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Trailer Weight Distribution 101 | TrailerWheel

Nov. 28, 2024

Trailer Weight Distribution 101 | TrailerWheel

Effective Trailer Weight Distribution Management

Proper trailer weight distribution while towing a trailer is critical to ensure an efficient and safe trip. Maintaining balance, control of the trailer, and stability are linked to sound weight distribution.

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Weight Distribution 101

Control: Proper trailer weight distribution ensures stability, and that your trailer stays under control during the tow. Improper weight distribution can cause your trailer to sway while being towed, which can damage the trailer, your vehicle, and your cargo as well as lead to hazardous driving conditions for you and those around you on the road.

Maintaining Weight Limits: Knowing how to configure your trailer weight distribution will prevent you from overloading your trailer. An overloaded trailer is a braking hazard, it can cause suspension issues and excessive wear on your tires.

Better Towing Efficiency: Distributing your cargo weight improves fuel efficiency, provides a smoother ride, and less wear on your towing vehicle.

Balancing Your Load Basic

Secure Your Load: Making sure that your cargo is secured will prevent it from shifting during your tow. If your load shifts while pulling the trailer, it can cause your trailer to sway and can damage your cargo. Of course, Trailer Wheel & Frame has all types of straps and chains and binders to secure your cargo for a safe haul.

Tongue Weight: Tongue Weight (TW) is the downward force the trailer and cargo places on the trailer hitch. Too much weight makes it difficult to steer, too little will cause the trailer to sway. The optimal TW should be 10-15% of the total weight of the trailer.

How to Recognize Poor Weight Distribution

Poorly distributed weight of your trailer's cargo can be very dangerous. Here are signs that signify your trailer's cargo weight is poorly distributed.

Difficulty Steering and Handling: If you notice that your tow vehicle brakes differently or the steering is different, this could be a sign that your cargo's weight is poorly distributed.

Excessive Tire Wear: Uneven tire wear can be an indication of uneven trailer weight distribution. Uneven tire wear can lead to a blowout, creating a very dangerous situation.

Excessive Strain on Tow Vehicle: If you notice that your tow vehicle is under an abnormal amount of strain, it could be a result of too much weight in your trailer. The most common sign of strain is difficulty accelerating.

Loading Techniques to Achieve the Optimal Weight Distribution

Balance Your Load: By placing heavier items just in front of the trailer axle provides adequate tongue weight. Placing lighter items around the heavier items can help even out the weight distribution.

Create a Low Center of Gravity: Keep heavy items as low to the floor of the trailer as possible. This will provide better cargo stability.

Secure Your Cargo: Using ratchet straps and anchor chains to secure your cargo will help prevent your load from shifting while in transit.

Weight Distribution Trailer Hitches: Trailer Weight distribution hitches distribute tongue weight using spring bars across the vehicle axle. These hitches assist in reducing sway and will stabilize your cargo.

Inspect Your Load: During your tow, take the time to inspect your cargo to ensure that it has not shifted and that none of the strapping has loosened.

Routine Trailer Maintenance: Regularly scheduled trailer maintenance will ensure that all your trailer components are in proper working order.

Keep It Safe with This Simple Trailer Weight Distribution Checklist

It is better to err on the side of caution than regret. Taking a few extra minutes to load your trailer correctly, rechecking your fasteners before/during your tow, and keeping your trailer properly maintained will go a long way in keeping you, your trailer, and other drivers safe.

 

 

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION FOR ...

As vehicles have increased in power, towing has become more common among motorists. It's important to understand what is legal, safe and sensible when it comes to towing a trailer. This blog dives into towing, providing information and techniques you should know.

The company is the world’s best tipper trailer Distributor supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

It is important for motorists to understand weight distribution for trailers. Understanding how weight impacts handling, braking and your vehicles towing ability is essential. Keep reading to learn more!

WHY IS TRAILER WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION SO IMPORTANT?

The dangers of an incorrectly loaded trailer cannot be overstated, as they pose significant risks to both road safety and the well-being of individuals on the highway. Improper distribution of weight within a trailer can lead to a multitude of problems, such as reduced vehicle stability, increased stopping distances, and a higher likelihood of rollovers. An unbalanced load may also cause the trailer to sway or fishtail, making it difficult for the driver to maintain control.

The following video demonstrates how shifting weight can impact the movement of a trailer:

Knowing all of these reasons why weight distribution is so important for trailers and towing will help give you all the tools and knowledge you might need to successfully tow. However, you might still be asking 'well how do I ensure I have the right weight distribution?', well keep reading and you'll find out!

HOW TO PROPERLY DISTRIBUTE WEIGHT ON YOUR TRAILER?

DETERMINE YOUR TRAILER'S LOAD LIMIT

You can do this by finding the 'Gross Vehicle Weight Rating' (GVWR) number or reference on your trailer's VIN label. This GVWR should not be exceeded, otherwise it means you are overloading weight and increasing potential safety risks.

PARK ON A FLAT SURFACE

Find a nice flat parking space where you can start loading your trailer up. A flat surface will ensure the trailer doesn't shift. But, be sure to chock the wheels and engage the emergency brake to ensure stability.

WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION RATIO

The 60/40 rule is most commonly followed for trailer weight distribution. This involves having 60% of the weight at the front of the trailer and 40% at the back. The reason you can't have too much weight at the front is because you will put a strain on your front axle. A common indicator that your load is too heavy is if your car is sagging at the hitch or the headlights are pointing upwards. Remember to also tie down and secure bulky or loose items, so that they don't fly off when you are driving and cause an accident.

ATTACH A WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION HITCH

Using a weight distribution hitch is also highly recommended, especially if the trailer weighs 50% or more than your vehicle's weight. It helps bring the car and trailer to a level ground, hoping to reduce any strain on your vehicle and extend the life of your vehicle's suspension.

Taking these tips into consideration and any further outside research/knowledge you should be fully equipped to tow your trailer safely. Happy towing!

The team here at Bus 4×4 are advocates for road safety. Whether it be a 4WD bus, a Toyota LandCruiser, or the family SUV, understanding how to tow a trailer safely is essential to road safety.

Did you know that our commuters can carry up to 1 tonne of cargo as well as 8 full-size adults? Talk to our team and explore our innovative transport options.



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