Six Essential Tips for Preparing Your Trailer for Long-Distance Travel

When traveling long distances, sometimes towing becomes necessary, especially when moving, transporting a car or production that requires lots of equipment. Planning and preparation are necessary for trips like this to ensure safety, and getting there without hiccups. Not only is planning your actual route important, but preparing your equipment and trailer are vital steps as well. This guide will provide some tips you can use to get your trailer ready for longer towing journeys, covering inspections to loading and even routing and driving tips.

Section 1: Inspecting and Maintaining the Trailer

When you are getting ready for a longer trip, a full inspection of the trailer and performing any maintenance required will help reduce chances of breakdowns and help ensure a safe trip. Here are some common areas to check before setting off:

• Tires: It’s always a good idea to start with your trailer’s tires. This includes all tires that are on the trailer and ensuring you have a reliable spare ready to use. Start by checking tire pressure and tread depth. Make sure these are set to recommended levels and tread is free of bald spots and have sufficient depth. Tires should be free of heavy wear, cracks, bulges/bubbles, and any punctures. It might be beneficial to bring a portable air compressor for adjustments while on the trip.
• Trailer Brakes: Brakes are crucial to the safe operation of any vehicle or trailer. If your trailer has electric brakes, make sure they are responsive and working properly. You can easily test brakes with either a portable checker or by hooking up the trailer to your towing vehicle empty and driving and trying out how the brakes are responding. If you feel the trailer is not as responsive as you would like, you can try adjusting the brake controller if your vehicle has one. If this doesn’t help, check brake wiring and connections and make sure they are free from damage. It is imperative to have functional brakes before leaving on your trip.
• Lights and Signals: Working lights and signals help not only you but also other vehicles that you will encounter on the road. To make sure all your lights are working properly, plug your trailers into an auxiliary tester or your vehicle and complete a walk around your trailer. Lights to test include brake, running, turn signals and marker lights on the sides. If you notice some lights not working, check wiring and replace any burnt out or dull bulbs.
• Hitch, Coupler, Jack, Chains, and Breakaway Cable: The hitch and coupler connect the trailer to the towing vehicle, so they must be secure and free from wear or rust. Making sure you have the right ball size for your hitch is important so verify on the trailer what size you will need to tow safely. The jack helps lift the trailer off the ground so the trailer can be secured onto the towing vehicle. The chains and the breakaway cable are vital to keep the trailer attached and prevent it from rolling away in the event that it does become disconnected. To maintain these, make sure there is no severe rust build up on any of these parts. You can also crank the jack up and down a few inches to ensure it works. Both the chains and the breakaway cable should be free from creases, holes, or other impeding wear and tear that could inhibit them. If you notice any of these pieces not working properly, you should replace the whole part completely.
• Axles, Bearings, and Suspension: Axles, bearings, and suspension components play key roles in trailer stability and smooth performance. Axles should have a very slight bend to them upon visual inspection and should rotate symmetrically. Leaf springs and ubolts should be examined often as they wear out over time. There should be enough metal to where the bolt is able to sit comfortably without being too close to the edge. Shackles should be maintained and changed if the leaf spring bolt tears through the side. This can also be an indication of excessive weight or improper axle alignment.
• Wheel Bearings: Inspect and grease the wheel bearings to prevent overheating and reduce friction, especially if it’s been a while since the last service. Well-maintained bearings reduce wear on your trailer’s wheels, improving safety on long trips.

Here is a sample checklist you can use before you leave:

These checks are essential for avoiding mechanical issues and ensuring a safe journey. While this list has some of the most common points for inspection, a full inspection of the each part of the trailer should be completed before leaving. If you have an upcoming trip and don’t think yours will be ready, you can always view our available inventory here.

Section 2: Proper Loading Techniques

Once you have made sure your trailer is roadworthy, you are ready to start loading your trailer with whatever you need to tow. Here are some tips to take into account when loading your trailer:

• Distribute Weight Evenly: When you are loading items of different weights, it is important that you load appropriately 60% of the overall weight in front of and over the front axle. This will help the trailer remain stable while towing and can prevent swaying. It’s also important to load heavier items lower and lighter items on top when stacking.
• Use Quality Tie-Downs: Once your items are in/on the trailer, make sure to use straps, chords, and other tie down methods to secure your load. Using high quality straps can minimize the risk of damage and can reduce shifting or falling while towing.
• Check for Movement: After loading and securing, test for any movement by pushing on the materials. If there’s any noticeable shifting, readjust and tighten your straps to ensure the load is completely stable. This precaution can prevent damage to your materials and help avoid unexpected issues on the road.

By following these steps, you’ll protect both your load and your trailer. Next, we will discuss planning your route and stops along the way.

Section 3: Planning Your Route and Stops

Planning your route and stops in advance makes long-distance travel with a trailer more less stressful and sets a clear plan for you and whoever you are traveling with. You should take into account:

• Route Selection: Choose routes that are trailer-friendly, avoiding narrow, winding roads or areas with low bridges or weight restrictions. Highways and major roads are generally better for towing, as they offer more consistent road conditions and rest stops.
• Rest Stops: Schedule regular rest stops to check on your trailer, stretch your legs, and get some rest. Trailer inspections at stops allow you to catch any potential issues, such as loose straps or tire wear, and ensure that everything remains secure.
• Fuel Stops: Plan fuel stops at stations with ample space for trailers. Not all gas stations can accommodate larger setups, so having specific locations in mind can prevent stressful maneuvers.
• Emergency Services: Identify locations along your route where trailer repair services are available. Knowing where you can get help in an emergency offers peace of mind and can save valuable time.

Planning ahead helps ensure a smoother, safer trip with fewer surprises.

Section 4: Additional Pre-Departure Steps

A few extra steps before departure can further enhance your safety and preparedness for long-distance trailer travel:

• Adjust the Brake Controller: Once your trailer is loaded and you are ready to leave, you might want to adjust your brake controller one last time to make sure they are as responsive as you would like and are comfortable with. If you are not sure how to adjust your brake controller, it is better to go with a default setting or research your specific vehicle’s controller first. Over adjustment can lead to locking up your brakes and causing damage to the trailer’s tires.
• Secure the Tow Vehicle’s Load: It’s always a good idea to check your load one last time to make sure everything is secure and nothing can slide. Adjust the straps as necessary even while on the road.
• Check for Permits: Some regions require permits for oversized loads or trailers exceeding certain weights. Research any state or local permit requirements along your route to avoid fines or delays.
• Prepare Emergency Supplies: Stock your vehicle with emergency supplies such as a first-aid kit, flashlight, extra water, and basic repair tools. Additional items like roadside flares, reflective triangles, and a fire extinguisher can be invaluable in case of emergencies. For more generic/simple repairs such as a flat tire, make sure to have tools such as a jack and tire iron.
• Review Your Insurance Coverage: Before your trip, it might be beneficial to check with your insurance company to make sure the trailer is covered under your policy while attached to your vehicle. If anything were to happen, it would be nice to know you will be covered for damages to the trailer, your vehicle, and your cargo.

These extra steps improve your preparedness and add an extra layer of safety for your trip.

Section 5: Driving Tips for Long-Distance 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.

Section 6: 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.

By following these driving tips, you’ll improve your control and ensure a safer journey, and for more tips on how to tow a trailer safely, check out the essential guide to towing safely.

Conclusion

Preparing for a long-distance journey with a trailer involves thoughtful planning, detailed inspections, and mindful driving adjustments. By ensuring each component of your trailer is in optimal condition, loading your cargo securely, planning a safe and efficient route, and adjusting your driving style, you significantly increase the safety and reliability of your trip. Anticipating potential challenges and equipping yourself with the right tools and knowledge will give you confidence on the road, helping you manage any surprises that may arise.

Whether you’re transporting goods, moving, or heading out for a long camping adventure, taking these steps ensures a smooth journey and protects both your cargo and your trailer. The added time invested in careful preparation makes a world of difference in creating a successful, enjoyable long-distance towing experience. Check out more interesting articles and safety tips by visiting our rental resource center! As always, safe travels!