Trailers may be useful for hauling cargo but require some extra caution on the road. Here are some basic safety instructions you should follow for a smooth ride.
Get Hitched: Depending on your car or towing capacity, you may need to double check that you’re working with the right hitch. Stop by your local U-Haul so one of our hitch pro’s can get you set up.
Load Cargo Properly: It’s important to keep the bulk of your load toward the front of your trailer to avoid losing control of it while on the road. As a rule of thumb, keep 60% of your cargo in front of the trailer and the other 40% toward the back.
Check Your Ride: Just like when you’re hopping in a car for the first time, double check your mirrors, lights, tire pressure, and other standard vehicle functions.
Learn the Limits of Your Trailer: Before you start loading your trailer, learn the towing capacity of your vehicle as well as the max weight your hitch system can tow.
While You’re Driving
Wear a Seatbelt: Don’t just protect your cargo, protect yourself and buckle up!
Leave Space to Brake: With the added cargo attached to your vehicle, you’ll need more space and time to brake your vehicle. We recommend leaving about 4-5 seconds of space between yourself and any other vehicles on the road.
Take it Slow: Try to keep at a consistent speed and don’t hit over 55mph. Don’t forget that with the added length and weight a trailer adds to your vehicle, you’ll need more space and time to switch lanes. If Your Trailer Starts to Sway, take your foot off of the gas pedal and do not brake or speed up.
Parking Your Trailer
Pull Forward into Spaces: Pulling forward into a parking space makes it easier to leave later. If you’re reversing out of a space and notice your trailer veering off to the side, pull back in and try again.
Remember to Lock Up: Got a cargo trailer? Protect your things by investing in a padlockand key and locking that trailer up!
Did You Know?
The very first U-Haul trailers were painted black, but it didn’t last long! When one of our original trailers was struck by an oncoming driver that claimed to be unable to see it, our founder decided to switch our trailers to a color you can’t miss…orange!
This choice was inspired by signs and trucks on the local highways, all of which were a bright orange color. This kept our equipment visible, while also giving us the famous color we’re associated with today. Here’s our logo from that time, looks pretty familiar, huh?