Trailers come in many different shapes and sizes so it’s important to think about what the trailer will be used for. If you’re looking for box trailer hire, look no further than Melbourne Trailer Hire. Our range includes every trailer you may need to get the job done.
Box Trailers Explained
When you picture a box trailer, you may envision a trailer which is completely enclosed. This is not the case. In fact, a box trailer was designed specially to carry taller items easily, such as a refrigerator. The motto goes, as long as you can safely secure your load to the trailer it’s safe to transport.
A single axel box trailer or tilt box tips over very easily when empty. The double axel option is much more stable and poses less of a risk when it’s tipping over. The vehicle in charge of pulling the trailer should have enough power to so in a safe manner.
Features You Need to Look for When Hiring a Box Trailer
A box trailer is very easy to hitch up and relatively easy to drive with as they are easy to manoeuvre. Think about the towing capacity of your car and how much weight the trailer will be able to handle.
To find out if your vehicle can manage, add the weight of the trailer to the maximum capacity which the trailer can handle.
When hiring a box trailer, you should look for the following:
- How well has the trailer been looked after: Most rental agents keep a track record of the trailer’s maintenance. Remember to ask if the trailer has ever been in an accident and check for any visible damage.
- Check the cables: Make sure the break connection and lighting are in working order and there are no faulty connections.Check the indicators and brake light and make sure you know how to attach the wire bundle in case it disconnects.
- The tongue length: This is what gives the trailer its stability. The longer the tongue the more space you will need to turn safety. It will also be easier to reverse.
- The wheels: Make sure the wheels are the correct pressure. Check the thread and make sure there are no punctures or visible damage.
- The spare wheel: Don’t forget to check the spare wheel.
Driving Safely with a Trailer
If you have never driven with a trailer attached before the experience can be quite eye opening. You need to make sure you give it a practice run before heading onto the highway. Its best to practice in an empty parking lot or quiet side street.
Ensure you’re able to reverse and make turns with ease before heading out. Top tips for driving with a trailer include:
- Do some research: Consult your owner’s manual to ensure your vehicle has the capacity to tow the trailer.
- The size of the trailer: The size of the trailer will make the stopping distance a lot shorter. The heaver the trailer the more time you will require to stop.
- Attach the trailer correctly: Check the safety chains and the trailer is properly hitched.
- Make wider turns: Keep your pace slow and steady. When you need to turn make sure you give yourself enough room to avoid hitting the curb.
- Take care when you reverse: This is the most difficult skill to master. If you try to reverse too quickly then the trailer will jackknife. If you turn sharply then the trailer may topple over.
- Stay in the slow lane: Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination so you can take it slow. It takes much longer for a vehicle towing a loaded trailer to stop.
- Parking: It’s much more difficult to park a vehicle with a trailer so make sure you have enough space. Try find a spot away from other vehicles so its easy to exit and enter the parking lot.
- Bring a friend: The safest way to operate a trailer is to have eyes on it at all times. This is difficult to do if you have to drive, so bringing a friend to keep an eye on it’s ideal. If you can’t find someone to assist you then be sure to look in the review mirror as often as is safe to do so.
- Secure your load: Tighten the straps and make sure everything on the trailer was loaded correctly and is secured to the trailer.
Being able to drive a trailer will allow you to transport a variety of different items and is a great skill to have. Easily tow a boat for a day at the river or add extra bags and supplies for a camping weekend away.
[Conclusion]
As long as you follow the safety guidelines and give yourself a bit of practice, you should easily be able to handle the trailer like a pro.
Slow and steady wins the race and ensure you arrive alive. Take the extra pressure off yourself so you have ample time to reach your destination. Slow down a bit and enjoy the drive.
