Hauling Trailers

Hauling trailers help you move equipment, livestock supplies and other loads between the house, barn and jobsite without trying to fit everything in your truck bed. Finding the right trailer starts with what you plan to haul, how much it weighs and how much room it takes up. A utility trailer can be a practical choice for lawn equipment and general property chores, while an enclosed trailer offers coverage for tools and cargo on the road. For heavier machinery, compare equipment trailers with the loading access and weight capacity your load requires. Check deck length, width and payload capacity, and leave room to position cargo and secure it properly. Payload capacity is the amount of weight a trailer can carry, while its gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR, covers the trailer and its load together. Be sure your tow vehicle, hitch and other towing components are rated for the fully loaded trailer, and account for passengers, truck-bed cargo and tongue weight within your vehicle’s limits. Safe trailer hauling takes a little planning before you pull out of the driveway. Confirm that the trailer coupler matches your hitch ball and that the hitch setup supports the tongue weight range specified by the trailer and tow vehicle manufacturers. Spread cargo according to the trailer manufacturer’s loading guidance, keep the load balanced from side to side and secure equipment with properly rated tie-down straps or chains attached to designated anchor points. Loading ramps also need enough capacity for the equipment and anyone who will be on them during loading. Before each trip, inspect trailer tires for damage and proper inflation, check the coupler latch and safety chains, and test the trailer lights and brakes if equipped. Verify whether your setup requires a trailer brake controller or breakaway system, and check your state’s trailer registration and towing requirements. A loaded hauling trailer changes how your truck accelerates, turns and stops, so allow extra following distance, take corners with care and recheck cargo securement shortly after getting underway.