Tips to Make your Next Trailer Haul a Breeze
Nov 07, 2014Last Updated on January 25, 2024 by David Miller
Last Updated on January 25, 2024 by allprotrailersuperstore
Transporting large or multiple items long distances can be a hassle, especially if the load can’t possibly fit inside of your vehicle. If you’re accustomed to hauling heavy or multiple items, there’s a strong chance you’ve already taken the important step of purchasing a trailer. For better or worse, however, traveling with a trailer is a completely different experience from driving your vehicle normally. To ensure each trip is safe, smooth, and secure, consider the following tips before transporting your next load.
Be Mindful of the Added Weight
While it might not be part of your vehicle, the combined weight of your trailer and the load it is carrying will affect your momentum. Heavier objects require a greater amount of time to begin and, more importantly, stop moving. Be sure to grant yourself more time to come to a complete stop, otherwise you may find yourself stuck in the middle of an intersection. Also, if your vehicle is already fairly heavy, be sure that you don’t accidentally drive on roads with weight limits you now transcend.
Extra Length Means More Wait Time
With a trailer attached, your vehicle will likely be almost twice as long as normal. This means that interacting with other vehicles on the road will require more finesse than before. When switching lanes or passing vehicles, be sure to give yourself more room than you think you will need. This will ensure that you don’t sideswipe others with your trailer. Also, turning corners will be a bit more difficult. Simply swing out wider when coming around corners to give the trailer room to clear the curve.
Learning How to Break
Changes to breaking are one of the most important things to keep in mind while hauling a trailer. The primary thing to keep in mind is that slamming on the breaks will almost assuredly cause you to begin jackknifing. Instead, every decrease in speed should be steady, allowing for the trailer to maintain a stable balance while coming to rest. Trying to force the trailer to move quickly can also cause it to sway, which is dangerous for objects or vehicles near you on the road. If this occurs, pull over slowly to prevent the swaying.
Hauling a trailer can be an incredibly convenient means of transporting materials without paying another party to do so for you. As long as you follow the rules of the road, and remain aware of your trailer’s specific needs, you’ll be sure to get to your destination without a problem. If you’ve yet to procure a trailer, there are several places online with quality trailers for sale at affordable prices. Find the right match for your needs today and begin saving time and money instantly.
