6 Tips to Make Your Next Trailer Haul a Breeze
Nov 07, 2014Last Updated on September 30, 2024 by David Miller
Last Updated on September 30, 2024 by allprotrailersuperstore
For better or worse, traveling with a trailer is a completely different experience from driving your vehicle normally. Trailers are a fantastic way to transport bulky objects or multiple items that couldn’t possibly fit inside a car. However, to pull a trailer behind your vehicle, you will need a whole new set of skills to ensure your haul is safe, smooth and secure.
Here are six trailer-hauling tips so that you and your trailer are ready to transport your next load.
1. Know Your Trailer Specs
Before you hit the road, figure out how much weight you’ll be towing. The combined weight of your trailer and the load it is carrying will affect your momentum. Plus, you don’t want to accidentally drive on roads with weight limits you now transcend.
You’ll also want to know your trailer’s height for clearance through tunnels or gas stations. Check its length also, as a trailer can make your vehicle almost twice as long as normal.
2. Allow for Plenty of Stopping Distance
Heavier objects require a greater amount of time to begin and, more importantly, stop moving. Give yourself more time to come to a complete stop, or you may find yourself stuck in the middle of an intersection.
3. Practice Safe Braking
Braking is one of the most essential changes to keep in mind while hauling a trailer. Slamming on the brakes will almost assuredly cause you to begin jackknifing — when the trailer swings out and pushes the towing vehicle to the side so that the two parts resemble a folding pocketknife. Every decrease in speed should be steady, allowing the trailer to maintain a stable balance while coming to rest.
4. Be Mindful When Changing Lanes
Because of the extra length, interacting with other vehicles on the road will require more finesse. Your blind spots will be larger, and accelerating to pass won’t always be possible.
When switching lanes or passing vehicles, give yourself more room than you think you will need. This will ensure that you don’t sideswipe others with your trailer. You can also invest in tow mirrors to improve visibility.
5. Learn the Finer Points of Turning
Turning corners will be a bit more complicated with a trailer in tow. Take it nice and slow, and swing out wider when coming around corners to give the trailer room to clear the curve. Avoid turns sharper than 90 degrees, as these are especially challenging when hauling a trailer.
6. Watch out for Trailer Sway
Trying to force the trailer to move quickly can also cause it to sway. This phenomenon is when the trailer starts swinging back and forth like a pendulum. Crosswinds, downhill grades and large trucks can also cause trailer sway, which is dangerous for objects or vehicles near you on the road. If this occurs, pull over slowly to prevent the swaying.
You can also address swaying ahead of time. Consider buying a hitch stabilization device or brake controller to help prevent trailer sway.
Trailer Hauling FAQs
If you still have a few more questions after reading through our six tips for hauling a trailer, here are some trailer-hauling FAQs. Understanding the ins and outs of trailer hauling can help you feel prepared to transport your cargo, car, equipment or other loads you’re planning to haul.
Is It Easy to Haul a Trailer?
You may feel intimidated about hauling a trailer, especially if this is your first time. Yet, it should become relatively easier once you get the knack by following our trailer-hauling tips. You should be able to go up hills, brake and do the other actions you normally take while driving.
How Do You Haul a Trailer?
The first question many first-time trailer owners have is how to get their trailer hitched up and ready to haul. Here are the basics of how to haul a trailer so that you feel confident before loading up your cargo:
- Make sure your vehicle has the tow capacity for the job.
- Pick the right trailer for your needs.
- Choose the right hitch, equipment and other components.
- Hook the trailer up properly.
- Load your trailer correctly for proper weight distribution.
How Much Can a Trailer Haul?
It depends. The weight a trailer can haul varies wildly and often ranges between 3,000 to 10,000 pounds or more. A trailer’s haul capacity hinges on numerous factors, including the type of trailer and its:
- Size
- Frame construction
- Number of axels
Before choosing a trailer, consider the type of cargo you’ll be hauling and the weight you’ll need the trailer to hold. Then, speak to a sales team representative at a reputable trailer dealer to find the right option for your needs.
Do I Need a Truck to Haul a Trailer?
No — trucks are not the only vehicles that can haul a trailer. Check your vehicle’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) in your manual. This number will help you determine the amount of weight your vehicle can safely accommodate.
Learn More About Hauling at All Pro Trailer Superstore
As one of the top full-service trailer providers in the nation, All Pro Trailer Superstore knows a thing or two about trailer hauling. Our team can guide you through the process and answer your questions so that you feel road-ready.
Shop our trailers to find the best option for your unique hauling needs.
