Proper Trailer Loading

Whether you are towing a camping trailer, ATVs, or transporting goods, it is important to balance your load and prepare your trailer and tow vehicle for a safe trip. Some important things to consider are:Total Trailer WeightLoad Placement and Trailer Tongue WeightSecuring Your CargoTotal Trailer Weight- Total trailer weight not to exceed trailer GVWR- Not exceed axle ratings- Not exceed towing capacity or GCWR (combined rating) for tow vehicle- Not exceed weight ratings of hitch, receiver, or hitch ballLoad Placement and Trailer Tongue WeightOne of the main causes of sway is improper load placement. Too much weight behind the trailer axles or uneven side-to-side loading will decrease trailer stability and contribute to trailer sway.To reduce trailer instability and sway, most of the cargo weight should be placed toward the front of the trailer - ahead of the trailer axles – and evenly distributed side-to-side. The placement of the cargo front to back will determine the tongue weight of...