Safely Packing Your Trailer Can Make The Difference
Loading an enclosed cargo trailer requires a little knowledge and a lot of patience. Simply fitting everything into the trailer like a jigsaw puzzle is not the best way to load your cargo. There is a right way and a wrong way to load, and the wrong way may lead to potentially serious road accidents.
Review the accompanying infographic, Properly Loading a Trailer Is a Difficult Balancing Act, before you load your cargo trailer. As suggested, be sure you understand the weight capacities of your towing vehicle and your trailer. Even if you’ve towed trailers for years, you should go over this infographic when you get a new trailer or use a different vehicle to tow your current trailer.
Loading your trailer correctly can mean the difference between getting to your destination with your trailer and its contents intact and getting into a very serious accident. An improperly loaded trailer can begin to sway — veer from side-to-side — and as speed increases, this can lead to whipping, a violent sway that is difficult to control and can create a dangerous situation for everyone on the road.
Proper loading, driving safely and constant awareness are the keys to towing a cargo trailer. Never drive above the speed limit when towing a trailer. If your trailer begins to sway or whip, take your foot off the gas pedal to reduce speed below the limit. Do not apply the brakes. Keep your steering wheel in a straight-ahead position. As soon as you can safely stop, do so and reload your trailer as described in the infographic.
