Light Trailers Advice

Before towing make sure the trailer is not overloaded and the car is capable and legal of towing.  Distribution of load on the trailer is almost always critical to a safe journey.  Too much weight too far back will bring a severe risk of snaking.

Check your road lights before towing.  If there is a problem it is usually relatively straightforward to diagnose and repair.  Start by checking the plugs are undamaged, or if a bulb has failed.

Remember you must have the correct breakaway cable or secondary coupling fitting and this is undamaged.  Depending on the trailer this is the one thing that will bring your trailer safely to a halt in the event of it coming off the back – or for some trailers it will keep the trailer attached to the vehicle.

Check your tyres are the correct pressure – make sure there is no bulging or cracks on the tyre as blow outs are not common on poorly maintained tyres.  If you haven’t checked them already, before the journey make sure the wheel nuts / bolts are tightened to the correct torque.

Boat Trailers – we don’t recommend that hubs and brakes are immersed in water but realise that this is unavoidable – particularly with boat trailers.  If they are we advise that the trailer is in the water for the minimum time possible.  Definitely don’t back the trailer in immediately after a journey as the water damage to the bearings will be far worse !!

If you have immersed in salt water always wash down with fresh water afterwards – particularly the hubs and brakes.

If you have to leave your trailer parked for prolonged periods of time then we recommend the handbrake is left of if possible (use chocks !!) to avoid damage to the brake shoes.  Also, move the trailer to rotate the wheels to a different position every so often.  This will help prevent wear on the bearings.