By Martin Banks
The right trailer gets your tools or materials to the job site or hauls the family off for a weekend of adventure. However, fun dreams can quickly become nightmares if you don’t know how to troubleshoot common issues on the road.
Much of the work of securing your trailer occurs before you pull out of your driveway. Still, understanding how to handle on-the-road emergencies protects you and your loved ones.
Here’s what you should know before hitting the highway with your trailer in tow.
1. Swaying, Swerving and Fishtailing
Swaying and fishtailing occur when your trailer begins moving independently of the tow vehicle, threatening a loss of control. It often happens when you attempt to swerve in and out of traffic too quickly, although other factors may contribute. For example, uneven weight distribution can exacerbate the problem.
If you feel your trailer begin to sway or fishtail, take the following steps:
- Gradually slow down while maintaining a firm grip with both hands on the steering wheel.
- Gently steer in the opposite direction of the fishtail.
- Avoid using the tow vehicle brakes, relying instead on hand-operated trailer brakes.
- If the problem continues, pull over, adjust your load so at least 60% of the weight sits near the front and check your tire pressure.
You often must install hand-operated trailer brakes separately before hitting the road. Although not always required for every size and style of trailer, investing in them after-market is one of the wisest safety steps you can take.
2. Hitch Failure
A hitch failure occurs when your trailer detaches from the tow vehicle. This situation can spell disaster for you and other drivers on the road.
Prevention is the only cure. Before departing on your journey, test all the subsystems using a second person to ensure the brake lights work. Some trailers come standard with only a tow hitch, chains and an electrical hookup for the brakes. However, installing separate load stabilizer bars increases security, especially with heavy loads.
3. Tire Blowout
A blown trailer tire leads to fishtailing and loss of control. This scenario requires you to pull over and play roadside pit crew. Fortunately, you follow the same procedure as you do on a car — although you might need a bigger jack, depending on your trailer’s size.
Ensure you loosen the lug nuts before you jack up the trailer or the spinning wheels will frustrate you when you try to remove them. Verify the tire pressure and drive a short distance on a side road if possible to test the new wheel before hitting the highway.
4. Braking Issues
Why should you spend the money for separate trailer brakes? If your trailer is heavier than your tow vehicle, you could burn them up when descending steep hills. Worse, your trailer could push you, creating a hazard to you and everyone in front of you.
If you’re already on the road, look for and use a runaway truck ramp if you feel your brakes are failing. Slow down as much as possible first, using your remaining brake power. If on a side street, decelerate as much as possible while edging over onto the shoulder, adjacent grass or dirt, seeking a flat area to avoid rollovers.
5. Poor Visibility
Sometimes, your trailer’s size can impair visibility. In such cases, investing in aftermarket towing mirrors increases your visibility and addresses blind spots.
6. Uneven Weight Distribution
To reduce swaying and fishtailing, you should have the most weight near the front of your trailer. Many people run into problems here when their tow vehicle lacks sufficient capacity to support the load. Doing so can damage your vehicle’s driveline and burn up your transmission, which can lead to trouble on the highway. If need be, rent a more substantial tow vehicle — like a 1-ton or heavier moving truck — to pull your load.
7. Backing the Truck Up
Finally, backing up a trailer causes many new drivers considerable consternation. It’s hard to see, and hitting something could damage property or worse.
It helps to have two things:
- A second person to guide you in
- A quality backup camera to increase visibility and guide you onto your landing pad
Can you back a trailer without these? Sure, ask any trucker who’s been driving for a while. However, people invented technology for a reason — at the very least, a backup camera can protect your rig and anything you may strike with it.
Troubleshooting Trailer Issues on the Road
The right trailer puts you on the road to camping fun, or gets your tools and materials to the job site. However, doing so safely means knowing how to troubleshoot common issues on the road.
Learning what to do in the seven scenarios above increases your peace of mind, and builds your confidence when traveling America’s highways and byways.
Martin Banks is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Modded. He covers the world of cars, driving, tech, and more.
Editor’s Note: The thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the National Motorists Association.
