McFarlane Trailers Sales: How To Safely Load A Trailer

February 20, 2023 by
How To Safely Load A TrailerWhether you own or are looking to purchase utility trailers or any trailer, knowing how to load correctly is crucial to safe hauling. Improper loading can create risks to the trailer, equipment, driver, and other people on the road. Before you invest in a trailer, ensure you understand the fundamentals of loading.

Understanding Safe Loading

When loading a trailer, you need to consider various factors, including cargo, vehicle, and the trailer itself. Not all cargo is equal, and the weight distribution and shape of equipment or materials will matter when it comes to loading and placement. To stay safe, always follow four rules when loading your trailer.1. Check the Specs of the Tow VehicleYou may know that your trailer can hold up to 10,000 pounds, but that doesn't mean your vehicle can manage such a heavy load. Before loading anything onto your trailer, make sure you check the specifications of the tow vehicle. The last thing you want to do is damage your truck.2. Stay Below Weight Capacity LimitsTrailers, by design, are workhorses. The vehicles can handle significant loads, but people can get a little overzealous when loading their trailers. It is essential to know the weight of your haul. You might meet trailer capacity and still have room on the trailer bed. Having space does not necessarily mean you can load more, not even with enclosed cargo trailers.3. Obey the 60/40 RuleMost professionals agree that when loading your trailer, you need to follow the 60/40 rule. The rule suggests that 60% of the cargo is toward the front of the axle and 40% behind it. Obviously, there might be occasions when obeying the rule isn't possible, but it is a safety measure for most jobs.4. Center Heavy ObjectsWhen moving heavier equipment, it is best to center it over the axle, which seems to go against the 60/40 rule. With extremely heavy or dense cargo, it is safer to load the equipment over the axle, capitalizing on the strength and design of the trailer.

Acknowledging Risks of Improper Loading

Improperly loading a trailer can lead to safety issues and potential hazards. Since you intend to operate the trailer on the roadways, improper loading is a safety risk for yourself and others. Improper loading techniques can lead to four potential problems.1. SwayingIf the weight is not distributed correctly on the trailer bed, you may experience swaying as you drive. Swaying can make it challenging to control your vehicle and stay in your lane. You want to distribute the load correctly to ensure driver control.2. Trouble brakingPoor weight distribution can also make it difficult to brake. If the load is too far ahead of the axle, it will put excessive pressure on the tow vehicle. If it is too far back on the trailer, it will pull on the tow vehicle, causing significant drag.3. DamageImproper loading can also cause significant and costly damage to your trailer. For example, if the cargo is too heavy, it can bend the axle. Also, if overloaded, the trailer tongue can break, which is why it is vital to pay attention to stated weight capacities.4. AccidentsSwaying, inadequate braking, and damage can all result in severe accidents on the road. Knowing tow capacities and obeying loading rules can minimize risks.

Buying Your New Trailer From McFarlane Trailer Sales

Now that you understand the importance of safe loading and know the rules, it is time to invest in your new trailer. Contact a representative at McFarlane Trailer Sales and ask about the available inventory of dump trailers and customization options.

Benefits of Buying a Trailer Over Renting

August 10, 2022 by

Benefits of Buying a Trailer Over Renting

3 Reasons to Buy a Trailer Over Renting

Buying your own trailer is a satisfying investment that is reliably available, reduces hidden costs, and offers you flexible control of your assets. Whether you're looking for a new trailer or a used trailer for sale, McFarlane can set you up with what you need. 1. There's Always a Trailer Available It is a major setback for efficiency when you have a load that needs moving and all the trailers in your area are booked or rented out. You end up having to rely on colleagues, friends, and family to get it done, which creates stress and a feeling of obligation.Not only this, but you may call ahead to a trailer rental facility, then drive there, only to find that the trailer you needed has been rented to someone else. This doesn't happen when you own your trailer. Knowing that you can access your trailer at any time gives you convenience and peace of mind. 2. No Hidden Costs Rental companies make their money on hidden fees and costs such as day-use insurance, deposits, mileage rates, after-hours fees, and cleaning fees. Even though these may be listed in the fine print of their terms and conditions, it usually creates a surprise at the end of the haul, sometimes causing you to go over budget.It is often unclear what the costs even support. Rental companies have to list the costs they charge you, but they don't have to explain or justify them. This creates a stressful lack of transparency and adds to your operational costs over time. Once you purchase your own trailer, you have independent control over which repairs and costs are needed and when you do them. Negotiating insurance rates is up to you. Maintaining your trailer on your own terms can be much more cost-effective, and you never have to worry about meeting a deadline of returning the trailer to its original location. 3. Flexibility A great advantage of buying over renting is that you become the boss of your own trailer. Rental companies forbid subletting and loaning the trailer to another party who isn't under contract with them. When you own, you have the flexibility to let others use your trailer as you see fit. You can also haul loads any time of day, month, or year, regardless of supply and demand in the rental market. Weekend hauls, late nights and long distances are no problem when you are in charge of deciding what happens with the trailer. Another aspect of flexibility is that you can use the trailer in multiple different configurations that a rental company wouldn't allow. There are no restrictions on the type of load, location, distance, who can drive, and add-ons. If your landscape trailer needs to become an equipment trailer today, so be it. You decide, with very little red tape or pushback. 

Used Trailers for Sale at McFarlane

A great way to start out owning a trailer is to buy a used one. Not only do new trailers depreciate immediately (similar to new vehicles), used trailers are an affordable way to experience the benefits of ownership without a high-interest payment plan. We also offer financing and affordable down payments. Used trailers usually become available because the original owner upgraded to a new trailer. We guarantee that all of our trailers are mechanically sound and road-ready. Hydraulics, tires, tongues, and hitches are all fully inspected for undue wear and tear before we offer them to you. Contact us today to learn about the process. Leave behind the stresses and surprise costs of renting a trailer. Buy your own trailer and find a renewed peace of mind.