September 28th, 2019 | Updated on June 25th, 2022
When you are ready to tow anything from a boat to a long-haul trailer, you can use the checklist below. When you are preparing for the long ride while towing the trailer, make sure that the trailer is safe, and secure any items that are on the trailer.
As you go through the checklist, it is wise to remember that every trailer is different. The trailer that hauls a small motorcycle is adjusted differently from a trailer for a boat or a long-haul trailer. Adapt the following steps to suit your trailer.
1. Check The Tire Pressures
You may be searching for a trailer for your boat, motorcycle, lawn mowers for your landscaping business, or a long trailer to be used for deliveries. Because of this, you need to know the tire pressures for these trailers.
You can easily use a pressure gauge to ensure the tire pressure for your trailer is correct. A long-haul trailer has completely different tire pressure recommendations than a trailer for your lawn mower.
2. Is The Trailer Level?
You must ensure that your trailer is level. If you are hauling a heavy load or a particularly large vehicle, you need to know that the vehicle remains level during the trip. You can adjust the trailer and hitch accordingly, or you may need to pump up a tire that is allowing the trailer to tilt.
3. Are The Lug Nuts Adjusted Properly?
Make sure that the lug nuts on your trailer wheels are tightened to compensate for the torque your towing vehicle will produce.
A boat trailer that is hauled by a massive pickup truck needs tighter lug nuts than a small trailer that is merely hauling a lawn mower or jet ski. You can check the lug nuts tensions for every vehicle type in your owner’s manual.
4. Are Your Bearings Lubricated?
The bearings on every wheel must be lubricated before you set off. A trailer that has been allowed to sit idle for a long time needs extra lubrication to ensure the bearings will function properly.
5. Have You Secured Your Load?
Strap down your load, use chains to hold down your load, or pack your trailer tightly before setting off. If you need to lock the trailer doors, do so only after you know you have packed properly.
6. Is Your Load Covered?
You must use a cover for large machines or vehicles when they are riding on an open trailer. The cover will prevent damage from debris on the road.
7. Is The Hitch Secured?
You must secure the hitch before setting off, and you must repair any damage to the hitch before starting your journey.
8. Are The Brakes/Lights Working?
You can easily test the brakes and lights to ensure that they work. Have someone stand behind the trailer to watch as you press the brake pedal and use the indicators.
9. Are The Tires In Good Condition?
If you are searching for dump trailers for sale, you need to check the tires. Heavy-duty trailers will have a lot of wear on the tires, and you want to make sure that the trailer is still safe to drive.
10. Check The Weather
When you are ready to tow your load to a new location, you need to check the weather so that you are prepared for wind, rain, snow, or other inclement conditions.
You need to drive slower in the trailer, drive very carefully in the snow, and take great care when it is windy.
Conclusion
You can tow any trailer that you want to any location once you have checked each item on the list above. You want to be as safe as possible when towing, and these steps ensure your safety along with the safety of other drivers on the road.
