Equipment Trailer Hauling Safety

Transporting heavy equipment can be very challenging if you’re new to the process. There are a lot of safety issues to be aware of, particularly when loading up and unloading your equipment. Actually driving while towing the trailer can also be dangerous if you’re careless. But if you know what you’re doing and you’re cautious and vigilant, you can use your equipment trailer without incident.

Flat Rock Trailers in Hewitt is your Texas equipment trailer dealer. Below, you will find some helpful information on how to haul your equipment trailer responsibly and safely.

1. Know Your Owner’s Manual

The owner’s manual for your equipment trailer will have a lot of useful tips on how to use the trailer correctly. A few things you’ll want to check on include the rated capacity of your trailer so that you don’t overload it, the weight limit of the hitch you’re using and how to hitch up your trailer. 

2. Don’t Overburden Your Towing Vehicle

Make sure that the weight of your trailer combined with the weight of your equipment doesn’t go over the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of your towing vehicle. A trailer that is too heavy for your vehicle to haul will result in significant damage to the towing vehicle and it may also cause an accident on the road.

3. Inspect Both Trailer & Vehicle

Before every journey, you need to walk around your towing vehicle and your equipment trailer to check them over for signs of wear and tear. Use a tire-pressure gauge to check all the tires and air them up accordingly. Fuel up your vehicle and check the oil. Look over your trailer’s frame for any signs of cracking or damage that may make it unsafe to use. Taking the time to inspect your vehicle and trailer before your trip can save you a serious headache later on.

4. Secure & Balance Your Load

A well-balanced and secure load is less likely to cause you problems while you’re driving and towing. Load up equipment so that the weight is balanced evenly from left to right and place more weight towards the front of the trailer and less at the back. Use tie-downs, ropes or ratchet straps to fully secure the load in place so that it doesn’t shift around or even fall out of your trailer while you’re on the road.

5. Double-Check Your Hitch

Finally, it’s important to examine the hitch and towing chains to make sure they are really secure before departure. Check that your hitch is latched correctly with all the parts in place and make sure that towing chains are crossed under the tongue and latched to both your vehicle and equipment trailer.

Looking to buy a new trailer? Visit our dealership in Hewitt, TX, to check out our full stock of new and used equipment trailers for sale. Flat Rock Trailers proudly serves the cities of Waco and Killeen, TX.