Loading a trailer requires practical know-how and attention to detail. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned hauler, these tips will help you maximize your equipment’s available space while ensuring safety during transit. Silver Moon Trailers is your local trailer dealership in Jonesboro, AR, and we are here to help keep your transportation business rolling!
Understanding Weight Distribution
First, you’ll want to understand the importance of proper weight distribution because uneven weight distribution can lead to safety concerns and damage your cargo and vehicle.
Placing too much weight at the front or back can cause instability during transit. That’s why you should aim to distribute 60% of the load over the front half of the trailer, ideally near the hitch, ensuring that the heaviest items are centered over the axle. You can load the remaining 40% towards the rear.
Maximize Available Space
Another strategy to follow when loading your trailer is to maximize the available space inside your rig. You can stack the largest payloads first, then fit smaller items around them, and maintain the weight evenly from the left to the right side. This will help utilize space and maintain an even weight distribution.
Secure Your Load
More importantly, you’ll want to secure each piece of cargo as you load it in your trailer. Use tie-downs and ratchet straps to secure items and prevent them from shifting during transit. You’ll also want to check the straps' tension to prevent them from becoming wobbly and losing grip.
Additional Tips
In addition to the tips above, you’ll want to follow a few good practices to ensure the safety of your goods and towing setup.
- Check the air pressure in your trailer tires and adjust it to optimize your towing vehicle’s fuel economy and prevent tire blowout.
- You should perform routine maintenance to keep your trailer safe, efficient, and ready for use.
- You’ll also want to wash your trailer to keep it clean and rust-free.
We hope you find these tips useful when loading your trailer. If you need more advice, contact Silver Moon Trailers. We proudly serve Jonesboro and Newport, AR, so reach out today!