Properly Distributing Weight In Your Road Trailer

Road trailers make any number of activities, jobs, and moves easier, but they require careful handling to keep your cargo safe. One of the most important aspects of that safety is making sure you pay attention to how everything is distributed. We here at H&P Trailer Leasing want to help keep you and your cargo safe, so we’ve put together a brief guide on trailer weight distribution. 

To learn more, or to check out some trailers for leasing, contact us or stop by at any of our stores. We have locations in Flowood and Olive Branch, MS, and Monroe and Hammond, LA. 

Know Your Weight Limits

Every trailer has a maximum amount of weight it can handle. Never go over this weight limit, since it’s unsafe and illegal to do so. You should know what type of cargo you’ll be hauling and choose a trailer that meets the specific requirements to handle the cargo safely and securely.

Consult Your Owner’s Manual

Your owner’s manual is invaluable for a number of reasons, one of which may be that it includes recommendations for how to load your trailer up. Check it to see if there are any tips that will make your process easier and safer. If you don’t know where your owner’s manual is, check the manufacturer’s website for a copy that you can download or print.

Load Strategically

Plan ahead to make sure you load your trailer as effectively as possible. Use a 60/40 ratio from front to back, placing 60% of your cargo weight towards the front of the trailer and 40% towards the rear. From left to right, make sure the cargo weight is distributed as evenly as possible. Having too much weight on one side can cause excessive wear to the tires on that side, potentially leading to a blowout. 

Secure It In Place

Enclosed trailers won’t need to worry about this as much, but even with a roof and walls, you should secure your cargo firmly in place. In an open trailer, use ropes, tarps, and ratchet straps to make sure your cargo will stay in place during your drive on the road.

Double-Check

It’s important to make sure you’ve loaded everything as efficiently as possible, especially if you’re going a long distance. If you have the time, take your trailer to a weigh station to make sure your trailer isn’t exceeding the weight capacity. It is highly recommended to load your trailer with 10% less of the maximum weight capacity to be on the safe side.

We hope this guide helps keep you and your cargo safer on the road! If you have any questions, or you’d like to select a trailer from a variety of models to meet your cargo needs, contact us at H&P Trailer Leasing. We conveniently have dealerships in Flowood and Olive Branch, MS, and Monroe and Hammond, LA. Let us serve you today!