Getting a new trailer, whether it’s a box trailer, open car trailer or an enclosed trailer is an exciting experience but there are some safety considerations you must take into account before you get on the road and whilst on the road.
Do Your Checks
Before you even start moving, it’s important to make sure you do the basic checks to ensure the trailer is secured correctly. It’s important to be sure that the safety chains and other mechanisms are securely in place and make sure that the trailer plug is also secured. These basic checks will pay off in the long run and will give you peace of mind that your trailer is secure.
Reversing
It is true, there is an art to reversing with a trailer and it’s also true that practice makes perfect. Before you leave with your trailer, do some trial reversing so you ensure you get the hang of reversing. Reversing safely is one of the key factors in towing a trailer and, therefore, it is essential that you have this skill down pat before you set sail.
Applying Brakes
Whether you’re towing a box trailer, open car trailer or enclosed trailer, you want to ensure you are taking care when applying pressure to the brakes in your car. The trailer can swing if you apply the brakes too quickly and that’s why an even pressure is always required where possible.
Check the Lights
You want to make sure that the box trailer, open car trailer or enclosed trailer you are towing is fitted correctly so that the lights on the trailer are working. Get someone to do a check for you as you apply the brakes and use the indicators as a test.
Give Space
You need to be mindful of the additional length of the trailer, be it a boxed trailer, enclosed trailer or open car trailer. This can be as simple as when you are changing lanes. Make sure you are aware of the additional length that the trailer adds and do sufficient head checks and check mirrors before changing lanes.
