Introduction
myTrailer is Austin’s trailer rental marketplace. Our team wants you to have a great rental experience! We want you and your stuff to get to your destination safely and return the rental trailer to its owner in the same condition as when you picked it up. We created this comprehensive guide with these things in mind. If you have questions about how to load up your rental, talk to the trailer’s owner; they are the experts.
When loading a utility trailer for the first time, many renters face a daunting task. Ensuring that your load is evenly distributed and securely tied down is crucial for your safety and the safety of others on the road. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of loading a utility trailer like a pro.
Understanding Weight Distribution
Before you start loading your trailer, it’s essential to understand the concept of weight distribution. Proper weight distribution helps maintain stability and control while towing. The key is distributing the weight evenly across the trailer, with slightly more weight toward the front. This prevents the trailer from swaying or fishtailing on the road.
Check Your Trailer’s Capacity
Ideally, you have checked the trailer’s weight capacity and dimensions with the owner before renting it. You don’t want to pick up your eight-piece sectional or an eight-foot statue and have it not fit! Every utility trailer comes with a maximum weight capacity specified by the manufacturer. Exceeding this limit can lead to unsafe towing conditions. and make sure that the combined weight of your load (including the trailer itself) doesn’t exceed this limit.
Check Your Towing Vehicle Capacity
Look at your vehicle’s owner’s manual and look for the section on towing ratings to see what your towing capacity is. Some vehicles have a tow rating label in the glove box or side door jam. If you still can’t find the towing capacity, go to the official manufacturer’s website and look up the maximum towing capacity for your make/model of accessories. If you didn’t buy your vehicle new, a previous owner may have modified your vehicle to increase its towing capacity. If you think your vehicle has been modified, take it to a trusted mechanic for an inspection.
Demystifying Tongue Weight
Tongue weight refers to the downward force the trailer exerts on the hitch ball. Achieving the right tongue weight is crucial for maintaining stability while towing. Too much or too little tongue weight can result in unsafe driving conditions, potentially leading to trailer sway or loss of control.
Determining the Ideal Tongue Weight
As a general rule of thumb, aim for a tongue weight that falls within 10-15% of the total trailer weight. To calculate this, multiply the total weight of your loaded trailer by 0.10 or 0.15. This ensures that the front of the trailer exerts enough downward force on the hitch for optimal control.
Get to Know Your Rental Trailer
Ask the trailer’s owner about loading it, and get them to show you the mounting and attachment points. If the owner supplies bungees, tie-downs, and the like, ask them to demonstrate how they work and where they should be attached. Knowing how and where to attach things is important, and if you need to supply your own equipment, it will help you know what to buy.
Gather the Right Equipment
Before you start loading, gather the necessary equipment. This includes tie-down straps, bungee cords, ratchet straps, and moving blankets or padding to protect your items. Having the right tools on hand ensures a smoother and safer loading process.
Loading Strategy
Start by placing the heaviest items at the front of the trailer and the bottom of the load, distributing the weight evenly from side to side, and keeping the weight low. This helps maintain proper tongue weight, enhancing stability during towing. Lighter items can be placed toward the back, but be mindful of the total weight distribution.
Securing Your Load
Once your items are loaded, securing them properly is crucial. Use high-quality tie-down straps to anchor your items to the trailer. You can use packing cling wrap or moving blankets to create a tighter load and/or cross-straps for larger items to prevent shifting and ensure that all straps are tight and secure. Remember, a properly secured load reduces the risk of items falling off during transit.
Securing Fragile Items
Use moving blankets or padding to prevent damage to fragile or delicate items. Secure these items with extra care, ensuring they are snugly held in place. Be careful not to squish things that should not be squished. You’d need to find a balance between secure and too squishy. You might break if you use ratchet straps too tightly on something fragile. Even tightly packed loads may shift during transit. Using moving blankets, padding, or cardboard between items that the friction from a shifting load could damage. Take the time to protect your belongings, and they’ll arrive at your destination in the same condition they left.
Balancing the Load
Maintaining balance is key to safe towing. Check the balance of your load by stepping back and assessing the trailer. If it looks uneven, make adjustments as needed. Remember that a well-balanced load contributes to better stability on the road.
Adjusting Tongue Weight as Needed
After loading, assess the tongue weight by checking the height of your vehicle’s rear suspension. You may have too much tongue weight if it appears lower than usual. Conversely, if the rear of your vehicle is too high, you may need to redistribute weight towards the front of the trailer.
Double-Check Everything
Before hitting the road, perform a thorough inspection. Double-check that all items are securely tied down without loose straps. Confirm that the trailer lights work correctly, the hitch is properly attached to your vehicle, and the safety chains are attached as the owner instructed. This will cost you 10 minutes and save you major headaches.
Driving Safely with a Trailer
Once you’re on the road, be mindful of how your vehicle handles with the trailer attached. Drive at a moderate speed, especially around corners, and leave extra space between you and the vehicles around you. Be aware that towing changes your vehicle’s dynamics, so drive cautiously and anticipate your stops and turns. If you’ve never towed a trailer before, consider finding a parking lot or empty road and practice taking turns, stopping, starting, and so on while it’s still empty.
Conclusion
Loading a utility trailer might seem challenging for first-time renters, but you’ll gain confidence with the right knowledge and preparation. By understanding weight distribution, using the correct equipment, and securing your load properly, you can ensure a safe and smooth towing experience. Remember, taking the time to load your trailer correctly protects your belongings and contributes to the safety of everyone on the road. Safe travels from the myTrailer team!