Do you want to haul your car to another place without driving it? Well, if your only option to accomplish it is by using a car trailer then you’ll benefit from the below-mentioned guidelines.
You need to be very careful when towing your car on a trailer. You’ll require a robust tow vehicle, brawny restraints and a heavy-duty trailer with sufficient towing capacity. Here are the tips to safely load your car on the trailer, keep it protected and safe while on the move, as well as, safely unload your car off the trailer:
Things you’ll require
- A trailer large enough for the task, in good working condition and rated for the trailer towing load it will be holding.
- A pulley (i.e. winch) strong enough to pull the car’s weight.
- If the trailer does not have connected ramps, then you’ll require proper ramps that can hold the car’s weight.
- A vehicle adequately big and powerful to tow the loaded trailer without any hassles.
- Wheel nets or ratchet straps.
Loading the car on the trailer
- Position your tow vehicle in the driveway applying the handbrake and hitch the trailer firmly using an accurately rated coupling.
- Attach or release ramps having the capability to hold the vehicle.
- Position the car on to the trailer’s back, ensure that the front end is first and wind out the pulley cable.
- Now, connect the pulley to a firm part on the car like the chassis, which won’t break down under the pressure of being dragged on to the trailer.
- Lift the car slowly on to the trailer ensuring its front faces the tow vehicle.
Protecting the car while it’s on the trailer
- It’s imperative to ensure the position of the car is right once it is loaded on the trailer, preferably balanced over the trailer axles. That means it needs to be kept balanced – avoid placing it too behind, as it can induce swing, as well as, avoid placing it too forward, as it can cause trailer’s nose to fall.
- Put the car in gear and pull the handbrake while keeping the pulley still connected.
- Using the wheel nets, fasten the car. First, work from the front, tying straps all over the body mount to points on the trailer to shield it from moving backwards during the move. Similarly, fasten car’s rear to points located at trailer’s back.
- If practical, attach wheel nets over the wheels attaching to points at both ends and midway, along with the trailers’ outside edges.
- Fasten all straps so the car is held low in the trailer and can’t bounce or move in any direction. Inspect and find out if the pulley needs to be further fastened.
Unloading the car from the trailer
- Well, it may appear to be a simple task, but you need to be more careful when unloading the car from the trailer.
- Put blocks beneath the wheels then detach all restraints.
- Position the ramps accurately.
- Inspect the pulley to see if it’s tight and ready, then release the handbrake and put the car’s gear in neutral. Use the pulley to control drive, now slowly roll down the car off the trailer. It’s recommended to have someone on the driver’s seat to steer the car and apply brakes as required.
Keep in mind: The tow vehicle, trailer and restraints, everything ought to be rated for the load that’s being towed. Then, as long as you carefully shield the car, it should safely and securely reach your destination.
Purchasing a brand new trailer
When you want to buy a brand new trailer in Sydney, you can either customise or purchase a ready trailer for sale from a reputed supplier or manufacturer.
