1. Know Your Tow Vehicle's Limits
Before you hook up any trailer, check your vehicle's towing capacity. This is listed in your owner's manual and on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb. Your tow vehicle needs to be rated for the trailer's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) plus your cargo. Both our car hauler and dump trailer are 10,000 lbs GVWR. Most full-size trucks like the F-150, Silverado 1500, and RAM 1500 handle both with ease when properly equipped with a brake controller and the right hitch.
2. Hitch Up Properly
Both of our trailers use a standard 2-5/16 inch ball hitch. Make sure the ball is fully seated in the coupler and the locking mechanism is engaged. Connect the safety chains in an X-pattern under the tongue (this catches the tongue if it separates from the ball). Plug in the electrical connector and test all lights: brake lights, turn signals, running lights. This takes 5 minutes and prevents most roadside problems.
3. Check Tire Pressure Before Every Trip
Trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure listed on the sidewall. Low tire pressure causes uneven wear, poor handling, and blowouts. Walk around the trailer and visually inspect all tires for damage, cracks, or low spots. Our trailers are maintained between rentals, but a quick check before you hit the road takes 2 minutes and could save you from a roadside breakdown.
4. Distribute Weight Properly
Proper weight distribution keeps the trailer stable. For a car hauler, place heavy items forward (toward the tongue) and center them side-to-side. About 60% of the weight should be in the front half of the trailer. For a dump trailer, load evenly and don't stack material higher than the sides. Uneven loads cause sway, which is the most dangerous towing situation.
5. Secure Your Load
On the car hauler, use the D-ring tie-downs and quality ratchet straps. A minimum of 4 straps for a vehicle, more for odd-shaped loads. Cross-strap whenever possible. In the dump trailer, loose materials should be level and not overflowing. For lightweight debris, consider a tarp to prevent items from blowing out on the highway. Arizona law holds you responsible for anything that falls off your trailer.
6. Take Wider Turns
A trailer tracks inside your turning radius. This means the trailer wheels cut tighter than your truck's wheels. Swing wider on turns, especially right turns, to avoid clipping curbs, signs, and other vehicles. Practice in an empty parking lot if you've never towed before. The 20ft car hauler requires noticeably wider turns than the 12ft dump trailer.
7. Brake Earlier and More Gradually
Extra weight means longer stopping distances. Start braking well before you normally would, and apply pressure gradually. Both of our trailers have electric brakes that activate through your brake controller. If your truck doesn't have a built-in brake controller, you'll need an aftermarket one. Trailer brakes are required by Arizona law for trailers over 3,000 lbs.
8. Use Your Mirrors Constantly
Check your mirrors frequently, especially before lane changes and turns. If your truck's mirrors don't extend far enough to see past the trailer, get clip-on towing mirror extensions. You need clear sightlines down both sides of the trailer at all times. Blind spots are bigger when towing.
9. Back Up Slowly With a Spotter
Backing a trailer is the hardest part of towing. Go slowly, use a spotter outside the vehicle, and remember: put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you want the trailer to go. Small steering inputs are better than big ones. If you jackknife, pull forward and start over. There's no shame in taking multiple attempts.
10. Check Everything at Every Stop
Every time you stop for gas, food, or a break, walk around the trailer. Check that straps are tight, chains are connected, lights work, and tires look good. Loads shift during transit and straps can loosen. A 60-second walk-around catches problems before they become emergencies on the highway.