Road safety is perhaps the most important thing when driving a vehicle with a box trailer attached. Many traffic accidents occur due to poor towing experience of the driver. It is necessary to take some safety measures to safely tow your trailer.
Regardless of whether a trailer is used for commercial or private purposes, taking care of its proper loading, towing, and maintenance is crucial. This will allow the box trailer to work in perfect order.
The most important thing to consider is the towing capacity of the trailer. It is something that should not be exceeded. Remember that each trailer has a maximum weight that it can support. Any excess weight can cause accidents due to damaged mechanisms or other components. The recommended trailer weight is 85% of the limit. Don’t forget to include the weight of passengers, cargo and the trailer itself. If the total weight is greater, it is more difficult to stop the vehicle towing a trailer. An interesting fact is that trailers do not have a specific speed limit. However, be aware of your speed constantly when driving on the road and keep a greater distance between you and the vehicles ahead.
Another important aspect that affects vehicle handling is the proper distribution of cargo weight. When you load your box trailer, put the heaviest items in the center. Thus, the load will be evenly distributed. Find the optimal load weight – a smaller load can cause the trailer to become unbalanced; otherwise, too much load can overload the vehicle’s trailer suspension.
The brakes are also important. Check if they are working properly. The lights must be in sync with the brakes. It is advisable to replace the brake fluid once a year to minimize brake corrosion. Even better, replace them entirely. If your trailer is used to haul heavy loads, install electronic brakes. You can invest more in your trailer by getting a brake controller.
To increase the life of the tires, they must be accurately maintained. Be sure to leave enough room around the sides to keep the tires from rubbing against the frame. You can save money and energy by ensuring proper tire pressure.
Other important safety measures for box trailers:
– Respect the rules and conditions of the road.
– Do not drive if you are tired or sleepy.
– Do not drive if you consume alcohol or drugs.