How to Avoid Trailer Sway

June 20, 2022 by Kyle McFarlane

5 Tips To Avoid Trailer Sway

A single-axle utility trailer offers you many advantages as far as hauling cargo goes. However, it could also pose a risk of a dangerous situation called trailer sway. This occurs when a trailer fishtails from side to side while still attached to the towing vehicle. The cause is forces on the side of the trailer. Though this often occurs due to wind, including the bow wind that occurs when passing a semi-truck, other factors can cause or contribute to it.The danger of sway is that the trailer could tip over and bring your vehicle with it. You can't control all the factors that can cause trailer sway, but you can take steps to prevent it and learn how to cope with it should it occur.1. Learn How To Cope With Windy ConditionsIdeally, you would avoid towing your trailer at all when conditions are windy, but it may not always be possible to avoid it. Here are some driving tips to avoid sway when towing a trailer and to manage the problem if it does occur:

High speeds make sway even worse, so do not speed up when you notice it occurring.
Reduce speed but do it gradually. Only apply the trailer brakes, and do not slam on them.
Don't try to steer out of sway. Instead, keep the steering wheel steady.

As soon as you are able, pull over to see if you can figure out what is causing the trailer to sway and how you might be able to correct it. If you ignore it, the problem is likely to persist, which can put you in danger.2. Check Your TiresIf your tires are uneven in their size or air pressure, they could put your trailer off balance. Even if this does not cause a sway directly, it could put you at greater risk for one. This includes the tires of both the trailer and the towing vehicle. Before you set out, check that all the tires are the same size as well as being inflated to the correct tire pressure.3. Make Sure the Weight Is Within the Load CapacityThere is a load capacity for your trailer and a load capacity for your vehicle. The capacities of each include the weights of the vehicles as well as the cargo. Factor in the weight of the tongue, which is the part that connects the trailer to the towing vehicle. The weight of the vehicle occupants also has to be taken into consideration.4. Load the Vehicle CorrectlyIt is not enough to make sure the weight is within the load capacity; it also has to be loaded correctly in the vehicle to avoid sway. The heaviest items should be at the front of the trailer. This puts 10% to 12% of the weight over the tongue of the vehicle, which is necessary to prevent sway.If items in the trailer are allowed to shift from side to side, it could throw off the equilibrium and cause the trailer to sway. Therefore, the cargo should be tied down. It may take some practice at redistributing the load to get the weight distributed properly. Ultimately, if you can't distribute the weight adequately, you may have to remove some of the items, either coming back for them later or making other arrangements to transport them.5. Consider a Friction Sway Control DeviceFor smaller trailers, one of these devices should be adequate, but you need one on either side of the hitch if the trailer is over 5,000. By applying resistance to the trailer, these devices help reduce the effects of sudden and unpredictable wind gusts.A single-axle utility trailer is only one type of trailer we offer. Check out our selection of quality manufacturers.

Equipment Trailer Service and Repair Checklist for Summer

June 10, 2022 by Kyle McFarlane

Perhaps you just bought a new equipment trailer and you're looking forward to getting on the road during the summer season with your new model — or maybe you're noticing some odd noises, worn tires, or cracked spots in the vehicle you've had for a few years. Summer is the ideal time to address many trailer maintenance issues regardless of whether you're experiencing problems or not. Learn more about summer trailer service and repair and decide which maintenance jobs to book now.

Why Summer Is a Great Trailer Maintenance Season

Summer is a season of extremes: Days can be blisteringly hot while nights are often much cooler. This added pressure of changing temperatures means that your trailer's parts are expanding and contracting. You may also have to deal with rain that can cause water damage and direct sunshine that can heat your unit to a dangerous temperature.It's a good idea to perform maintenance and any necessary repairs before summer starts, but scheduling these appointments during the hottest months of the year is fine, too. Make the most out of summer by ensuring the safety of your cargo trailer before more difficult and dangerous winter weather sets in.

5 Common Summer Trailer Repairs

Don't get caught with a costly repair on your hands because you forgot to complete your summer maintenance checklist! Go over the following list and feel free to add more of your own items as they pertain to your trailer. 1. TiresLike many people, you likely drive a lot during the summer. This means that you should check your tires to make sure they're fully inflated and have no leaks. Check them with an air pressure gauge before you head out on the road and replace old models if necessary.2. Doors and WindowsRegardless of the type of cargo your trailer is transporting, it's important to keep it dry. Make sure all doors, windows, and openings are properly sealed. If your trailer is especially old, you may need to replace hinges, gaskets, or handles to ensure that you can fully open and close the doors.3. BrakesIt's a good idea to check the brakes on any vehicle before you use it. Trailer brakes, like any other vehicle's brakes, aren't immune to wear and tear, and they need to be replaced at least once a year for safety reasons. Signs of brake problems may include unusual noises coming from your trailer in addition to strange sensations as you're stopping.4. FloorsWood is porous and rainwater can easily soak through it. If your trailer has a plywood floor, a dry day in the summer is a great time to re-coat the underside of it. The undercoating, or the application of waterproof sealant that's applied to the underside of the floor, is what protects your floor from water damage, rot, and mould issues.5. RoofYour roof bears the brunt of the season's weather. Hot days and rainstorms can wreak havoc on a roof that has not been properly sealed. Invest in a high-quality roof sealant to keep your cargo safe in whatever kind of weather you encounter this summer.

Contact Us To Schedule Your Trailer Service and Repair Appointment

It's important to address small maintenance problems before they become bigger ones. Create a checklist for each season to stay on top of your vehicle's needs.At McFarlane Trailer Sales, we offer a wide variety of custom-built, new, and used trailers as well as replacement parts and high-quality, reliable service appointments. Get in touch with us to learn more and schedule your trailer's summer service today!

The Importance of Servicing Your Enclosed Utility Trailer

May 31, 2022 by Kyle McFarlane

The trailer is one of the most important parts of any towing setup. Nevertheless, you may take it for granted, not giving much thought to its maintenance because it doesn't use oil as your towing vehicle does. Still, enclosed utility trailers do have moving parts, which means that they need regular maintenance if they are going to stay in good shape. Here are some answers to questions you may have about maintaining your trailer.

How Important Is It To Maintain Your Trailer?

Regular maintenance on your trailer helps it meet or exceed its expected useful lifespan. This means that your money goes further following your purchase. Maintaining your trailer regularly also helps you to avoid unpleasant surprises that result from your trailer breaking down on the road in the middle of towing something large and cumbersome.

How Often Should You Service Your Enclosed Utility Trailer?

Generally speaking, it should be sufficient to have your trailer serviced at least every six months. There are some specific features that you should check more often according to manufacturers' recommendations. These include the breakaway functionality, tire pressure, and wheel torque. If you have access to the service manual for your trailer, this should include a maintenance schedule for you to follow.

What Are Some Specific Maintenance Tasks That Enclosed Utility Trailers Require?

The manufacturer of your trailer may also publish trailer maintenance checklists that you can use as a guide. While it is best to use a maintenance checklist written specifically for your trailer, this is not always necessary. If you can find a list for a trailer that has all the same components as yours, you can still use it.Examples of maintenance tasks that typically need to be performed on an enclosed utility trailer include the following:

Tires: Check your tires for cracks that indicate dry rotting. If you find any, your tires need to be replaced. Your tires also need replacement if the tread has reached the wear bar or is less than 2/32 of an inch deep. You also need to check the air pressure in the tire often, which can fluctuate with changes in the weather.
Hitch: An improperly aligned hitch can make steering difficult or cause the trailer to sway from side to side. You should check the hitch frequently for damage, and if you are experiencing problems that may relate to improper alignment, you should have it adjusted.
Brakes: Problems with the brakes or the trailer brake controller could cause the trailer to jackknife or skid when stopping. When you grab each brake shoe and try to rock it back and forth, the resistance from the brake drum should be equal and the movement should be smooth without any stuttering or play.
Body: Keep the body of the trailer free from corrosion by keeping it clean and using sprays, coatings, sealants, or waxes. Keeping the trailer clean also helps you to identify minor problems early on.

Do You Need To Grease the Wheel Bearings?

Whether you need to grease the wheel bearings depends on what kind of trailer you have. Newer trailers are more likely to have wheel bearings that are lubed for life. However, if your trailer is older, you may still have to grease the wheel bearings. How often you do this depends on the size of your trailer and how often you use it. Grease the bearings every six months when the trailer is not in use or every 2,000 to 12,000 miles when it is.

Do You Need To Perform Trailer Maintenance Yourself?

You do not need to perform the required maintenance on your trailer yourself. If you are unfamiliar with the processes or have an issue that you cannot identify and resolve yourself, you can take it to the service department at McFarlane. Find out more about the trailer maintenance and repair services we offer.

Learn Why the Mission Enclosed Trailer Brand Stands Out!

May 26, 2022 by Kyle McFarlane

When you are in the market for a new trailer, you have plenty of options. There are different styles, including custom-made enclosed trailers, from many different manufacturers. Mission is one of the brands that McFarlane Trailer Sales are proud to stock. Once you learn more about the brand, you'll have a better understanding of why.

Types of Enclosed Trailers Made by Mission

Mission produces both open and enclosed trailers. Both have strengths and weaknesses; enclosed trailers are useful if you need to protect your cargo from the elements or wish to shield it from prying eyes. Within the category of enclosed trailers, there are several specific varieties available from Mission.

Cargo Trailers

An enclosed cargo trailer is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment available for hauling. These aluminum trailers with tall sides and a roof can be used to carry almost anything. They are typically used for items of some value that can therefore benefit from protection from the elements. Antique furniture and professional equipment are examples of items that custom-made enclosed trailers may be useful for carrying.

ATV Trailers

All-terrain vehicles and motorcycles can cause a conundrum when you need to transport them from one place to another. You may not want to drive them to your destination, and you may not be able to do so in some cases. On the other hand, a cargo trailer may not be suitable for transporting them regardless of how versatile they may be in other situations. In cases such as these, you require a trailer designed and built specifically for ATVs or motorcycles.

Car Hauler Trailers

Of course, sometimes you need to haul a vehicle larger than a motorcycle or an ATV. You may need to move your car from one place to another without damaging it. Neither a cargo trailer nor an ATV trailer is up to the task; you need one designed specifically to haul cars. Mission offers several car hauler trailers, including a gooseneck trailer and a stacker trailer that offers two tiers of cargo storage.

Snow Trailers

Snow trailers are used to haul snowmobiles and other winter sports equipment. Mission has several snow trailers available, including crossover trailers that combine the advantages of open and enclosed trailers.

Features of Enclosed Trailers by Mission

All types of Mission-enclosed trailers come with desirable features that make them stand out from the crowd. For example, all are made out of aluminum. As a result, they are durable but lightweight. This makes them easier to tow behind more types of vehicles, and it also cuts down on fuel consumption.Depending on the type of trailer, there are also many colour options available. These range from the more traditional, such as black, pewter, charcoal, and silver, to the bold and eye-catching, such as orange, red, and yellow, to the elegant and understated, such as forest green and indigo blue. Your trailer is likely to stand out no matter what colour you choose.A problem that you can sometimes run into with an enclosed trailer is insufficient lighting on the interior. Mission trailers have an option for interior LED lighting. This is convenient because it is always there when you need it, and because LEDs are long-lasting, you should never have to replace any bulbs.You don't always get to choose the conditions under which you load and unload your trailer. Fortunately, Mission trailers have water-resistant decking to help prevent compromise of your trailer floor from exposure to the elements.One of the best features of Mission trailers is the ability to choose options. The result is a custom-made enclosed trailer tailored to your needs. Find out more about Mission trailers at McFarlane.

Is Buying a Used Equipment Trailer Worth It?

May 20, 2022 by Kyle McFarlane

Trailers are versatile tools for farming, construction, and other jobs, but they can be expensive for smaller operations. When faced with the purchase price for a brand-new trailer, many people choose to find used trailers for sale. Used trailers are an excellent option when you do not have the funds or financing available to purchase a newer model. However, buying used can also present several risks to the buyer. For instance, if you are purchasing a trailer from a private seller, you do not really know the condition or history of the trailer. Additionally, there are several unscrupulous sellers, including lots. If you opt for a used trailer, you want to buy from a trusted seller. Still, there is much more to consider when buying used rather than new.

Trailer History

Before you purchase a used trailer, you want to know its history. Any seller should present a clear title of ownership. You need to ensure there are no liens on the trailer. Some people will attempt to sell a trailer they do not legally have the right to sell. For instance, they might try to sell the equipment when a bank or equipment financing company has a lien against it. Purchasing a trailer without a clean title can leave you responsible for the debt. It is also possible that the original owner will pocket the money from the sale without paying off the original debt, meaning you may wake up to a repossession.

Trailer Body and System

When you purchase a used car, you likely take it for a test drive or have a buddy do a quick inspection before you spend the money. A trailer purchase entails the same attention to detail. You want to inspect the frame for rust, bends, cracks, or previous repairs. You should also ask about any previous maintenance issues. Existing bends and cracks can indicate overloading issues, which might be reason enough to avoid the sale. Depending on the trailer, you will also need to inspect the electrical systems. It is crucial that all lights work when connected to your vehicle. Trailers without lights are a safety hazard and could lead to serious injury and accidents. You will also want to inspect the braking and suspension systems. If possible, connect the trailer to your vehicle and test the brakes and their response. Additionally, assess the brake rotors and pads. How much life is left in them? The suspension system should appear in good shape. Look for cracks and other signs of overloading and stress. The bearings throughout should be well lubricated and sealed. One sign of bearing issues is a hum that is high pitched as you drive around.

Trailer Financing

When looking for a used trailer, you may come across sellers wanting to unload a current equipment loan with the trailer. In some cases, you can assume the payments of the seller, which can work to your benefit as the loan is already paid down. However, you might want to find a used trailer for sale that allows you to take out financing. The advantage of using financing is that you can purchase and use the trailer without being out the entire purchase price. Instead, you make monthly payments toward the loan while using the equipment to make money. Essentially, the equipment can pay for itself. A used trailer can be an excellent option, but you need to be careful who you purchase from. McFarlane Trailer Sales is a trusted seller of trailers and carries a variety of designs, both new and used. The specialists at McFarlane’s ensure that every trailer is inspected and safe for operation. If you are looking for a new or used trailer, or just in the market for some trailer parts, look no further than McFarlane.