Picking the Right Trailer
The most popular types of trailers for consumer use fall under two categories: utility trailers and enclosed trailers. A utility trailer is open and provides space for hauling lawn equipment, scraps or all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). An enclosed trailer lets you lock your equipment up and provides accessible mobile storage.
Size is a major factor when choosing a trailer. Utility and enclosed trailer sizes vary from 4 feet by 6 feet to over 20 feet. The jobs and equipment you'll be carrying will determine what type of trailer you should buy. The ideal trailer for you will accommodate the loads you plan to move.
Understanding Your Tow Vehicle
Your trailer choices are limited by the towing capacity of your vehicle. While some hatchbacks and SUVs can accommodate a trailer hitch, they may not be able to haul much weight. Even if you drive a truck, be sure you're aware of the limitations of your tow capacity.
Have an authorized facility inspect or modify your tow vehicle to ensure it's ready to tow a trailer. To find the towing capabilities of your vehicle, refer to the owner's manual or check with an authorized dealer.
Trailer Safety
Make safety a priority when hauling a load on a trailer for any distance — protect yourself and other drivers on the road. Read on to make sure you're safely towing a trailer.
Loading the Trailer
Properly load the trailer with the majority of the weight placed in front of the axle (roughly 60/40 weight split). This allows the weight to be dispersed between the axle and the tongue. Also, make sure the bulk of the weight is centered to prevent the trailer from whipping or swinging out from behind the vehicle.
Secure all cargo inside the trailer. Avoid letting cargo hang off the side or back of a trailer. Items that fall off can create a hazard to other drivers, and the resulting unbalanced weight can cause the trailer to malfunction. Never exceed the trailer's maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
Safe Driving Practices
Driving a trailer at a safe speed may mean slowing down from your normal driving speed. The recommended highway speed is usually around 55 mph. This will allow proper braking with a loaded trailer. Be cautious when passing other vehicles, keeping the length of your trailer in mind. Lower your speed when going downhill, and shift down a gear when going uphill to reduce the stress on the engine.
Use this simple equation to figure out the total load capacity of your trailer: Trailer GVWR – Trailer empty weight – 20% = Allowable tow weight.
Trailer Parts and Accessories
Your trailer's most important components include the hitch, the ball mount, wiring adapters and safety chains. All of these trailering parts play a vital role in operating the trailer in a safe, efficient manner.
Hitch Ball
The hitch ball connects to the ball mount to secure the coupler to the trailer. Hitches for trailers come in a variety of sizes, most commonly in diameters of 1-7/8 inches, 2 inches and 2-5/16 inches. Some hitch balls have multiple sizes for convenience.
Ball Mount
The ball mount is a removable bracket that locks into the hitch to secure the hitch ball that's being attached to the trailer. The ball mount is designed to be level with the trailer for towing. Some ball mounts come as a combo with a ball already attached.
Wiring Adapter
When connecting a trailer's lights to the towing vehicle, an adapter is usually needed to make sure all lights work properly. There's a variety of different options, depending on the type of trailer you're towing.
Safety Chain
A crisscrossed safety chain is a fail-safe accessory for your trailer. It keeps the trailer attached in the event that the coupler and hitch ball become separated. It should form an X shape and connect from the trailer to the tow vehicle.
Ramps
Most trailers come with a connected gate ramp that folds down to allow easy access when loading the trailer. If your trailer doesn't have an attached ramp, Lowe's has standalone ramps that can meet your needs.
Trailer Maintenance
Properly maintaining your trailer goes hand in hand with safe operation. Keeping up with maintenance also extends the life of your trailer.
Before Towing
Check out each of the following components before towing your trailer, and look for these specific indicators of wear and damage.
- Safety Chains and Hooks: Inspect for any damage, cracks or wear.
- Coupler and Hitch Ball: Check for cracks, pits and flats. Grease and check the locking device and replace when worn.
- Ring and Pintle: Make sure the ring and pintle securely lock.
- Tires: Check tire pressure when cold and inflate tires as needed. Check for damage or punctures.
- Wheels: Check the lug nuts, bolt or hub for tightness.
- Verify all items are weighted properly for the load you plan to tow.
- Make sure the load is secured properly on the trailer.
Stop regularly while you're on the road to check that the load is secure and all parts are working properly. It's a good idea to stop and inspect a new trailer after 10, 25 and 50 miles.
Trailer Registration
Registering a trailer is much like registering a vehicle in most states. When you buy a trailer from Lowe's, you receive the title and then have to follow your state's next steps to complete registration, likely at the DMV. The process for completing registration varies from state to state, so check your local laws and regulations regarding the specifics.