Tips for Loading Your Car Trailer

A car trailer is a valuable resource for transporting a vehicle to a different destination. They are often used when selling or showing a vehicle as a way of avoiding driving the vehicle, adding miles, and hurting its value.

We've created the following beginner's guide to loading a car trailer. If you have any questions or want to check out car trailers for sale, visit Victory Custom Trailers. Our dealership is located in Metamora, Michigan, and we proudly serve those in Detroit and Flint.

Pick the Right Car Trailer

Successful transportation begins by selecting the right car trailer. There are two important factors to keep in mind. First, is your trailer capable of handling the weight of your vehicle? It's crucial to stay within the weight limits - they are there for a reason! Overloading the car trailer can increase risk of trailer sway and damage, which makes the road less safe for yourself and others.

Second, is your tow vehicle capable of handling the weight of the car trailer and the vehicle being transported? The Gross Combined Weight Rating tells you how much total weight the tow vehicle can handle. Make sure you are within these limits! Keep in mind as well that the tongue weight is the downward force applied to the tongue of the trailer. It should be between 10% and 12% of the trailer's weight (after it is fully loaded).

Prepare the Loading Area

Once your tow vehicle and car trailer are cleared for transportation, your next step is to get the loading zone ready. First, find an area of flat ground. It will make the loading process much easier than if you are battling a slope.

Second, confirm that your tow vehicle is secure. It should be in park with the parking brake engaged. The trailer brakes should also be on. If needed, you can also put chocks in place. You want to avoid the unit moving around too much as this can cause you to lose alignment (and possibly drive off the car trailer ramp).

Third, prepare the ramp. Check that it is in place, that it is straight, and that it is secure. You'll also want to have measured beforehand to ensure your vehicle can easily fit onto the car trailer ramp without issue.

Enlist a Team to Help

This process will be much easier and safer if you can get extra help. One person needs to drive the vehicle onto the car trailer. They should feel comfortable driving the vehicle with a sense of its turn radius and how sensitive the gas pedal is. You don't want someone turning too much or pushing the gas too hard and causing an issue!

You will also need at least one person to direct the driver. They work to help direct the driver using hand signals. They guide the driver and let the driver know when the vehicle is on the ramp, whether a direction adjustment is needed, and so on. You can get by with one person, but it's best with a second person who can see things from a different angle. After the vehicle is loaded up on the car trailer, use ratchet straps to tie the wheels down. Once the vehicle is secure, you are ready for transportation.

We hope you found this guide helpful! If you are in the market for a car trailer, visit Victory Custom Trailers for a wide selection of choices. Our expert staff can help you find the perfect model for your needs, so stop by today! We are located in Metamora, Michigan, and also serve those in Detroit and Flint.