Ultimate Trailer Towing Guide
The freedom to load up and go, whether for a job, a delivery, or a weekend getaway, is an exhilarating experience. Having a reliable utility bumper pull trailer that can accommodate everything from construction equipment to ATVs and vehicles makes this freedom possible. For anyone who regularly hauls, from professional landscapers to adventure seekers, this ultimate trailer towing guide will help put you on the road to safer travels.
1. Know Your Capacity Limit
The most critical step in safe towing is understanding the capabilities and limitations of your tow vehicle. Never exceed the manufacturer’s specified towing capacity. It is the maximum total safe weight your vehicle can safely tow, including itself, passengers, gear, and tongue weight. Other weight limits you need to know:
- Gross Trailer Weight (GTW): The total weight of the fully loaded trailer.
- Tongue Weight (TW): The downward force the trailer’s coupler exerts on the tow ball. This should generally be 10 to 15 percent of the GTW for safe bumper-pull towing. An inexpensive tongue scale is the best way to get the most accurate weight.
When considering a heavy-duty option, like a Bigfoot Deckover Trailer, ensure your tow vehicle is rated for the load. Overloading is a recipe for instability, increased braking distances, and is illegal. It can also lead to premature wear and tear on your vehicle and trailer.
2. Hitching and Coupling Like a Pro
A secure connection between your pickup truck or other tow vehicle and your trailer is critical. You don’t want to look in the rear-view mirror to find your trailer is no longer following behind. So, check the following BEFORE every trip – even if it is a short haul.
- Inspect Equipment: Always check your hitch receiver, ball mount, and trailer coupler for wear, cracks, or damage.
- Secure the Coupler: Ensure the coupler is fully seated and locked onto the hitch ball. The locking mechanism should be down and secured.
- Safety Chains: Crisscross the safety chains under the tongue and attach them securely to the tow vehicle frame. It creates a “cradle” that prevents the tongue from dropping onto the road if the primary coupling fails.
If your trailer is equipped with a breakaway system (mandatory for most trailers over a certain weight), ensure the cable is attached to a separate point on the tow vehicle, not the safety chain. The breakaway system is designed to apply the trailer brakes if the trailer becomes disconnected from the tow vehicle, preventing a runaway trailer situation.
3. Load Distribution is Key
Avoid just randomly tossing items or gear into the trailer. Improper loading is the leading cause of trailer sway and loss of control. When loading, try to have 60 percent of the cargo weight loaded in the front half of the trailer (closest to the tow vehicle). Place the heaviest equipment or materials near the trailer floor, centered left to right over the axles. Use high-quality straps or chains to secure everything in the flatbed. Even seemingly small items, if loose, can shift the center of gravity and cause instability when towing.
4. Pre-Trip Checklist
Now that you have everything loaded and secured, there is just one more checklist – the walkaround. Before pulling out, check the following:
- Tires: Check the air pressure in both the tow vehicle and trailer tires. Inspect for visible damage, cracks, or signs of wear. Note: Trailer tires often require higher pressures than passenger car tires.
- Lights: Test the running lights, brake lights, and turn signals. A fully functioning lighting system is vital for visibility on the road and alerts other drivers to your intentions when stopping or turning.
- Brakes: Ensure the trailer brakes are connected and working correctly.
- Clearance: Check under the trailer for obstructions and verify you have adequate ground clearance.
5. Driving Techniques for Towing
When you are on the road, always be aware of your surroundings, the road, and the weather conditions. Towing a Bigfoot tilt trailer takes more skill and patience than driving a passenger car.
- Increase Following Distance: You need more distance to stop safely than an empty pickup truck. Double or triple your usual following distance.
- Slower Speed: Reduce your speed, especially on curves, rough roads, and descents. Excessive speed is the primary cause of trailer sway.
- Wider Turns: Always account for the trailer’s path and swing wide when turning to avoid clipping curbs or obstacles.
- Braking: Brake earlier and more gradually than usual. Use a lower gear on downhill grades to allow the engine to assist in braking (engine braking).
- Backing Up: Backing up a trailer is an acquired skill. A common teaching method that pros tell students is to position their driving hand at the 6 o’clock position on the steering wheel. Turn the wheel left or right to move the trailer in that direction, while keeping an eye on the rearview mirror for obstacles. Always use a spotter!
Find The Ultimate Trailer At Your Nearest Bigfoot Location
Whether you need a utility trailer for your construction business or a heavy-duty dump trailer for material hauling, Bigfoot offers a comprehensive line of bumper-pull and gooseneck trailers and car haulers handcrafted in the USA. With our factory-direct service throughout the entire Eastern United States, as well as additional locations in Amherst, VA; Fort Myers, FL; Ashland, VA; New York, NY; and by appointment with retailers in Fort Myers and Marianna, FL, you can be confident in the quality of our trailers. Contact us at https://www.bigfoottrailers.net/ for a free quote, and our team will guide you through the process, including our financing and rent-to-own options. Ask about our custom trailers!
