Properly distributing your cargo in your trailer is an important part of having a safe and efficient haul. It will help you stay in control on the road and prevent damage to your cargo. At Countryside Trailer Sales, we want to help you have a smooth hauling experience every time. That’s why we’ve created the following guide to help you properly distribute your cargo! Keep reading and give us a call with any questions. We are located in Spring, Texas and proudly serve Houston and The Woodlands!

Know Your Towing Limits

Every tow vehicle and trailer has limits on how much weight it can handle. Even if you expertly pack your unit and follow all of the proper cargo distribution strategies, it won’t matter if you're exceeding your weight limit. It is extremely dangerous to exceed weight capacity, so don’t do it!

Find out the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for your tow vehicle and hauling unit. This number will let you know how much weight the units can handle. Keep in mind that the tow vehicle’s GVWR includes the weight of passengers in addition to the trailer weight and the cargo weight. 

Check the Owner’s Manual

It is always a good idea to consult your owner’s manual. Your manual may include important information including loading strategies specific to your tow vehicle or trailer. 

Cargo Distribution Strategies

You should aim to have about 60% of the cargo weight placed in the front half of the unit (the half that is closer to the tow vehicle). Put the heaviest items in the front half. You should also keep the weight evenly distributed from left to right. This will help to put equal pressure on the tires, which will result in an easier towing experience.

Don’t forget to ensure that the cargo is packed and closed securely. If your load moves around during transit, all of your careful distribution will go to waste!

Cargo Distribution in Enclosed Trailers

Enclosed units offer security. You won’t have to worry about items flying off onto the road. Use this to your advantage and load the lighter items to the top of the unit. Make sure you still secure any loose items so they don’t move around and get damaged.

Cargo Distribution in Open Trailers

When it comes to open units, there is a risk that your cargo will fall onto the road. You can prevent this by never loading small items above the height of the trailer’s sides and by using plenty of tie-downs to keep items secure and in place.

We hope these tips help you have a safe and successful haul! If you have any questions or you want to check out trailers for sale, contact Countryside Trailer Sales today. We are located in Spring, Texas and also serve Houston and The Woodlands. We look forward to helping you make every haul efficient and easy!