Do you have a few things to move but they don’t warrant the cost of truck rental? Are these items too big for your vehicle? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, this post is for you.
Locals make use of the trailer hire Bendigo rental companies have available to move everything from furniture to additional cars. Not only is it more affordable to hire a trailer, but it also offers you the flexibility of moving at your own pace.
First-Time Towing Doesn’t Have to be Stressful
If you’re about to tow a trailer for the first time, it’s normal to be nervous about the process. You may not be sure of the type of trailer to use, the hooking process or even how to tie your items securely. Fortunately, this post will give you a few pointers to help you make the process as simple as possible.
1. Not All Trailers are the Same
Rule number one in the trailer hire process is to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. This means that the type of trailer you need will depend on the size and weight of the items you want to haul as well as the vehicle doing the towing.
If you’re going to tow larger items such as furniture, you will need a trailer with closed sides to keep the items securely inside. To move an ATV, bike, or car, you’ll need an open car trailer.
For first-time trailer hire, it’s a good idea to speak to your rental agent about the right trailer for the job. Be sure to give them an idea of the weight of the items you’re moving. This will ensure that they give you a trailer of the right capacity.
2. Check the Capacity of the Towing Vehicle
It’s not only the trailer capacity that should be checked. The vehicle towing the trailer should also be strong enough to pull the weight of the trailer and the load that’s on it.
Here you want to remember that some vehicles have drivetrains that aren’t sturdy enough to tow even the smallest trailers. Your vehicle may also require specialised towing equipment.
3. Assess the Recommended Trailer
Whether you’re choosing the trailer or you’re relying on someone else to recommend one, you’ll want to make sure that your trailer is safe and roadworthy. Here are a few tips to help you with this process.
- Opt for a reputable towing company: It’s essential to use a credited towing company with an established reputation. This will ensure that the trailer is licensed and road-worthy.
- Check the tyres: Trailer tyres should always be inspected before you rent or start loading. You would check the tyres the same way you would check those of your car.
- Test the lights: Trailer lights are an essential way to let the drivers behind you know if you’re going to brake or turn. Therefore, they will need to be checked to ensure that they are in sync with your car’s brakes, lights and indicators.
- Assess the safety chains and tow-hitch: These items keep the towing vehicle connected to the trailer. Here you want to ensure that the tow-hitch and chains are sturdy and free of damage.
4. Follow the Correct Loading Process
Loading the trailer correctly is essential to ensuring that you and your goods make it safely from point A to point B. The most important aspect to focus on here is even weight distribution.
Here are a few loading tips to focus on:
- Always load heavier items in the centre of the trailer. This will even out the weight.
- Load smaller, lighter items at the back and front. Smaller items should be placed in boxes or larger containers to avoid rolling around.
- Tie items with towing straps strong enough to securely hold the load. You will need at least two towing straps to ensure that the items are still secure if one strap snaps.
- If you’re transporting furniture, it’s a good idea to use transport blankets or pieces of cardboard under the straps to prevent damage to your furniture.
- Remember to remove or secure loose shelves and drawers so that they don’t fall off the trailer in traffic.
5. Perform Safety Checks
No matter how short a distance is that you’re travelling, it’s recommended that you stop every few kilometres to check that the load is still secure. Always check the lights, tyres and straps to ensure that everything is working as it should. First-time towers should ask a friend to drive with to help keep an eye on the load during heavy bouts of traffic.
Final Thoughts
First-time trailer hire is easier than you think. It’s as simple as knowing what you need and then ensuring that you hire the right trailer for the load you need to move. Aspects such as planning your route and stopping along the way to ensure that everything is still secure will go a long way toward ensuring a safe transit. Be sure to keep our pointers in mind when you’re using a trailer for the first time.