Packing Tips for Your Cargo Trailer

Correctly packing your cargo trailer is one of the most important pieces of information to have as a trailer owner. If packed incorrectly, it can begin to sway and become a road hazard. If your cargo tips over or hits a vehicle it could damage everything from your trailer, your vehicle, and even your body. We here at Countryside Trailer Sales have compiled some important tips for packing your trailer, but encourage you to review other sources or come into our dealership in Spring, Texas, and speak with an experienced team member. 

Read Your Manual

The manual that came with your cargo trailer has extremely important information regarding a number of different trailer components. Your manual will cover everything from your cargo trailer's weight to its towing capacity and so on. Your manual should include advice as well as general tips on the safest and most effective way to pack your cargo trailer. Don’t forget to check your cargo’s weight and your trailer’s carrying capacity before you begin packing or you risk damaging your trailer!

Distribute Cargo Evenly

One of the most effective ways to reduce sway is to distribute your cargo evenly across your trailer. If you have very little cargo it’s still important that there is some weight at both the front and back of your trailer. Otherwise, your trailer is likely to sway quite a bit, becoming a hazard to both you and other drivers. 

The 60/40 Method

While you don’t want to leave the back of your cargo trailer empty, you also don’t want it to be heavier than the front. Keeping the front of your cargo trailer heavier than the back keeps weight distribution closer to you and your vehicle, once again reducing potential sway. The 60/40 method refers to your item’s weight and distribution within the trailer, with 60 percent being placed in the front, and 40 percent in the rear. The easiest way to do this is to place your heavier items towards the front of your trailer. 

Protect Your Smaller Items

We also advise tying down large cargo so that it doesn't slip or slide around. While less weight should be at the rear of your trailer it would be unwise to place all your small or light items at the end of your cargo trailer. If larger things were to slip or come loose they would quickly slide and crush your smaller items. We instead advise you to place these items on top of your heavier cargo, as it’s less likely to be damaged.

We hope these tips have been helpful to you! We here at Countryside Trailer Sales want you and your cargo trailer to have a long happy life together. Without taking necessary packing precautions it’s likely that your trailer will get damaged or even result in a crash. If you have any questions or simply need advice on packing your cargo trailer, feel free to visit our dealership and speak with our knowledgeable staff. We proudly serve the cities of Houston and The Woodlands, Texas!