If you are towing a trailer for the first time, it is normal to feel a little unsure. The good news is that this is a learnable skill. Millions of people tow trailers every day for home projects, cleanouts, landscaping, moves, and weekend work.
The basic idea is simple: the trailer follows the truck. Give yourself room, make smooth movements, and check the important connections before you leave.
Here are 12 things to know before you pull out.
Start with what you plan to haul. Know what the items are, roughly how much they weigh, and how much space they will take.
Weight usually causes more trouble than size. A small load of concrete, tile, or appliances may weigh more than a large load of empty boxes or furniture. Check your truck’s tow rating, payload rating, hitch rating, and the trailer’s capacity. Never overload the trailer.
Load and Go TN offers several options, including a 5×8 tilt trailer, 6×10 utility trailer, 6×10 high-sided utility trailer, 5×10 enclosed trailer, and 5×10 dump trailer.
You can see the available trailer options here.
The hitch ball must match the trailer coupler. Common ball sizes are 1-7/8 inches, 2 inches, and 2-5/16 inches. The correct size is usually stamped on the coupler and ball.
Lower the coupler completely onto the ball. Close the latch fully and insert the retaining pin. The ball should be seated all the way down. A mismatched or improperly latched ball can allow the trailer to separate from the truck.
If you rent from Load and Go TN, we will walk you through the hookup at pickup. Ask questions. We would rather help you check it twice than have you wonder about it on the road.
Safety chains are your backup connection. Attach them to the proper points on the tow vehicle and cross them underneath the coupler in an X pattern.
The crossed chains create a cradle. If the coupler ever comes off the ball, the trailer tongue can rest on the chains instead of dropping onto the pavement. Leave enough slack for turning, but do not let the chains drag.
This is a small step that matters every time you tow.
If the trailer is equipped with a breakaway system, connect the breakaway cable to a secure point on the tow vehicle.
If the trailer separates from the truck, the cable activates the trailer brakes. It should not be wrapped around the safety chains or attached in a way that prevents it from pulling free.
Make sure the cable has enough room for normal turns and is not dragging on the ground.
Before leaving, check the trailer’s running lights, brake lights, and both turn signals.
Turn on the truck’s lights and walk to the back of the trailer. Have someone press the brake pedal and operate each turn signal. If you are alone, use a wall or window reflection when possible.
Most light problems come from a loose connection, corrosion, or a bad ground. A light issue does not automatically mean the trailer is broken, but it does need to be fixed before you drive.
Do not check only the truck tires. Check the trailer tires, too.
Trailer tires can sit between rentals and slowly lose pressure. Underinflation creates heat and is a leading cause of tire failure. Check the pressure when the tires are cool and use the pressure listed on the tire or trailer information plate.
Look for cuts, bulges, worn tread, or anything stuck in the tire. Check the spare as well. It does you no good if it is flat when you need it.
Place the heaviest items low and near the axle line. Keep the load centered from side to side and slightly forward of the axles.
A simple guideline is to keep roughly 60 percent of the weight ahead of the axle line and 40 percent behind it. This creates enough downward pressure on the hitch, called tongue weight, to help the trailer track properly.
Too much weight at the very back can make the trailer sway. Too much weight at the front can overload the hitch and the rear of the truck. Keep the trailer within its weight rating.
Use straps rated for the weight of what you are hauling.
A load can be strapped down without being tight enough. Pull each strap snug and check that the cargo does not shift. Re-check the straps after the first few miles and at every stop.
A loaded trailer changes how your truck accelerates, stops, and turns. Give yourself more following distance and brake earlier than usual.
Avoid cruise control, sudden lane changes, and quick steering movements. A loaded trailer can significantly increase stopping distance. Think ahead and use smooth, gentle braking.
Turns also take more room. The trailer cuts inside the path of the truck, so swing out slightly and watch the inside wheels. Take wide turns around curbs, signs, parked cars, and narrow driveways.
Speed makes trailer sway worse. For many first-time drivers, keeping highway speed around 55 mph or below, when conditions and posted limits allow, is a comfortable starting point.
Slow down before a downhill stretch. Do not wait until you are moving too fast and then ride the brakes all the way down. Use a lower gear when appropriate and leave plenty of room.
If the trailer begins to sway, ease off the accelerator and hold the steering wheel steady. Do not jerk the wheel or slam on the brakes. Once the trailer settles, pull over safely and check the load, tire pressure, and hitch setup.
An enclosed trailer changes the overall height of your vehicle. Before you leave, know the total height of the truck and trailer.
Look up for:
When in doubt, stop and check. A few extra seconds can prevent expensive damage.
Plan where you will fuel up before you start. Choose stations with plenty of room to enter, exit, and turn around. Avoid backing yourself into a tight space whenever possible.
When parking or backing, get out and look first. Check for curbs, posts, low branches, ditches, and other vehicles. A spotter can help, but agree on simple signals before you begin.
Some places are simply not trailer friendly. It is fine to skip them and choose a larger, easier location instead.
Before you pull out, confirm:
If you remember only three things about how to tow a trailer, remember these:
You do not need to be an expert before your first trip. You just need to follow the steps.
Pull over somewhere safe. Walk around the trailer and check the straps, tires, lights, hitch, chains, and load.
It is always fine to pull over and look. If you are unsure at any point, call or text 865-316-6262. A short check on the side of the road is better than continuing while something feels wrong.
When you pick up your trailer, ask us anything. We will walk you through the hookup and answer your questions.
There is no such thing as a dumb question about towing. We would much rather answer a question in the lot than have someone try to figure it out on the highway.
You can pick up your trailer at our location and hook up before you leave. Or choose delivery if you would rather not tow a trailer at all, or if you do not want to tow one down a long driveway.
With delivery, we drop it off, you load it up, you haul. Round-trip delivery fees are:
A fuel surcharge may apply for extended distances.
For cleanouts, remodeling, and yard projects, our 5×10 dump trailer offers the “You fill, we dump” option. The flat-rate dump fee is $125 for up to 2 tons, plus $25 for each additional half ton.
Whether you are searching for a trailer rental near me, a trailer rental in East Tennessee, a utility trailer rental, or an enclosed trailer rental, Load and Go TN is here to make the process simple.
Call or text 865-316-6262, or visit our contact page to reserve a trailer. We offer flexible pickup times and daily, weekend, and weekly rates. Every trailer is cleaned, well maintained, and inspected before each rental.
The right trailer. The right price. Ready when you are.
SIMPLE. RELIABLE. READY TO ROLL.
