Have you ever wondered how to properly load and secure your loaded trailer? I’m sure you’ve seen trailers going down the road weaving back and forth, or really low on the front, or possibly really high in the front?
Remember the 60/40 rule! You want 60% of your weight in front of the axles, and 40% behind. If not like this, you could be in for a long bouncy and rough ride. Lots of weaving and mishandling of your tow vehicle.
These pictures I’m sharing will show exactly how I load and strap down my loads. And take notice of the tall, top heavy mill on the front of my trailer, and how I’ve strapped it from all four corners up high and down the trailer deck. Also, take notice to the angle of my straps, which adds more secure load leverage.
Pay attention to the frames on the rear of the trailer and how I have 4 straps on those short 8’ section frames. Most people will only use 2 straps in this situation, which may hold it, but what if 1 strap would happen to come loose, or even break? More is ALWAYS better!! And let’s say some jerk of a DOT officer was to stop you, and with just 2 straps, they will pick on you until they find something wrong. But secured like these pictures show, then this officer will know right away that you pay attention to detail, and probably just not pick at every little thing.
Maybe you haven’t thought about it much, but what if some of your load was to come loose and fall off of your trailer? And what if it were to cause an accident, or even hurt someone real bad, or worse? You would, or should feel terrible. But what if they get lawyers and come after you? You get my point, right?
For machinery (heavy equipment), I always use chains and binders to secure my load. For things like pictured below, I use heavy duty 2” ratchet straps, and more than needed. I don’t operate in the minimum mindset anymore. Instead, I go above and beyond what is needed. You can never go wrong being like this. Minimum mindsets are for those that want to do as little as possible and get by. This is a losers mentality and these types will never reach their highest level, or their intended purpose in life!
Take the time, and learn how to properly load and secure your loaded trailer. And, especially if you are going a long distance! Take the time to check all air pressures in tires on the trailer and tow vehicle. Make sure tires are all inflated to the tire recommended air pressures. I can’t tell you how many people I see going up and down the roads with low tires, and some half flat. Almost every one of the people are running way over the speed limits, with their phone in their hands, and driving way over their heads (capabilities). If a tire blows, and they are so laid back and distracted by their so important text, or whatever else they are doing on the phone in their hands, what will happen next?
Driving is a responsibility, and especially towing trailer. Lots of things can happen so quick, so leave the phone alone, don’t speed, and make sure you are ready for the unexpected. Almost everyone nowadays has a phone in their hands, so you never know what they are going to do, at any given moment. Be ready, be prepared for the unexpected to happen, because it can at any given moment.
It takes integrity to obey the speed limits, to drive without a dumb phone in your hands, instead of the steering wheel, so show others that you do have integrity and that you are a responsible driver. It’s so easy to get caught up in the ways of others, but it takes the bigger, the better person to do the opposite, the right thing!
Always do your best!
-Mike Pilcher
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