Appalachian Trailers is thrilled to team up with The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) to introduce National Trailer Safety Week (TSW), running from June 2-8, 2024. We are deeply passionate about trailer safety and firmly believe that trailer safety is traffic safety.
The Importance of Trailer Safety
End-users often lack crucial knowledge about proper trailer usage, recognizing the importance of safety features in cars but sometimes overlooking similar safety considerations when it comes to trailers. Appalachian Trailers is dedicated to offering vital information on towing techniques, loading practices, and maintenance guidelines to trailer users across the country and is excited to contribute to educating our valued customers.
Trailer Safety Week
Supporting the cause of trailer safety is easy! We urge everyone to share www.TrailerSafetyWeek.com with their networks, allowing trailer users to access essential safety and maintenance information crucial for secure towing and promoting safer roadways.
This user-friendly website covers various topics such as hitching, loading, maintenance, cargo securement, tire care, driving tips, selecting the right vehicle-trailer combination, brake systems, and the importance of choosing NATM-compliant trailers.
Frequently Asked Questions: Trailer Safety
Trailer Safety Week is a great place to start when it comes to staying secure on the road, but NATM and Appalachian Trailers are here all year round with answers to trailer safety questions like the ones below.
What trailer safety equipment should you have?
When towing a trailer, up-to-date safety equipment is key to prevent accidents and ensure a smooth journey. Some of the most common trailer safety equipment includes:
- Safety chains: These provide a backup connection between the trailer and the tow vehicle if the hitch fails.
- Trailer brakes: Brakes, particularly electric or surge brakes, are essential for larger trailers to help stop effectively.
- Breakaway cable: Designed to engage the trailer brakes automatically if the trailer becomes detached from the tow vehicle.
- Proper lighting: This includes brake lights, turn signals, and tail lights, all of which are mandatory to ensure visibility to other drivers.
- Tire pressure monitoring systems: A reliable system to monitor your tire pressure can help avoid dangerous blowouts while driving.
- Mirrors : Make sure your trailer mirrors extend to provide a clear view around the trailer.
Of course, ensuring that you are in compliance with Commercial Drivers License requirements—both the federal and state guidelines—is nonnegotiable when towing a trailer.
Why is trailer safety important?
The importance of trailer safety is obvious to most: It’s how you can protect your well-being as a driver, as well as that of passengers, and other road users. Unsafe towing practices can lead to severe accidents, causing injuries or fatalities.
Proper trailer safety ensures that the trailer remains securely attached to the tow vehicle, reducing the risk of detachment and subsequent collisions. The proper precautions can also help maintain control over the vehicle, especially in adverse weather conditions or during sudden maneuvers.
Ensuring trailer safety also protects the cargo, whether it’s goods, livestock, or recreational vehicles, from damage. In essence, adhering to trailer safety protocols minimizes risks and enhances overall road safety.
What should you keep in mind when loading a trailer?
It’s not just while on the road that trailer drivers need to prioritize safety: Correctly loading a trailer before you even take off can make a huge difference as well.
One of the primary considerations here is weight distribution. The load should be balanced, with about 60% of the weight towards the front half of the trailer to avoid sway and instability. It’s important to secure the load properly using straps, ropes, or chains to prevent shifting during transit, which can affect the trailer’s balance and handling.
The height of the load should be monitored to ensure it doesn’t exceed the legal limits and is stable. Overloading the trailer can strain the tow vehicle, reduce braking efficiency, and lead to tire blowouts, so always keep your trailer’s weight capacity in mind.
What should you keep in mind when towing a trailer?
Towing a trailer requires a different set of skills than it takes to simply drive a car. When driving, allow for greater stopping distances, as the additional weight significantly affects braking. Adjust your mirrors to have a clear view of the trailer’s sides and rear, and consider using extended mirrors if necessary.
Maneuvering, especially turning and reversing, requires more space and caution; taking wide turns can help prevent the trailer from hitting curbs or other obstacles. Regularly check the connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer, including the hitch, safety chains, and electrical connections.
And of course, be mindful of the trailer’s height and width when navigating under bridges, through tunnels, and in tight spaces.
Learn More About Trailer Safety Week and Appalachian Trailers
With millions of trailers in operation daily by businesses, local authorities, and individuals nationwide, adopting safe towing practices is vital to saving lives and ensuring the safety of all road users. For more information, please visit www.NATM.com, www.TrailerSafetyWeek.com, or contact TrailerSafetyWeek@natm.com. We are excited to support NATM in its endeavors to elevate safety standards in the light- and medium-duty trailer industry and foster safer roadways nationwide.
For more on Appalachian Trailers, our inventory, and our work to keep all of our drivers safe on the road in Salem and beyond, contact us today at (330)277-4141. Whether you’re near our Ohio or Pennsylvania locations, we are always here to help.