This week is Trailer Safety Week, utilized nationwide to raise awareness and educate individuals, businesses and manufacturers on trailer safety. Trailer safety starts long before getting on the road with a trailer attached. It is important to properly prepare and secure the trailer before towing on a roadway.
Hooking Up A Trailer
The first few times hooking up a trailer can be difficult for those with little experience. However, before you start, consider filling your vehicle up with gas first. It is easier to pump your gas without a trailer attached to your vehicle.
If you are a beginner, it is best to have someone help spot and guide steering. If no one is available to help, you may need to park and leave the vehicle throughout the process to see positioning as you back the vehicle to the trailer.
Be sure the hitch is unlocked and use the hand crank to raise the level of the trailer hitch. The hitch of the trailer should be inches higher, directly under the vehicle’s ball hitch. It can be difficult to adjust the positioning of a hitch and ball, especially with a heavy trailer, so it is important to align correctly before lowering the trailer to the vehicle.
After securing the trailer to the vehicle be sure the trailer wheel is fully lifted and is parallel to the neck of the trailer. Position the trailer handle similarly and place the pin inside the handle to ensure the trailer will stay attached to the ball hitch.
Always use every safety feature of a trailer and check that all parts function appropriately. Attach chains to help prevent the trailer and vehicle from becoming separated while driving. The final step in attaching a trailer is plugging the electrical system into the vehicle and testing the lights.
Securing Trailer Loads
There are different kinds of trailers that people use to for different needs. Open trailers are lighter in comparison to closed trailers. An open trailer requires ropes, straps, and in some instances a covering such as a tarp in order to secure the load. A closed trailer offers protection from the elements and is better for loose items.
Straps have individual maximum weight capacities known as their working load limit. Be aware of how much weight will be in the trailer. Avoid overloading and exceeding the limits of your straps or tie-downs.
Loading a trailer takes some thought and must be done methodically. For the best experience when towing a heavy load, put the heavier items in the rear of the trailer, closest to the vehicle. Distributing weight in the back lessens the chance of losing control of your trailer.
Do A Final Safety Check
Before driving down the road with a trailer, be sure all local and state requirements are met. Not only is it illegal to drive on Alaska roads with unsecure loads, it is also dangerous. Take time to ensure every item in a trailer or vehicle is completely secure. The dangers of an unsecured load on Alaskan Roadways can be drastic. If something falls out of a trailer, not only could it result in a fine, it could cause harm to someone else.
If you suffer serious injuries due to an accident involving someone towing a trailer negligently, it is important to hold the other driver liable for their actions.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Source: “This Is How You Attach A Trailer In 10 Swift Steps Without Failure” by driving-tests.org | Photo
