Properly loading your trailer before hitting the road is essential for safe and efficient towing. If you don't distribute the weight in your trailer correctly, you'll face various problems'from minor worries like tire wear or handling issues to more significant concerns like trailer sway or even accidents.

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In this article, we'll guide you through loading a trailer, including a breakdown of how to distribute weight and our best pro tips for proper trailer loading.

Why properly loading a trailer matters

Loading a trailer takes extra time and care. You can't just toss your cargo in and hit the road. Loading your trailer with an eye for proper weight distribution is crucial for maintaining control and stability while towing. Improper weight distribution can lead to:

• Swaying or fishtailing:

  This can lead to losing control of your vehicle and trailer, especially when traveling at high speeds or in adverse road conditions.

• Uneven tire wear: Excess weight on one axle can cause premature wear on those tires.
• More stress on the car: An unbalanced trailer puts extra stress on your car or truck's engine and suspension, increasing the risk of mechanical failure and accidents.

These are a few reasons why trailer weight distribution is so important.

Trailer weight distribution 

Ideal weight distribution depends on several factors, such as the trailer's size, axle configuration, and payload capacity. If you don't know how much your trailer weighs, you'll need to figure that out first so you don't overload the trailer with more weight than it can handle. Then, look for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) stamped on the trailer, which indicates how much weight a trailer can safely carry.

Once you have that number, you can consider how to distribute weight in the trailer. The 60/40 trailer rule is a good rule of thumb to follow.

60/40 rule

• 60% of the total weight is positioned in front of the trailer's axle(s)

• 40% of the total weight is behind the axle(s)

This guideline helps prevent sway and maintain proper tongue weight, improving towing performance and safety.

How to load a trailer

Make sure you know your trailer's weight capacity and axle weight limits. You can find this information in the trailer manual, manufacturer's website, certificate of origin, or title if you aren't sure.

For proper loading, park your trailer on level ground to minimize shifting or tipping when loading cargo.

Then follow these four steps to accomplish proper weight distribution on the trailer:

1. Chock the wheels

Chock the trailer wheels by placing the wheel chocks (small wedges made of plastic, wood, or rubber) under the backs of the wheels. This keeps your trailer stable so it won't roll, shift, or move as you load your cargo.

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2. Start with heavy items

As you start loading the trailer, place your heaviest cargo toward the front, distributing its weight evenly across the width of the trailer. This helps put weight on the tongue (the part that connects to your tow vehicle) and improve handling. 

3. Add lighter items

Once you've loaded your heaviest items, use any lighter cargo to fill the empty spaces around and behind the heavier cargo. This will prevent shifting during transport. You can also load lighter items on top of heavier ones (as long as the larger items are tied down properly). 

4. Secure all cargo

Use straps, ropes, or ratchet tie-downs to secure your cargo to designated anchor points in the trailer. Make sure you fasten everything tightly to prevent movement during transport. 

Additional tips for loading a trailer safely and efficiently

Trailer weight distribution is important to get right. Here are a few bonus tips to help:

• Consider double-checking your weight distribution for heavier loads or high-value items by visiting a truck scale or weighbridge to measure the weight distribution accurately. 

• Use tie-down straps to secure loose items and prevent shifting.

• Distribute weight evenly from side to side and front to back. Avoid overloading one side of the trailer.

• Leave room for trailer movement ' don't pack your trailer so tightly that items can't shift slightly during transit.

• tongue weight

  Check the trailer'sto ensure it falls within the recommended range for optimal towing performance. While the 60/40 trailer rule is a good guideline, consult the trailer manual to find the recommended tongue weight for optimal handling.

• Perform a final inspection before hitting the road.

Hit the road with confidence! 

By following these trailer-loading tips, you can ensure a safe and secure journey. If you have questions about weight distribution or you're shopping for a trailer in Asheville or Greenville, SC, we're right down the road in Campobello, SC. Come visit us, or give us a call'we're always happy to help.

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Loading

A properly loaded trailer is much easier to control. The most common reason for losing control of a trailer is improper loading. Review your trailer owner's manual before loading cargo. Every trailer is designed differently and understanding how the trailer was engineered to carry the load is vital for safe trailering.

The information below provides general guidelines for loading, rather than guidelines for loading a specific type of trailer. For example, a trailer built to carry a cement mixer may have specific axle placement for weight distribution that requires the load not be placed as described below. Reading your trailer's owner's manual should always be your first step. Instructions in your trailer's owner manual supersede the instructions below and should be followed precisely.

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