Tips for Hauling a Trailer in Higher Elevations

The biggest benefit of having a cargo trailer is that you can take your precious cargo with you wherever you choose to roam. Whether you're relocating, going on an extended road trip or simply making a trip from point A to point B, if your plans include traveling through elevated terrains, be sure to take a few extra precautions.

Tips for Hauling Your Trailer Through Mountains

• Take it slow. Go down the mountain NO faster than you went up. Since your trailer load will be pushing you along, maintaining a slow and steady speed is critical for maintaining control of the towing vehicle. Use a low gear and keep your speed around 25 to 30 mph whenever possible.

• Don't ride the brakes. This is especially important when you're traveling from a high elevation to a lower one. Keeping continued pressure on your brakes can actually cause them to fail. Instead, simply slow down to a safe speed and ease off. Allow your brakes to cool and repeat this process until you've made it safely down the incline.

• Find out if your vehicle is equipped with a Tow/Haul feature. This feature can come in handy during long hauls through elevated environments.

• Keep your distance. Always try to maintain a safe distance from any vehicles in front of you. 

• Slow and steady. It's always better to be safe than sorry. Sometimes doing the right thing will mean that a convoy of irritated drivers forms behind you. Take this in stride, be patient and stick to your guns. Mindful driving will keep you safe, as well as those with whom you're sharing the road.

• Be weather aware. Weather conditions can change very quickly in the mountains. High elevations can mean excellent visibility one moment and thick fog, or wet or icy conditions the next. Check the forecast before you begin your journey and stay tuned to the latest info via radio or weather alert app.

Remember, mountain driving can put extra wear and tear on vehicles. Therefore it's important that each component is in the best working order possible. Before settling in behind the wheel, do a safety check and focus on these points:

• All mirrors 
• All lights
• All systems synced: brakes and lights
• Horn works
• Radio works
• Hitches secure
• Tires in excellent shape, including spares
• Coolants and fluids full and have extras on hand-including wiper fluid
• Cloths for wiping away moisture and an ice scraper

Ready to learn more? 

If you have any questions about our trailer products or want to learn about any of our custom options that could improve your haul through the mountains, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Give us a call at 1-877-458-7245 (1-877-45TRAILER) or connect with us via our contact page. Be sure to ask about our current discounts and specials!

Tips for Safely Loading and Hauling a Cargo Trailer

Many people who are new to owning or operating a cargo trailer make the mistake of thinking the methods of loading and hauling don't really matter. If it fits, it should be fine, right? Not necessarily. In today's post, we'll go over a few simple but very important tips for loading your cargo trailer correctly as well as hauling it in a safe and efficient manner.

Winter Weather Driving Tips

Driving in hazardous conditions that many parts of the country experience during the winter months is especially challenging. With the possibility of rain, freezing rain, wind, fog, ice, snow or even worse, combinations of those elements, drivers, especially those towing utility trailers-must be prepared for anything!

Please review the following scenarios and their solutions:

• Limited or reduced visibility: When it is possible pull off the road to a safe place, well off the shoulder and stop. Turn on your hazard lights to remain visible.
  
• Limited or reduced traction: Slow down and make all movements gentle ones - never drive faster than conditions allow.
  
• Need to brake on slick road: Brake gently to avoid skidding. Should you begin to skid, take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, quickly. Next, steer in the direction you want your car to go. Before the rear wheels stop skidding, shift to drive and gently press the accelerator and never aggressively slam on the brakes.