Trailer weight distribution is a key factor in transporting hauls safely and efficiently. If you’re purchasing a long-haul trailer for your fleet, your freight should be loaded and distributed in a way that will maintain the vehicle’s stability to and from your destination. Below, we’ll discuss the importance of weight distribution for long-haul trailers, how to load properly, and how to get a top-quality long-haul trailer from Kingpin. Keep reading!
The Importance of Weight Distribution
Hauling goods on busy roads and highways presents many obstacles and opportunities for accidents. For newer truck drivers, it’s common not to take the weight of the truck, trailer, and load into full consideration. This can cause the trailer to lack stability, sway too far to one side, or even roll over. Other potential hazards include problems with braking, and loss of control while steering if the roads are slippery. Not to mention that each province and state has certain weight requirements per axle. It’s important to make sure you load your freight so that there’s not too much weight on one side of the trailer versus the other, or too much on one group of axles.
While long-haul trailers are built to withstand heavy loads (such as the 2024 Doonan 53′ Drop Deck Trailer), the weight should be balanced on all areas of the bed to make sure your unit is legally loaded weight wise. Secondly if these freight items are top heavy, extra precautions must be taken securing the load and driving with this in mind.
How to Maintain a Safe Long Haul
When loading and driving, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you’re able to haul your trailer to its destination safely, such as the following:
Consider the Weight of Your Truck
Before you choose a trailer for your fleet, it’s important to make sure that your truck can handle the weight of the model and the load you’ll be carrying. If your truck can’t handle the weight of your chosen long-haul trailer, this can cause several problems with your tires, axle, licensing and other issues to make sure you have a safe load.
Determine the Trailer’s Load and Towing Capacity
Before you even begin loading, make sure to assess the load and towing capacity of your trailer. The weight of your trailer and your truck should be compatible enough that one doesn’t overpower the other in terms of size, weight, legality and stability. You can determine the limit by locating the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) number on your trailer, which you can find on your trailer’s VIN label. Keep in mind the tare weight of your truck and trailer, and the legal load limits.
Use Proper Securing Methods
Finally, once your items have been properly distributed, make sure to secure them tightly with tie-down straps, chains or other legal devices. While properly distributing the weight on the trailer bed will keep it balanced, properly tying your load will help prevent items from moving and becoming a hazard.
Choose Kingpin Trailers for a Durable Long Haul Trailer
At Kingpin Trailers, we provide industry-grade long-haul trailers for fleets across Western Alberta and anywhere your load may go. If you’re transporting a heavy load, our long-haul trailers from Doonan are your go-to choice for durability and support.
Contact us today to learn more about our stock and pricing options.
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