Introduction
Trailers provide a versatile solution to many problems we face daily. From moving houses, to camping, to transportation, towing the right trailer can help get nearly any job done. As effective a job they do, it is necessary to pay attention to properly preparing and safely towing any trailer. This will help you prevent dangerous situations / accidents and make your trip as smooth as possible. This will be the guide to walk you through choosing the correct trailer for your job, inspecting the trailer before you leave, how to load the trailer properly, and driving adjustments to make that will help you tow confidently and safely.
1. Choosing the Right Trailer and Vehicle
Before you even start your trip, it's important to make sure you are using a trailer and towing vehicle that are compatible. To make sure you check what the towing vehicle is able to tow, check the weight capacity in the owner’s manual or on the driver’s door frame. The capacity of the vehicle must exceed the weight of your trailer with the load you plan on towing. The next step is to make sure the trailer you are using is right for your trip or job. Consider the size, type, and weight capacity based on what you’re towing. It’s always better to have more size and capacity than less. For example, an enclosed trailer is great for household items to prevent them getting dirty or impeded by rain and other weather while a flatbed works best for transporting ATVs, cars, or other oversized items.
2. Pre-Tow Inspection
Once you have chosen the right vehicle and trailer, it’s vital that you inspect both to ensure a safe journey. Here is a simple checklist with areas to pay attention to:
- Tire Pressure: Ensure all tires on both the trailer and the vehicle are properly inflated and have deep tread levels. This will help with stability and maneuverability.
- Lights and Signals: Make sure the trailer light connector is securely plugged into the vehicle and test all of the lights to make sure they are in correct working order. Check for proper lighting for the inputs that you are doing. For a more in depth guide of how to test these, please look at our maintenance guide.
- Hitch and Coupler: Check that the hitch and coupler are compatible and securely connected. Correct sizing between the hitch and the ball are imperative otherwise the trailer will start to sway. Two of the most common sizes for hitches are 2” and 2 5/16”. It is important to check the trailer ball to use the right hitch. Use safety chains in a crisscross pattern as a backup connection to prevent detachment if the hitch fails. Also, make sure the safety pin is securely fastened and the breakaway cable is attached directly to the vehicle.
- Brakes: If your trailer is equipped with brakes, inspect them to confirm they’re in good working condition. Effective brakes are crucial for maintaining control, especially on steep inclines or declines. You can easily test these by plugging in brake testing equipment or rolling the trailer forward with the towing vehicle and using the brakes.
If you need additional help with inspections or maintenance, check this article (link to maintenance article) out.
3. Proper Weight Distribution
Once a trailer is properly hitched, and you are ready to start loading it, here are some tips to make sure it is properly loaded.
- Weight Distribution: When loading a trailer, it is important to focus on placing about 60-70% of the load weight toward the front of the trailer above/ahead of the axle(s). This will help prevent the trailer swaying side to side while driving and keeps the trailer stable. Stack heavier items on bottom with lighter items on top.
- Securing the Load: When you start to load the trailer, make sure to use straps, ropes, and bungee cords to tie down whatever you are loading. To prevent scratches or other marks on more valuable objects, you can use towels or other soft material to put in between the straps and the load. Make sure to tighten and fasten straps to prevent sliding and damage to both the trailer and other items.
4. Driving Tips for Safe Towing
Once you are ready to start your trip, it is important to adjust your normal driving habits. These tips will help you go from driving your daily car to towing a trailer:
- Speed Control: Unlike driving a normal car, you have to take into account two separate parts of your vehicle now. Both the car/truck and the trailer will act independently. It is important to maintain a slightly slower speed and follow all speed limit signs. Some states also require towing vehicles to stay in right lanes so it is important to check local towing laws before your trip.
- Braking: When braking with a trailer, it is important to give yourself more time and distance to brake. This is due to the excess weight of the trailer and load. Braking gradually vs rapidly will help prevent loss of control and damage to the vehicle and trailer brakes.
- Turning: When turning, you should try to make wider turns to avoid curbs and obstacles. Refrain from driving down narrow roads if you can. Also, when backing up, the trailer will turn in the opposite direction to the truck or car.
- Lane Changes: When changing lanes on streets or on highways, it is important to give extra time and turn gradually and steadily. Make sure to signal well in advance and keep track of trailer distance and oncoming traffic. Make sure your blindspots are clear and you are clear on all sides before you start a merge or lane change.
- Inclines and Declines: When on a steep incline, it is important to maintain a slightly slower speed and if possible, downshift. This will help reduce strain on your brakes and maintain control over the trailer. A constant speed is better that speeding up and braking on these types of climbs and descents.
5. Handling Trailer Sway and Emergency Situations
While towing, a seemingly simple trip can turn dangerous if something happens and you are not prepared. Some common challenges and situations that can arise are trailer sway, flat tires, and breakdowns. Here are some ways to handle each situation to maintain safety:
- Trailer Sway: If your trailer begins to sway, do not try to correctively steer or brake. Instead, you should slow down gradually by releasing the accelerator, and keep the steering wheel as steady as possible until under control. If the sway continues/persists, its often an indication that there is improper weight distribution, insecure hitch connection, or extreme weather conditions that should not be towed in. In any of these cases, it would help to pull over and further assess the situation.
- Flat Tires: When towing, it’s important to carry a spare tire, a jack and a tire iron or impact gun in case of a flat. If you think you have a flat, slow down gradually and pull off to the side of the road in order to check. If there is a flat tire present, make sure to set the trailer brake before you begin the repair.
- Breakdowns In the unforeseen circumstance that a major breakdown occurs, you need to have a plan in place. Keep a roadside emergency kit with you including tools and reflective markers, and a first aid kit. It is best to pull over into a safe area to assess and handle any situation. Start by doing a walk around the trailer and truck and making sure everyone you are traveling with is okay. If the situation is more serious, you might consider reaching out to a professional shop or trailer mechanic to help you out.
6. Parking and Maneuvering
Parking and maneuvering a trailer can be very stressful and difficult. Here are some tips to help you make it easier:
- Practice Reversing: As discussed above, reversing with a trailer can be challenging for less experienced drivers that don’t tow that often. It’s advisable that before you load your trailer or start on your journey, you practice backing up with the trailer in an open area, such as a large parking lot. Remember, the trailer will move in the opposite direction when you are reversing. Practicing parking in tight spaces and backing up will help you get used to this process.
- Use Slow, Controlled Movements: Avoid sudden or sharp turns. Back up slowly, making small steering adjustments.
- Use Wheel Chocks on Inclines When you are parking the trailer on a slope, use trailer chocks to prevent the trailer from slipping or sliding down the hill.
Conclusion
Safe and successful trailer towing is all about combining thorough preparation, diligent inspection, and skillful execution. Each step, from selecting the right trailer for your needs to confidently navigating tight spaces, is essential for a secure journey. By following the guidelines in this guide—matching your equipment, conducting thorough pre-trip checks, distributing weight effectively, adjusting your driving habits, and preparing for emergencies—you’ll significantly reduce risks and tow with confidence.
Mastering trailer towing takes time, patience, and practice. Start with the basics, like understanding weight distribution and proper loading techniques, and build from there to more advanced skills such as backing up in confined areas. While towing can feel daunting initially, these safety practices will become second nature with experience.
Above all, prioritize safety every time you tow, whether it’s a short trip or a long-distance haul. Regular maintenance, careful preparation, and a solid understanding of your equipment’s limits are your best safeguards against issues on the road. By staying mindful of these best practices, you’ll keep your towing journeys safe, efficient, and stress-free.
Familiarize yourself with local towing regulations, keep your equipment well-maintained, and continuously build your towing skills. With the right knowledge and preparation, you’ll be ready for any challenge that comes your way on the road. For more tips and tricks on towing safely, feel free to visit our resource center where we post new content regularly!