Trailer Safety Video

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174K views · 985 reactions | How to load a trailer correctly | Tech Vision yt

How to load a trailer correctly.

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[Captain13]

I just bought a new trailer that has a very odd loading protocol. I loaded 12,000 lbs of oak logs and when I got to 45 mph, the trailer started to fishtail. I took the axles to be centered for loading. I went back and we we shifted the logs forward to give me more tongue weight. Both ways, the trailer looked level. I called the manufacturer and they told me to actually measure nose to tail on the deck and mark that as the trailer centerline, so I did. Turns out the load center for that trailer is forward of the axles. Loading to that centerline puts the correct amount of tongue weight without too much on the rear. The next load was loaded to the measured point instead of the axles and there was no more issue with the fishtail. So I learned that not all trailers are boils to center the load using the axle location but with newer trailers, it’s best to consult with the manufacturer for proper loading.

 

[Scm]

My first time with a new trailer was one of those "almost had to kill myself to learn a lesson" times. Got a few of those so far this life.
Put a bunch of bricks right in the back up against the ramp thinking I was smart. Easy on easy off.
65MPH over bridge embankment showed me how dumb i was.
Way worse than my Jeeps death wobble.
No damage or anything but a hell of a ride.

 

[Shawn T. W]

I loaded this at the dealer the other day ... I just drove it on, and eyeballed how level the truck AND trailer were sitting, then kept adjusting forward until it was mostly level ... Chained it down, and then went and weighed it ... It pulled good, I do have a weight distribution hitch ...

20' trailer. Without measuring, I'd say the front axle is close to the middle of the trailer, or slightly behind the center ...

I took this picture just after I got home and was ready to drive it off ... And since I liked how it pulled, so I "marked it" so I can put it back on in same spot ...

Remember to fasten your load down too, a pet peeve of mine is a lot of tractors don't have a designated tie down point ...

At least this guy I saw down in Louisiana had a tail wheel ... Nothing holding it on but one chain on the loader, well ... other than gravity, and "maybe" the parking brake, or in gear!

Probably a bit "tail heavy" which cause the swaying problem ...

 

[Daren Todd]

A quick reference for weight distribution is 60/40.

60% of the weight in front of the axle, 40% behind the axle.

That will get you in the ball park.

 

[Shawn T. W]

Depends a lot on the trailer, and truck towing it, I have a 10' utility trailer that the axle is in the center, front to back ... Wish it were farther back, but it also is a manual tilt bed, so it really can't be ...

But on my 53' semi-trailer ... Majority of the weight is forward of the front axle ... That's why I have 2 20,000 Lb rated axles on the back of my truck ...

 

[Sidekick]

I bought a weight safe hitch and go by tongue weight that works great.