Loading your trailer the wrong way can wreck more than your cargo—it can wreck your trip. In this episode, we break down safe load placement using real-world demos from Weigh Safe and tips you can trust!
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Trailers play a crucial role in hauling a wide range of materials, including landscaping supplies, recreational toys, and heavy equipment. They come in all shapes and sizes—flatbeds, dump trailers, enclosed haulers, car carriers, and more. One of the most versatile and popular types is the medium-sized flatbed trailer with one or two axles and a tailgate. It’s manageable, adaptable, and ideal for a wide range of tasks.
Safety begins with proper setup. That includes checking your towing vehicle’s receiver, matching the correct hitch ball size, verifying the hitch rating, ensuring a secure latch system, confirming all lights and signals function, and using safety chains, braking systems, and the right tie-down gear. Most importantly, it means loading your trailer correctly.
Let's look at load distribution — where you place your load dramatically affects your trailer's handling, braking, and sway tendency. We’re also excited to share some compelling test footage from our friends at Weigh Safe, who gave us full permission to use their real-world demonstrations of proper and improper loading. Their footage clearly shows the difference that correct loading makes.
The Role of Center of Gravity (CG)
Whether you’re towing a single-axle or dual-axle trailer, you need to consider the trailer’s center of gravity (CG)—the point where its weight is evenly balanced. Most loads will naturally be front-biased, meaning more weight is ahead of the axles and toward the tongue. That’s a good thing—in moderation.
Proper trailer loading means:
The majority of the load rests on the axles, not the tongue.
The tongue carries 10–15% of the total trailer weight.
The trailer tracks straight, brakes smoothly, and resists swaying.
Also, keep your load low. A lower center of gravity improves cornering stability and reduces the risk of tipping. Stack heavier items at the bottom, not at the top or in the rear.
Follow the 60/40 Rule
For general loading, aim for the 60/40 rule: place 60% of the weight in front of the axle(s) and 40% behind. A back-loaded trailer is inherently unstable and dangerous. It’s more likely to sway out of control when reacting to sharp maneuvers, gusty winds, or the pressure wave from passing trucks.
Load It, Then Lock It Down
Getting the weight in the right place is only half the job—it needs to stay there. Use proper load securement methods, and make sure your tie-down gear is in good shape. Ratchet straps are a go-to, but they can confuse first-timers. We’ve got you covered with two helpful how-to episodes:
• How to use a Ratchet Strap
• How to Use a Ratchet Strap - Tips and Tricks!
Fine-Tuning Tongue Weight
A load-sensing hitch like those from Weigh Safe can visually show how much tongue weight is being applied to your tow vehicle. If you don’t have one, use these quick visual checks:
1. Is the tongue slightly angled down toward the tow vehicle? Good.
2. Are your tire sidewalls evenly compressed? Uneven pressure = uneven loading.
3. On dual-axle trailers, are the rear tires flattened more than the front? If so, it's probably back-loaded.
4. If the tongue is sloping sharply downward and the hitch height is set correctly, the load may be too far forward.
Final Thoughts
Taking a few extra minutes to balance your load and secure it properly is one of the best safety decisions you can make. It’s not just about protecting your cargo—it’s about protecting yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.
We’ve tested and trust the Weigh Safe adjustable, load-sensing hitch, and you can see our full review here:
• Must-Have Hitch for Towing! | Weigh Safe R...
Want one for your rig? Use promo code DFJAY for 10% off your Weigh Safe hitch!
JUST DO IT YOURSELF!
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