.
- Adjust tongue weight by rearranging cargo. Shifting weight towards the back reduces pressure on the hitch if tongue weight is too high.
Organizing Cargo in Your Trailer
Aim for a 60-40 Weight Distribution Towards the Front of the Trailer. When loading, ensure around 60% of the weight is at the front and 40% at the back. This balance is crucial for safe driving, minimizing cargo shift and reducing the risk of swaying or whipping during motion.
- Apply the '60-40 rule' whether using an enclosed or open cargo trailer.
- Keeping slightly more weight at the front and driving cautiously avoids problems.
Position Top-Heavy Items Near the Front to Prevent Shifting. Load tall, easily off-balanced items first, aligning them with or slightly ahead of the trailer’s front axle. This minimizes their impact on vehicle handling.
- Placing top-heavy items first aids in secure tying down and prevents them from affecting steering and braking.
Place Heaviest Items in the Center for Stability. Move bulky furniture and appliances to the center of the floor, providing support from the rear. Pack tightly to prevent shifting and sliding.
- Use heavy items like vanities to brace others, ensuring stability during motion.
- Stabilize each item, especially in open trailers, to avoid issues while driving.
Stack Smaller Items by Weight in Remaining Space. After loading heavy items, fill the back with smaller furniture and boxes. Balance items from bottom to top and front to back.
- Ensure balanced stacking to maintain stability during transport.
Secure Cargo with Multiple Tie-Downs. Use ropes, chains, or straps to secure cargo widthwise every few feet. Fasten securely to attachment points on the trailer.
- Consider additional ties for taller items prone to tipping.
- Secure all cargo, especially top-heavy items, in both open and enclosed trailers.
- The number of tie-downs varies based on cargo size and type, ensuring everything is properly secured.
Pro Tip: Enhance security with adjustable ratchet straps.
Safe Hitching and Towing
Measure the Heights of Vehicle and Trailer Hitches. Park both back-to-front on level ground and measure the heights of their hitches. Also, measure the length of your hitch ball if you have one, crucial for selecting the right ball mount.
- Ensure to measure accurately for the perfect ball mount fit.
Determine the Difference in Heights for Correct Ball Hitch Selection. Subtract smaller height from the larger and adjust for the hitch ball length. Choose a mount accordingly—rise for lower hitch, drop for higher.
- Calculate rise or drop accurately based on hitch and coupler heights.
- Consider hitch ball length for precise adjustment.
Choose the Right Size Mount and Hitch Ball for Your Trailer. Consider rise or drop when selecting a ball mount. Install by inserting the mount shank into the hitch receiver and securing with a pin and clip.
- Ensure compatibility between mount and hitch ball sizes.
- Match mount weight rating with your vehicle's towing capacity.
Important: Using an incorrectly sized ball mount or hitch ball could result in the trailer becoming detached while driving, potentially causing accidents or injuries.
Position Your Towing Vehicle Behind the Trailer. Slowly reverse until the hitch ball aligns with the trailer coupler. It may require several attempts to achieve precise alignment.
- If possible, have someone assist you in centering the hitches.
Attach the Trailer to Your Vehicle by Lowering the Coupler onto the Hitch Ball. Lift the coupler latch and adjust the trailer jack to lower it onto the hitch ball. Secure the latch and insert the pin to lock it in place.
- Many trailers come with built-in jacks for easy hitching, but you can purchase one separately if needed.
- Use chains to reinforce the connection between the vehicle and trailer hitches for added safety.
Connect the Trailer's Electrical System to Your Vehicle if Equipped with Brake Lights. Patch the trailer's wires into your vehicle's electrical system. Test the connection before driving to ensure proper functionality.
- Position the wire to avoid damage during travel.
Drive Slowly and Carefully Once on the Road. Adhere to speed limits and avoid exceeding 55 mph (89 km/h) on highways. Maintaining control is essential to prevent cargo shifting or detachment.
- Plan ahead to allow for safe travel time.
- Excessive speed can lead to cargo instability or detachment during sudden braking.
Decrease your speed when turning to prevent swaying. Apply gentle pressure on the brakes as you approach the turn, reducing speed by 8–10 mph (13–16 km/h) until the road straightens out. This minimizes trailer swaying or whipping, especially at high speeds.
- Exercise caution when making tight turns, possibly crossing traffic lanes if necessary.
- If swaying occurs, ease off the accelerator and maintain a straight path until control is regained. Avoid abrupt speed changes, which can worsen the fishtailing effect.
Maintain a 4-5 second following distance. Keep a distance equivalent to 2-3 times the length of your towing vehicle and trailer. This provides ample space for maneuvering and increases reaction time in emergencies.
- Signal well in advance when passing slower vehicles to ensure safe lane changes.
- Remember, rear-ending another vehicle is your responsibility, and the weight of your cargo can amplify collision damage.
Helpful Tips
-
Practice defensive driving, especially when towing a trailer. Observe speed limits, reduce speed on curves, and remain vigilant for other vehicles.
-
Refer to your trailer’s owner’s manual for specific loading and securing instructions.
Warnings
- Although loading a trailer seems simple, it can pose risks if not done correctly. The trailer's weight and cargo impact your vehicle's handling, so drive with caution to prevent accidents.
