Filter
Top Products
36
SECTION 7: LOADING THE
TRAILER
Improper trailer loading causes many accidents and deaths. To safely load a trailer,
you must consider:
• Overall load weight;
• Load weight distribution;
• Proper tongue weight; and
• Securing the load properly.
To determine that you have loaded the trailer within its rating, you must consider
the distribution of weight, as well as the total weight of the trailer and its contents.
The trailer axles carry most of the total weight of the trailer and its contents (Gross
Vehicle Weight, or “GVW”). The remainder of the total weight is carried by the tow
vehicle hitch. For safe towing, it is essential that the trailer tongue and tow vehicle
hitch carry the proper amount of the loaded trailer weight, otherwise the trailer can
suddenly sway wildly at towing speed. Read the “Tongue Weight” section below.
The load distribution must be such that no component part of the trailer is loaded
beyond its rating. This means that you must consider the rating of the tires, wheels
and axles. For tandem and triple axle trailers, you must make sure that the front-to-
rear load distribution does not result in overloading any axle.
Towing stability also depends on keeping the center of gravity as low as possible.
Load heavy items on the oor and over the axles. When loading additional items, be
sure to maintain even side-to-side weight distribution and proper tongue weight. The
total weight of the trailer and its contents must never exceed the total weight rating of
the trailer (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, or “GVWR”).
Tongue Weight
It is critical to have a portion of the trailer load carried by the tow vehicle. That is,
the trailer tongue must exert a downward force on the hitch. This is necessary for two
reasons. First, the proper amount of tongue weight is necessary for the tow vehicle
to be able to maintain control of the tow vehicle/trailer system. If, for example, the
LOADING THE CARGO
WARNING
An overloaded trailer can result in loss of control of the trailer,
leading to death or serious injury.
Do not load a trailer so that the weight on any tire exceeds its
rating.
Do not exceed the trailer Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
or an axle Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).