Weight

• The maximum weight a trailer can accommodate is known as the GVWR. This is the gross vehicle weight rating and is comprised of the empty trailer weight in addition to its cargo. The trailer springs, axles, tires and chassis are designed to carry this weight easily, but, when overloaded, it can become too heavy and you may encounter problems. Your vehicle should be able to pull the weight easily when accelerating from a stop, and you should also be able to stop without skidding and the trailer pushing you. If this is not the case, then you are overloaded; this will cause a strain on your truck or car. Too much weight can also make the hitch fail and break, which results in an accident or losing your load.
  
  

Weight Distribution

• The correct weight also needs to be distributed correctly on your trailer. The heaviest items need to be placed over the axles where the trailer is the sturdiest. If you have one large item, it is easy to place it centered over the axles and strap it down. If you have more than one item, then add the smaller items last and look at the trailer to see if the weight is evenly distributed. The trailer should not lean to either side or the front or back if correctly loaded. Strap loose items in at least two directions so they will not shift in turns and cause trailer swaying from left to right.
  
  

Trailer Hookup

• When you hook up a trailer to your vehicle, always make sure the trailer is level to the ground. If it is lower or higher in the front on the hitch, then this is an improper hookup that will put excessive strain on the truck and trailer hitch. Hitches are available in all hardware and auto supply stores in a variety of sizes and angles. They can be purchased with a drop-down ball for tall vehicles in varying degrees so that your truck will align with the trailer ball. Make sure the hitch is tightly locked onto the ball and the safety chains are hooked to your vehicle in a crossed X design. This will help you control the trailer until you can stop if the ball or hitch fails. The chains should also be long enough to enable the truck to turn easily without stress on them, but not hang onto the ground.
  
  

Maintenance

• A trailer requires maintenance to prevent mishaps. The tires should all be the same size and properly inflated; the lug nuts should be checked to make sure they are tight. Driving on a flat tire can actually cause the tire to catch on fire from the road fiction. Wheel bearings should be greased so that they don't lock up and cause an accident. A light coat of grease on the ball will keep it from rusting.
  
  

Jack Knife

• A trailer jack knife can be caused by an array of situations. Applying the brakes too hard, a tire blowout or windy conditions can create trailer sway and lead to a jack knife. If any of these conditions cause your load to sway, apply the brakes slowly and steer opposite of the sway slightly. An over-correction can cause an accident. Wind from large passing trucks also attributes to many accidents. When the truck passes you, it first pushes wind into the trailer and then the towing vehicle, and, after passing, it sucks you into it. It is best to learn to pull a load on smaller roads before attempting the highway and its perils.