Buying a utility trailer to haul goods can be much easier and less expensive than routinely hiring a moving company, but towing heavy loads can be stressful. If you’ve never driven with a trailer, you might be worried about controlling the weight or damaging your valuable belongings. While this task does require a different set of skills, first-time drivers can reach their destinations safely by following the tips below. 

How to Drive Safely With a Trailer

1. Check the Trailer Tires

New trailers should not have issues, but you should get in the habit of inspecting the tires before starting out. Dry-rotted tires can blow out under heavy loads, and worn treads may cause you to lose control on a slippery road. Check the tires for signs of excessive or uneven wear and cracks along the outer wall that could indicate dry rot.

2. Practice Driving With a Trailer

Driving with a trailer affects how your truck handles, the blind spots, and almost every other aspect of controlling your vehicle. Before loading it up, take some time to understand how the hitch works and drive around the parking lot a few times. Get a feel for where the blind spots are and how the weight affects your vehicle’s ability to brake.

3. Leave Extra Room Around Your Vehicle

Towing a trailer means you’ll need more room to stop, so leave more space between your vehicle and the car in front of you. You’ll also need to account for the trailer when changing lanes, so make sure you have at least two or three car-lengths of extra space before merging. You’ll also need to take wider turns to avoid clipping a curb with the trailer, so it’s best to leave more room than usual in every direction.

4. Connect the Safety Chains

The safety chains keep the utility trailer from drifting away if it somehow gets disconnected from the vehicle. When attaching the chains, cross them over the front, so they form a cradle for the trailer hitch to fall into. There should be enough slack in the chains to allow your vehicle to make slight turns, but not enough that they drag on the ground as you’re driving.

For over 30 years, Smith Trailers and Equipment has been the Tri-State area’s trailer superstore, thanks to their massive selection and exceptional service. Their Cincinnati facility features a wide inventory of utility trailers from some of the industry’s leading brands, along with experienced technicians who will help you find the best equipment for your project. Visit their website for more on their trailers and services, follow their Facebook for tips and advice, or call (513) 755-2497 with any questions.