Even if you can safely drive a car, it doesn’t automatically mean you can safely tow a trailer behind it. Towing a trailer can require a different driving style, technology upgrades, and great care.
If you’ll be towing a trailer for the first time, and want to be as safe as possible, here are some essential safety tips to remember.
Use a Trailer Cover
If you’re carrying something that can fall off your trailer, such as lawn clippings, dirt, or grain, use a trailer cover to protect your load, the road, and other road occupants. Covers can prevent a load from tipping out onto the road, impacting the driving experience of other road users. They can also prevent load loss, which can be an expensive exercise. Trailer covers are generally affordable and can be designed to suit your unique trailer. Depending on your needs and preferences, they can also be hard covers or fabric.
Invest in Towing Aids
People who tow trailers regularly are likely already familiar with how to tow them safely. Still, frequent towing might see you exploring your towing aid options. Many technologically advanced options exist to provide a safer, more comfortable towing experience.
For example, you might look at Active Rollover Protection (ARP), a system designed to recognise a possible rollover. Once it identifies the risk, it applies the brakes to resist a rollover. Electronic Trailer Sway Control, also known as Trailer Stability Assist, is also worth considering. This tech can help control wheel slips to correct fishtailing before an accident occurs.
Familiarise Yourself With Your Trailer
All trailers are different, with different capacities, towing ratings, and weight ratings. Familiarise yourself with this information before loading your trailer and hitting the road. If available, read the owner’s manual and find the rated capacity on the VIN tag. It’s also important to know the weight of what you’re towing to ensure you’re within the safe weight rating.
Inspect Your Trailer
Just as you might inspect your vehicle and care for it to ensure it’s safe to drive, do the same for your trailer. Inspect the frame for cracks, look at the suspension, check the brakes, and study the tires to ensure they’re at the appropriate pressure and tread depth. If you notice imperfections that might affect your trailer’s safety on the road, remedy the problems before using it.
Secure the Load
While you might only need a trailer cover for light materials, heavier items might require more security, such as chains, binders, and tie-downs. According to the National Transport Commission, load restraint for light vehicles can vary across all states. However, all loads must be properly restrained, not overhanging dangerously, not exceeding mass limits, and not covering indicators, lights, reflectors, or number plates.
There are also requirements for how a load must be positioned. These are set out in the Performance Standards and involve ensuring 80% of the load is forwards, 50% is sideways and rearwards, and 20% is upwards if it isn’t fully contained.
Most competent drivers can tow trailers confidently, but it can take practice, patience, and education. Keep these safety tips in mind, and you might be the master of safe towing in no time.
