Keeping your cargo intact while towing is an important step in making sure your load isn’t damaged in transport. There is no difference when you are hauling tools and other machinery, whether for your job or for a project at home. Let’s take a look at some ways you can rest assured you are transporting your tools and machinery safely in your trailer.
When hauling tools in your trailer, keep smaller, loose items in boxes and make sure the boxes are loaded securely. There are also a number of trailer accessories, such as our steel tongue box with a lockable lid, that are helpful additions designed specifically for keeping tools and other items secure during transport. Do keep in mind that if you are using any boxes to help keep your tools safe during transport within the trailer, use the appropriate tie-downs, straps, chains, or other tensioning devices. Refer to your owner’s manual for more specific information about loading your particular trailer.
If you are hauling machinery such as weedeaters or lawnmowers, use tie-downs to help keep the cargo from shifting during transport. Always make sure you are using a tie-down with an appropriate load rating for the type of load you are towing. You can also find accessories like weedeater racks for utility trailers and ladder racks for cargo trailers that are designed specifically for safely transporting such tools and equipment from one location to the next.
While you are loading tools and machinery or other equipment for transport, remember to load 60% of the cargo weight in the front half of the trailer, with the heaviest items in the front. If you are towing an enclosed cargo trailer, place lighter items near the top and in the rear of the trailer, packing them closely and firmly, securing the cargo by tying it down. In an open trailer, make sure small items are not loaded above the height of the sides of the trailer box, and use tie-downs to secure the cargo.
As a reminder, if your cargo isn’t loaded properly, it could shift and cause damage to those items, as well as lead to a number of safety concerns, including combination disturbance. If your cargo does shift at any time, be sure to pull over and adjust as needed until. Also, remember to follow all safety guidelines for towing on the road.
Knowing how to transport tools and machinery safely is important for preventing damage to your belongings in addition to towing safely with confidence. If you have any questions about how to load tools, equipment, or machinery in your trailer and safely transport them, please contact your dealer for assistance.
