Cargo Trailer Towing Guide
Owning a cargo trailer gives you access to an easy, safe and convenient way to transport large amounts of cargo from place to place. Whether you use your cargo trailer for quick trips in the city or long-distance hauling, it’s important to always make sure that you’re following safe towing practices.
Flat Rock Trailers in Hewitt is your Texas cargo trailer dealer. Read on to learn more about how to tow your cargo trailer safely and responsibly.
1. Inspect Your Vehicle & Trailer
You need to ensure that your towing vehicle and trailer are both in good condition and ready to go. Check the oil in your towing vehicle and fill up the gas tank, check the tire pressure of all tires and air them up according to the manufacturer’s recommended psi levels, test lights and brakes and make sure there are no glaring maintenance issues that need to be addressed.
If you ever need some professional maintenance on your trailer, get in touch with the service department here at Flat Rock Trailers and we’ll be happy to help.
2. Secure Cargo
Regardless of whether you’re using an enclosed or open cargo trailer, you’ll want to make sure to tightly secure your cargo down in place. When loading cargo, try to balance its weight evenly from left to right and place about 60% of it towards the front and 40% of it towards the rear of the trailer. Use ratchet straps or other tie-downs to lock it in place so that it doesn’t shift while you drive.
3. Increase Your Following Distance
When towing, you’ll need more room to bring your towing set-up to a complete stop. Thus, you’ll have to increase the distance at which you follow the traffic ahead of you to give your brakes several seconds’ time to activate. You should also endeavor to remain in the rightmost lane of traffic and avoid changing lanes or making a lot of maneuvers. Signal any maneuvers you need to make well in advance so that other drivers know how to react to you.
4. Watch the Traffic Ahead
You’ll also need to watch the traffic ahead of you more carefully to ensure that you know what to expect and how to react to it in advance. Road construction, car accidents and traffic congestion can both require you to suddenly slow down or change lanes and it’s good to always be aware of the flow of traffic.
5. Be Mindful of Trailer Sway
One of the risks of towing is encountering trailer sway, which occurs in high winds and at higher speeds. Stay five to ten miles below the posted speed limit to reduce the risk of sway. Check the weather forecast before you depart and if you encounter high winds on your drive, it may be safest to pull over and stop driving until they’ve passed. Apply brakes cautiously when sway occurs. You can alsin vinest in a hitch stabilization device to prevent sway.
Interested in purchasing a new trailer? Visit our dealership in Hewitt, TX, to check out our wide stock of new and used cargo trailers for sale. Flat Rock Trailers proudly serves Waco and Killeen, TX.