If you're a beginner, towing your utility trailer for the first time can be quite intimidating. To help, we've set out five basic steps, followed by valuable storage tips.

Trailer Towing

Vehicle Weight Considerations

Check the owner's manual to see if the towing capacity of your vehicle is in line with the trailer's weight. Here are some valuable considerations:

1. The tow rating is the maximum weight you can pull. Vehicles with a high tow rating are typically diesel.

2. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, or GVWR, is how much weight your pickup truck can hold inside – see the sidewall plate or the owner's manual.

3. Gross Combined Weight Rating or GCWR is the combined total weight of your loaded vehicle (GVW) and gross trailer weight (GTW), which is the trailer tongue weight.

4. Vehicle curb weight is its weight when empty, without gas, fluids, passengers, or cargo.

5. Equipment

You'll need the following for a safe towing experience:

• Ball mount

• Ball hitch

• Receiver hitch

• Trailer hitch and ball

• Trailer connector

• Pins and clips

• Hitch lock

• Wiring harness

• Safety chains

• Trailer brake controller

• Wheel chocks

The Hookup and Hitch

Because the hitch connector is so important in securing the trailer to the tow vehicle, you must get it right. Use the pins and clips for proper connection and at the right height. Back up your loaded trailer in the parking lot so that the hitch ball is under the ball housing before lowering the trailer onto the vehicle, then lock the hitch ball in place. Cross the heavy-duty safety chains, and ensure your tow vehicle or camper and trailer are nicely balanced.

Loading the Trailer

Balance is key to a smooth, uneventful ride, so a weight distribution hitch will help with the even distribution of the weight of the trailer when loading cargo. If this cargo is an ATV or a Ski-Doo, then it simplifies your work, but use tie-downs or ratchet straps for a snug fit.

Also, focus on loading 60% of the weight at the front of the trailer to help prevent a fishtail, which may happen when there is too much weight on the back. Adding sway control will also give you a safer ride, especially when carrying heavy loads.

Final Checks

Before embarking on your trip, do the following checks:

• Check the hitch connections

• Test the wheel bearings

• Ensure the trailer's wheels are inflated according to the weight capacity for your type of trailer

• Pack spare tires for the trailer and tow vehicle

• Check that the tow mirrors are positioned to avoid blind spots

• Test the braking system and brake lights

• Test that the trailer lights, like the turn signals

• Some states require trailer brakes to light up if the gross trailer weight has been exceeded, so avoid packing extra weight on your trailer

Travel Trailer Storage

Depending on the type of trailer you have, you will want to make enough space for its storage at home. Alternatively, you may want to pay for secure storage elsewhere. Either way, follow this process for the best storage:

• Clean and dry your trailer

• Lubricate moving parts

• Inflate the tire pressure and add blocks to prevent trailer tires from warping

• Check your trailer insurance and license are up to date for boat trailers or other types

For more fun, visit our FMS Saskatoon for parts or to check out our new inventory. Alternatively, contact us for valuable know-how about our products. We're ready and willing to help you in any way we can.