When driving a trailer in bad weather, it is important to drive smoothly and avoid sudden braking, acceleration, and turns. This is especially important during adverse weather, or if there are high winds.

You should also avoid heavy traffic or icier back roads. If you’re traveling through an area in which rain or snow may be an issue, and you’re towing cargo that can become damaged if exposed to the elements, consider using a closed-top cargo trailer.

If you’re using an open-top utility trailer, use tarps fastened with elastic straps or rope to cover and protect your items. Regardless of the weather, it is critical to load your trailer heavier in the front, and lighter in the back.

Place 60 percent of the weight of the items you’re towing in the front of the trailer and 40% of the weight in the back of the trailer to ensure proper weight distribution. Secure your load to prevent shifting during travel.

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A cargo trailer is an open trailer that is used to transport goods. It is designed to be lightweight and easy to tow. An enclosed trailer, on the other hand, has walls and a roof that provide better protection for the items you are towing. The enclosed space shields the cargo from road debris, dust, rain, sun, and other hazards of the road. Enclosed trailers are an excellent choice for a wide range of applications, from hauling building supplies to transporting motorcycles.

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Here are some things to consider when buying a cargo trailer:

1. Material - Any cargo trailer is going to have some serious weight to it, but an aluminum trailer will be lighter than one made of steel.

2. Size - With any trailer used to haul cargo, the size is of utmost importance. You need to make sure that the trailer is large enough to accommodate your cargo, whatever it may be, but avoid buying one that is too large or you may end up doing extra maintenance.

3. Axles - The number of axles a trailer has will impact the amount of weight it can carry.

4. Height - The height of the trailer is also important. If you're hauling tall items like furniture or appliances, you'll need a taller trailer.

5. Security and protection - If you require extra security and protection for your belongings, an enclosed trailer may be the right choice for you.

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Here are some tips for maintaining your utility trailer's tires:

1. Distribute weight properly by checking every load to ensure even distribution of cargo weight across the trailer. If one end is consistently bearing extra weight, the tires on that end will wear differently, and likely deflate faster.

2. Ensure protection against weather such as heat, ice, rain, and dry weather all affect the integrity of your utility trailer tires.

3. Inspect axles to ensure they are straight and aligned.

4. Measure tread regularly and replace tires when the tread depth is less than 2/32 inches.

5. Check inflation levels regularly and maintain pressure at the maximum PSI recommended on the tire’s sidewall for cool running, load-carrying ability and lowest rolling resistance.

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Here are some tips for maintaining your utility trailer's brakes:

1. Inspect your brakes regularly and service them at least once or twice a year depending on the trailer usage rate.

2. Check for corrosion, wear, stuck parts, and overall functionality.

3. Make sure the brake fluid is always up to the correct level and replace it at least once or twice a year.

4. Keep your trailer brakes properly adjusted and your brake controller calibrated.

The difference between electric and hydraulic brakes lies in the advantage of the independent brake control with the electric brake controller for the trailer brakes. Hydraulic brakes utilize hydraulic fluid and its pressure to stop wheels from turning. The faster you slow down, the more hydraulic braking pressure is applied to the trailer brakes. Electric brakes are the most common braking system on trailers. They are different than hydraulic brakes in that when you apply pressure to the tow vehicle’s brake pedal, pressure is also applied to the trailer brakes. Electric brakes, though, do not apply as much force against the tow vehicle as hydraulic brakes.

We hope this information is helpful and adds value to your purchase of a new or used trailer at Oak Ridge Trailer Sales!

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Here are some tips for maintaining your utility trailer's tires:

Distribute weight properly by checking every load to ensure even distribution of cargo weight across the trailer. If one end is consistently bearing extra weight, the tires on that end will wear differently, and likely deflate faster.

Inspect axels to ensure they are straight and aligned.

Measure tread regularly and replace tires when the tread depth is less than 2/32 inches.

Check inflation levels regularly and maintain pressure at the maximum PSI recommended on the tire’s sidewall for cool running, load-carrying ability and lowest rolling resistance.

We hope this information is helpful and adds value to your purchase of a new or used trailer at Oak Ridge Trailer Sales!

Source: Conversation with Bing

Here are some steps to clean your utility trailer:

1. Rinse off your trailer with a hose to remove any dirt or debris.

2. Use a mild soap and a soft brush to scrub any stubborn dirt.

3. Be sure to rinse the soap off thoroughly.

4. You can use a mild abrasive cleaner such as scrubbing powder or baking soda if you have any stubborn stains.

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Here are some tips for storing your utility trailer:

1. Choose Appropriate Space: If you have to park your trailer outside, applying a protective cover can prevent weathering and fading by shielding it from the elements¹.

2. Cover the Trailer: Covering your trailer can help protect it from the elements and prevent weathering and fading¹.

3. Relieve the Pressure: If you're storing your trailer for an extended period of time, it's a good idea to relieve the pressure on the tires by removing them or placing them on blocks¹.

4. Protect the Tires: To protect your tires from dry rot, clean and inspect them regularly to remove dirt and debris².

5. Grease the Moving Parts: Greasing the moving parts of your trailer can help prevent rust and corrosion².

6. Remove the Batteries: If your trailer has batteries powering the hydraulics and emergency breakaway systems, remove them and store them at room temperature to get the maximal battery life out5.

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To maintain your utility trailer, you should:

1. Check your tire pressure and periodically check your tires for wear and age.

2. Use wheel bearing protectors.

3. Keep your trailer brakes clean and have your brake pads or shoes inspected every few seasons.

4. Check the brake fluid reservoir in the master cylinder.

5. Apply lubrication to your trailer's coupler.

6. Inspect and maintain the awning.

7. Maintain hitches and other towing components.

8. Check the roof for leaks.

9. Drain the fresh water tank.

10. Make sure trailer brake and lights are working fine.

11. Keep the vents open.

12. Wash and wax your trailer.

13. Keep the hinges greased.

14. Check and maintain the trailer battery.

We hope this information is helpful and adds value to your purchase of a new or used trailer at Oak Ridge Trailer Sales!

Source: Conversation with Bing

The weight capacity of a utility trailer can vary greatly depending on the type, size, material, features, and number of axles of the trailer. A small utility trailer can have a weight capacity ranging from 1,000 lbs to 3,000 lbs and an empty weight from 300 lbs to 1,100 lbs.

A small enclosed utility trailer can have a maximum weight capacity of up to 7,000 lbs and a cargo load capacity of around 2,200 lbs. The main factor that goes into a utility trailer’s weight limit is the load rating of its axle.

Trailer axles are rated based on their diameter, which helps determine their overall strength. The thicker the axle, the more weight it can carry, and most axles can carry somewhere between 1,000 and 10,000 pounds.

We like to routinely share information with you that may be helpful or insightful. We feel that it's another way to add value to your purchase of a new or used trailer from Oak Ridge Trailer Sales.

Source: Conversation with Bing