A Beginner’s Guide to Haul Your Cargo Trailer

You can use your cargo trailer to transport large payloads safely and conveniently. Regardless of whether you use it for quick trips in the city or long-distance hauling, you’ll want to make sure that you’re following safe towing practices. As your local cargo trailer dealer, we here at Chattanooga Trailer & Rental know a thing or two about hauling a trailer. That’s why we have created this guide to help you tow your cargo trailer safely and responsibly. Keep reading to learn more, then visit us in Corbin, KY, to connect with our experts and get your concerns addressed. We proudly serve those from Williamsburg and London.

Inspect Your Trailer & Towing Vehicle

Before you hit the road, make sure that your cargo trailer and towing vehicle are both in good condition and ready for your trip.

Start by checking the oil in your towing vehicle and fill up the gas tank. Examine the tires and air them up per the manufacturer’s recommendation. You’ll also want to test the braking system and address any hidden maintenance issues in your towing setup.

Secure Your Cargo

Your travel experience will be affected by the way you load your cargo trailer. So, you’ll want to ensure that you load it correctly and securely, regardless of whether you’re using an open or an enclosed cargo trailer.

When loading your cargo, place about 60% of the weight towards the front and the remaining 40% at the rear. You’ll also want to keep the weight balanced by distributing it evenly from the left to the right side. Use tie-downs to secure your items in place so that they don’t shift during transit.

Increase Your Following Distance

To bring your towing setup to a complete stop, you’ll require more space and planning. If you hit the brakes suddenly or too hard, you’ll make the trailer unstable. So, to avoid it, increase the distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you, and give your brakes the time they need to activate.

It’s a good idea to drive large vehicles like your cargo trailer in the rightmost lane of traffic and avoid changing lanes. If you must make a maneuver, signal well in advance to give other motorists enough time to react to you.

Watch the Traffic Ahead

Additionally, watch the traffic ahead of you to ensure you know what to expect and how you’ll react to it. Traffic congestion due to road construction or an accident can make you change lanes or slow down suddenly. So, you’ll want to be aware of the traffic flow to safely adjust your speed and movement.

Be Careful of Trailer Sway

When you’re hauling your cargo trailer in high winds or at higher speeds, be mindful of trailer sway. It is a risky condition that can cause your trailer to tip to one side, making you unstable and leading to an accident.

To reduce the chances of experiencing sway, check the weather forecast before you depart and drive five to ten miles below the posted limit. If you still encounter high winds, you’ll want to pull over and wait for them to pass.

We hope these tips help you haul your cargo safely and efficiently. If you have any questions or want to upgrade your trailer, visit Chattanooga Trailer & Rental, where we have an impressive collection of cargo trailers for sale. Let us know about your requirements, and we’ll help you choose a model that’s right for you. We’re in Corbin, KY, where we happily welcome our friends from Williamsburg and London.