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With spring rapidly approaching, the hibernation period for so many luxury cars is also coming to an end. 

However, whether you run a business renting classic, luxury or exotic cars or have embraced the petrolhead life, you need the right trailer to get your precious vehicle anywhere it needs to go.

The right trailer is like the right horsebox for a racehorse; it is not strictly necessary, but it eases the load on your car so much that it is all-but-essential for you to make the most of it on a beautiful track day or family adventure.

However, with so many options from the all-encompassing Transporta to the ultra-versatile Beavertail, which trailer is right for you? And when do you need nothing but the best to protect your vehicle?

 

Do You Need A Transport Trailer For Your Car?

Before exploring which trailer you need to transport your luxury car, it is important to ask whether you strictly need a trailer at all.

The answer, in most cases, is no; as long as your car is road legal, taxed and has a valid MOT, you can drive it on the road, including to your destination.

It is often more enjoyable, however, to tow it to a road or track of your choice and drive it, as you mostly guarantee that it will avoid wearing itself out, and you will have the tools at your disposal to tune it the way you want for the particular conditions.

It is often safer and more comfortable to use a reliable towing car and trailer to take an exotic car to its destination and then tow it back afterwards.

Why Do You Need A Transport Trailer For A Track Day Car?

However, there does exist one particular type of car where a trailer is not only encouraged, but it is outright required.

In recent years, track days have become increasingly popular outings where you can take a car far beyond its speed limit and test yourself against the clock for as many laps as the entry fee will allow.

They have become so popular that dedicated track day cars have been made that are not actually road legal, which means that they need to be transported from your home or garage to the track itself.

Similarly, if you are taking part in banger racing in a race akin to the 24 Hours of Lemons

What is the best type of trailer to transport it, however? Would a closed Transporta, a mobile workshop or an open-top Tiltbed be the best choice? Whilst choosing us and choosing Ifor Williams will ensure you get a high-quality trailer, the answer depends on your needs and the needs of your car.

 

Should You Choose An Open Or Enclosed Trailer?

Does flexibility and versatility matter more to you than protecting the car itself? Or are you towing a particularly valuable vehicle that needs to be protected from the elements and the risk of anything chipping the paintwork?

There is no universally correct answer, so here are the advantages of each of the two main types.

Advantages Of An Enclosed Trailer

• Complete protection from external hazards such as debris or the weather.
• Completely lockable and discreet.
• Ideally designed for low-clearance cars, which often include the types of high-performance cars typically taken on track days.
• Perfect for long-distance journeys.

Advantages Of An Open Trailer

• Easier to load and secure standard vehicles.
• Allows for a greater selection of towing vehicles.
• Can in some cases be easier to tow due to being lighter.
• Allows for a self-contained showcase of your vehicle whilst on the road.
• Multipurpose, capable of towing most standard cars.

 

Questions To Ask When Choosing The Right Luxury Car Trailer

• What is the value of your car? The more expensive the car you are transporting, the more security will become a factor and the more likely it is that you will require a more enclosed and secure trailer.
• What is the condition of your car? If your car is concours-ready, factory fresh or highly sensitive to the elements, make sure that it is protected for its journey.
• How far do you need to go? Short journeys are typically fine for most kinds of car, but the longer you plan to drive, the more an enclosed trailer becomes necessary.
• What is the weather forecast for your journey? If you expect rain, which on a spring track day is almost inevitable, an enclosed trailer will give you peace of mind.

Do you feel comfortable towing a heavier trailer? The caveat of a larger trailer is that it will have a different centre of gravity and weight distribution than a Tiltbed or  Beavertail.

As an expert supplier of Ifor Williams trailers, we have a lot to teach about the mechanics of towing almost anything that can be moved by a powerful enough car or sports utility vehicle, from work supplies to livestock to other cars.

The best way to transport a car using another car is to use a dedicated transporter trailer, of which we have several to recommend based on your particular needs.

From the versatile and lightweight CT177 and Beavertail to the comprehensive Transporta box, we have trailers for every type of towing situation, as well as servicing, repair and maintenance services that ensure it is as safe and comfortable to use as possible.

However, there are a lot of ways to tow a car with another car, some of which can be charitably described as suboptimal, whilst others can be outright dangerous or even illegal in the wrong circumstances.

With that in mind and to provide a public service in situations where a trailer is not available but towing is necessary, here is what you need to know about towing a car, the risks that can come from improper methods and the most common mistakes to avoid.

 

How Do You Tow A Car?

The best way to tow a car is the best way you should tow any heavy load; use an appropriate trailer, ensure that the load is adequately tied down and evenly distributed, check everything is ready before towing the trailer away and maintain safe driving speeds and a cautious driving style.

Outside of a trailer, there are three main ways to tow a car:

• Hook-and-chain towing, where a chain is wrapped around the front bumper and the car is towed forward on all four wheels.
• Wheel-lift towing, where a hook or other type of hoist is used to lift the stricken car onto two wheels for towing.
• Dolly towing, which uses a small trailer with a ramp to lift the stricken car onto two wheels. 

All of these methods have their advantages and disadvantages, but if you are without a trailer, they can become necessary.

 

Can Towing A Car Damage It?

If you tow a car with an appropriate trailer that is secured properly, follow the rules of the road, warn other road users appropriately and tow your car gently and cautiously, it is very unlikely that using a flatbed trailer will cause any problems to your car beyond those that led to the breakdown.

However, towing a car with any of its wheels touching the road can lead to potential long-term damage, as the lubrication and drive management systems that many cars use today are not in operation while the car’s engine is not running.

The exact risk of this depends on the drive system of the car you are towing:

• All automatic cars may be at risk when towing them without a trailer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, try to keep the gearbox in neutral and check if you need to remove the driveshaft or use special settings.
• Manual cars that are front-wheel drive can generally be safely towed short distances without damaging the internal systems, but generally it should only be as far as the nearest garage.
• Manual cars that are rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive can cause damage to the transfer case and gearbox within just a few miles in the worst-case scenarios. Check the manual to see if you need to disconnect the driveshaft. 

The EU has recently updated their best practices on the subject of towing, and it can be a useful resource when towing without a proper trailer.

As well as this, towing a car can fundamentally change its driving properties, so stay below 15 miles per hour and do not make any sudden moves.

 

Biggest Mistakes When Towing A Car

• Driving Too Quickly – Unless you have a flatbed trailer that has taken all four wheels off the road, avoid driving faster than 15 miles per hour. This is not only important for the car but for the driver who must sit in the towed car to pick up the slack and coordinate movements.
• Making Sudden Moves – Towing a car fundamentally changes how it drives, making it potentially twice as long, twice as heavy and significantly increasing its stopping distance. Do not attempt lane changes and turns as if you are driving your unladen car.
• Following Too Closely Or Too Far Away – A car being towed needs enough slack to avoid colliding into the back, but too much rope, and it can quickly get out of control.
• Not Using A Trailer – Ultimately, a flatbed trailer or car transporter is by far the safest way to transport a car using another car.

There are many types of businesses where a vehicle is required to tow another vehicle, each of which has different requirements when it comes to the features, functionality and payload capacity required from a car transporter trailer.

A self-employed engineer or vehicle recovery specialist, for example, will have different requirements than someone who needs to transport a car which is not road legal to a track day, which itself has different needs than a small privateer team travelling to a motorsport event.

Choosing the right trailer is as important as choosing the right car, and we are here to help. Not only do we supply trailers from the industry-leading Ifor Williams, but we can also provide tailored advice, assistance in setting up the trailer the way you want it, as well as servicing and repairs when needed.

With that in mind, here are some of the biggest questions to ask yourself before looking into transport trailers.

 

What Are You Allowed To Tow?

In general, if you acquired your driving licence after 1997, you will generally be qualified to tow a trailer that weighs up to 3,500kg MAM (maximum authorised mass). 

People with older licenses will be able to drive a vehicle and trailer with a combined weight of up to 8,250kg, but if you have a relatively heavy towing vehicle, it is important to check that your trailer with both car and equipment is not too heavy.

All of the trailers we offer, from the Beavertail to the Transporta, have MAM gross weights of 3,500kg or below, which gives you a lot of scope to transport a wide variety of vehicles under 1500kg.

What Does Your Trailer Have To Include?

You need to make sure you can drive your trailer safely, which means that there are certain features you need to have on it that you do not need with a lighter, smaller trailer.

These include:

• Brakes on the trailer itself, which must be serviced, in good working order, feature a secondary coupling or breakaway cable and be fit for purpose.
• Independent lights and indicators on the trailer, which must work and be connected to the towing vehicle.
• Type-approved tow bars for your towing vehicle.
• Extended towing mirrors.
• Number plates on the back of the trailer.

 

How Much Protection Does Your Car Need?

Some car transporters treat a car as another load that is secured in place, whilst others are more akin to horseboxes and provide a similar level of amenities and protections.

If the car you are towing is robust or has already broken down and simply needs to be towed to a garage, a Beavertail or Tiltbed may be a better option, with the latter having the added benefit of versatility; it can not only be used to tow vehicles but also more general loads.

However, if you are a small motorsport team with equipment to carry alongside your car, or if you regularly attend track days in a classic or exotic car that needs to be protected from the elements, you will need a Transporta or similar enclosed transport trailer.

This means that the wind, direct sunlight, the rain, salty wash on coastal roads or grit kicked up during frosty nights will not damage your previous car.

 

How Do You Safely Load Your Vehicle?

Choosing the right trailer is also a matter of ensuring that its optimal method of loading or unloading vehicles matches your workflow or working style.

Anything that can make your job or your hobby easier is essential, and with that in mind, here are some top tips for safely loading and unloading your vehicle:

Choose The Most Appropriate Loading Method

Typically, there are two main ways to load a car onto a trailer without physically having to push it on:

• Driving it on directly: This is fine if your trailer is wide enough, but try to use a spotter if you can and take it slowly to ensure you follow the ramp and avoid collisions.
• Using a winch: This method is safer for loading into tight spaces and is required for vehicles that are not running. It is important to winch slowly and keep the car straight where possible.

 

Centre The Weight And Chock The Car

Make sure the car is positioned to maximise a balanced, even weight distribution, as this will make it far easier to drive and give you, your vehicle and your trailer far less of a strain.

Once this is done, use chocks to keep the car in place before strapping it down properly to stop the weight from shifting.

Triple check everything and do a test tow if possible before setting off on your journey.

The future of many businesses is in mobility; it is not always about bringing your customers to your business, but bringing your business to your customers.

There is perhaps no better way to do this than with a Business In A Box, a type of Ifor Williams trailer that is specifically designed for robust, fully-featured, versatile business mobility, perfectly designed to ensure that you can provide a taste of your product offering to your customers.

Whether you are a sole trader, a business exclusively working from your trailer or are adding a business trailer to your fleet to provide a pop-up presence, here is a step-by-step guide to setting up a business in a box. 

 

Step 1: Have A Plan For Your Business In A Box

Of the five simple questions you should always ask about any major decision (what, who, when, where and why), by far the most important of these to ask is why, as it will open up the rest of your business plan:

• Why do you want a business trailer?
• What do you plan to use it for?
• Where are you planning to take it?
• When do you need it and are going to use it?
• Who are you trying to reach with it?

These answers will vary depending on your market sector as well as the role your trailer plays in your business.

Are You A New Business?

If you are starting a new business in the new year, whether as a sole trader or a limited company, you need to consider to what extent your trailer will act as your place of business.

This means ensuring that you have adequate space for doing administrative tasks on the road, as well as ensuring your trailer is secure and safe.

Are You An Online Business Going Mobile?

A fascinating trend in ecommerce is developing pop-up shops designed to reach entirely new markets that do not exist online.

It is an incredible way to reach your customers at a lower cost than renting retail space temporarily, with the added benefit of not being left with advertising hoardings and retail paraphernalia you have no use for.

Are You An Existing Business Taking A Trailer To Your Customers?

Many businesses already have a fleet of vehicles designed to take products or personnel to events, and a trailer would be a logical step to assist with marketing materials and selling on the convention floor.

 

Step 2: Choose The Right Trailer

We have an excellent range of trailers specifically designed to house businesses, but determining the right one for you will depend in no small part on the business you are running and the services you intend to operate within it.

Which Businesses Are Best Suited For Trailers?

It is actually easier to describe the types of businesses that could not be adapted into a bespoke trailer. 

The following are just a taste of the proven mobile businesses that have used Ifor Williams Business In A Box trailers:

• Catering trailer or mobile cafe: A common sight on business parks, especially those located away from major towns and cities, catering trailers are perfectly suited for adaptation into complete and comfortable mobile cafes.
• Mobile retail store: There is a lot of versatility available to provide anything from a traditional stand to a full indoor retail space, with scope and space to set up hangers and shelves. These are particularly effective for exhibitions and festivals.
• Mobile workshop: Whether you are repairing vehicles or offering bespoke crafting services, a tool rack, workbench and specialist machinery can all fit in the right trailer. 
• Clinical services: From vaccination to dental check-ups, the need for mobile clinics has only increased in recent years, where health and dental care services are not readily available.
• Barber, hairstylist or beauty clinic: As long as your profession does not require too many particularly bulky tools, you can fit everything you need, chairs and even space to do administration tasks in a bespoke trailer.
• Mobile marketing centre: With beautiful bespoke wraps, a side-opening door that provides some shelter and the facilities to store marketing information and display screens.

 

Step 3: Set Up Your Trailer Operations

Next, make sure your business is ready to go. Ensure your business has the right equipment, that any consumables are well-stocked, and that both your drivers and trailer operators know how to set everything up.

As well as this, ensure that your brand new business trailer plays a major role in your marketing, as it highlights how you are willing to literally go the extra mile for customers.

Many trailer operators, agricultural business owners and managers of business fleets and related equipment will invariably have a vision, a set of goals and perhaps even a new year’s resolution for the year ahead.

After all, a business struggles to keep moving forward if it does not have a destination to travel to, and the winter months between January and the new financial year in April are a great time to ensure that every part of your business is bringing you towards that success.

Your trailer is a vital part of that, and we can help not only by providing high-quality, best-in-class Ifor Williams trailers, but also by offering a comprehensive service and repair process to keep them working at their best for as long as possible.

Goals are inherently personal and based on your individual situation; the first letter of the SMART Goals system stands for “specific”, after all. But with that in mind, here are four trailer-themed ideas for resolutions to try and achieve over the next year.

 

How Can You Keep Yourself Safe When Using Your Trailer?

Safety should always come first when buying or maintaining a trailer, but there is a difference between complying with legally mandated safety standards and being mindful and aware that you are putting other road users and your safety above other priorities.

In most cases, safety is about planning and forethought; it is about being aware of potential risks and hazards before planning ahead to ensure that they do not happen.

It could mean leaving early to avoid bad weather whilst driving a trailer towards a work site, it could mean ensuring you get enough rest and breaks to remain alert whilst driving, and it always means checking your trailer ahead of time to ensure it is safe and predictable to drive.

 

Trailer Safety And Security Checklist

• Ensure you are driving below the speed limit whilst towing a trailer or caravan.
• Make gentle, easy manoeuvres whilst driving, especially when braking for corners.
• Make sure your lights and indicators are working correctly.
• Ensure any loads are rated for the trailer, are distributed evenly across the trailer and are secured.

 

Is Your Trailer Service Up To Date?

With so much to think about, especially in the build-up to a new financial year, it can be easy to forget when you last took your trailer to be serviced.

However, it is essential, especially during the winter months when the weather conditions are at their most challenging, to ensure that your trailer is fit for purpose, has been set up appropriately for your towing vehicle and the loads you generally carry and feels comfortable to tow.

That comfort is more important than you might expect; a comfortable drive is typically predictable, and the more predictable your vehicle and load are, the less stressed and anxious you will be, which in turn will allow you to stay alert and on the lookout for potential hazards.

 

When Should You Replace Your Existing Trailer?

For many people, a new year’s resolution is about making a change or trying something new, and this applies just as much to business goals as it does personal ones.

In some cases, this could mean scaling up a business to meet the number and needs of your customers; in other cases, it could mean transitioning into new types of work and potential revenue streams.

In some cases, this will inevitably lead to an examination of your current trailer, regardless of the type, quality and age of it, and to ask the question of whether it is still the right piece of equipment for you.

If not, then it may be time to invest in a new trailer or a replacement for your existing one.

 

Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying A New Trailer

 

• Is your current trailer beyond repair?
• Is your current trailer still fit for purpose?
• Would a new trailer allow you to scale up your operations?
• Are you moving into a new market sector or operating a new service?
• Do you still feel comfortable driving your existing trailer?

 

Does Your Trailer Need Redecorating?

This section might seem somewhat incongruous compared to the rest of the trailer-related resolutions above. However, the aesthetics of your equipment is inherently a part of your brand, and if you have noticed that a faithful trailer does not capture who you are or what you offer, it may be time to give it a new coat of paint.

This is especially true for horseboxes, caravans and businesses in a box, which by necessity will use paints, signs and wraps to convey what you can offer.

The UK has been battered by Storm Goretti as we move into January, which has caused significant levels of snowfall in some parts of the country, as well as brought strong winds and icy conditions to many areas. 

Given the challenging driving conditions, it’s understandable why many drivers would leave their vehicles rather than continue. However, this means that recovery teams are set to be very busy in the coming days and weeks ahead. 

There have been reports of cars being left abandoned on roads in South Wales, which has been hit hard by the storm, as well as in the Peak District. 

Authorities closed many of the highest roads in the Peak District ahead of Storm Goretti’s arrival, but that has led to some drivers being forced to abandon their vehicles on the lower-lying routes, such as Winnats Pass. 

This has prevented the county council from fully gritting and clearing the road, as the abandoned vehicles now need to be moved to give teams access to the highway. 

 

How can abandoned vehicles be recovered?

Now that the worst of the storm has passed, some drivers may feel comfortable returning to collect their vehicles and drive them home themselves. 

However, others may require more assistance and that’s where recovery teams with suitable trailers will come in. Such teams are likely to be busy in the coming days, taking flatbed trailers and Beavertail trailers out to help drivers who have been unable to finish their journeys. 

Due to their sloping rear bed section, Beavertail trailers in particular will be helpful for recovering abandoned vehicles. This sloped rear section makes the loading height much lower, which will mean it’s easier to guide a vehicle onto a trailer to remove it. 

Beavertail trailers can also be fitted with a winch, which means it’s possible to move vehicles even if they aren’t starting – another reason why they’re favoured by recovery teams around the country. 

 

How can you prepare a Beavertail trailer for use in winter?

If you’ll be using your Beavertail trailer regularly in challenging winter conditions, particularly in areas prone to snow and ice, it pays to carry out some maintenance before you hit the roads. 

First, check your trailer for any signs of corrosion or damage – if you notice any rust or cracks, get these inspected and repaired before you take the trailer back out on the road. 

While not likely to cause immediate damage, if you are regularly driving your trailer on icy roads that have been gritted, the salt used to melt the ice can lead to corrosion if you don’t regularly clean your trailer and make sure that it’s in good condition before you head out.

Ideally, you will install mud flaps and fenders on your trailer as these simple items can help to reduce the amount of grit and other debris that hits the undercarriage of your Beavertail trailer as you drive. 

It’s also essential to check your tyre pressure and tread to ensure they can handle colder conditions. In icy conditions, you want as much grip as possible when you’re driving, so ensure that the tread depth on all of your tyres is good.

Don’t forget to check that your spare tyre is still in good condition too. All Ifor Williams Beavertail trailers come with a spare wheel and carrier as standard, so check this to ensure it’s winter ready too.

Remember that in cold conditions, moving parts can easily seize up, so be prepared by making sure you’ve got a lubricant in your vehicle with you in case you need it. Regularly lubricating the likes of locking mechanisms and hinges will help keep them in good working order too. 

Deicer can also be helpful in some circumstances – and you’ll likely want it for the vehicle towing the trailer – so make sure you have some with you to help remove particularly stubborn ice if it forms. 

 

What other gear might recovery teams need for their trailers?

Other accessories that it’s worth taking with you include a small shovel and ice scraper – especially if you’re going to be helping recover vehicles from the snow. 

You’ll also want to make sure you’ve got appropriate load restraining straps to secure any vehicles once you’ve got them safely on the back of your trailer. 

It will likely also be useful to have a set of loading skids, either made from steel or aluminium, to give you an easy way to get any vehicle you’re recovering onto the trailer. And, of course, don’t forget basics like plenty of food and water for yourself, as well as warm clothes for while you’re working.

Winter is finally here, and whilst some agricultural and equestrian businesses are winding down ahead of Christmas, others are still heavily reliant on their trailers and equipment ahead of a remarkably busy season.

Despite the freezing and wet weather conditions, the horse racing calendar is still full, which makes safe, warm and reliable transportation of equine competitors more vital than ever.

The best way to keep your horse safe is with a horsebox trailer that is winterised, serviced and repaired by experts well versed in maintaining the versatile and high-quality trailers manufactured by Ifor Williams.

With that in mind, here are some top tips for keeping your horsebox a safe, warm and comfortable environment to help both the physical and mental health of your horses.

How Does Cold Weather Travel Affect Your Horses?

Horses are outdoor animals and can tolerate cold temperatures up to a point, but once temperatures dip close to five degrees Celsius, horses will start to feel the cold and need some extra care.

This is doubly so with horseboxes, as travelling at speed can slow down the perceived temperature and make already cold temperatures feel biting and frozen.

Once the temperatures dip below freezing, cold stress can occur, causing horses to become increasingly agitated, have less energy, exacerbate existing health issues and cause long-term effects on their mental and physical health. 

Lower than this, and hypothermia and frostbite can become life-threatening.

Many of the natural protections horses use in the wild, such as huddling with other horses and finding natural shelters, are not always available in a horsebox due to limited space.

What Can Cold Weather Travel Do To Your Horses?

• Lower energy levels.
• Increased cold stress to joints and vulnerable parts of the body.
• Frostbite, particularly to the muzzle and ears.
• Hypothermia.

How Can You Winterise Your Horsebox?

One of the most important steps you can take if you need to travel over the winter period is to prepare your horsebox for winter, ensuring that it is not only warm enough for your horse to travel in comfort but also that the journey is safe and stress-free for both horse and owner.

As with anything else, preparation is critical here, and taking the time to check that all of the electrical equipment, brake lines and suspension are properly tuned for the conditions and the connections function correctly.

Not only is this important for legal reasons, but the more stable and easier your trailer is to control, the fewer issues that will emerge during winter travel. 

As well as this, fit winter or all-weather tyres depending on the road conditions. If you would change your towing vehicle’s tyres, do the same for your trailer.

One of the most important elements that you may need to modify on your horsebox is its insulation. Most modern horseboxes will have insulation to help maintain ventilation and temperature regulation without overheating your horse or wasting too much energy.

What Steps Can You Take To Get Your Horsebox Ready For Winter?

• Inspect your trailer and towing vehicle for any issues.
• Ensure the heating system is working effectively.
• Check insulation and drought-proofing.
• Fit winter tyres.

Should You Pack A Winter Emergency Kit In Your Horsebox?

The other aspect of winter driving that should never be underestimated is that the conditions you are driving in can change frequently. Downpours can be sudden and stop quickly, black ice is a concern in the days after a frosty day, and fresh snow can provide traction challenges.

In addition, the weather can cause delays, breakdowns and traffic blockages that may force you to wait for quite some time in the weather until conditions improve.

Because of this, make sure to pack two winter emergency kits; one is for you, whilst the other is extra blankets, food and water for your horse, to ensure that they not only avoid dehydration in the remarkably dry winter but also avoid getting spooked and agitated.  

What Should You Pack In Your Horsebox’s Winter Emergency Kit?

For you and your car, you should be sure to pack:

• Snow shovel.
• Gritting salt.
• Ice scraper.
• Food and water.
• Space blanket.

In addition, pack the following for your horse:

• Multiple thick, high-quality blankets appropriate for your horse’s size and weight.
• Fresh water in an insulated bucket.
• A supply of horse feed.

How Do You Take Care Of Your Horse During The Journey?

Some horses travel better than others as a general rule, but it is even more vital to check up on your horse throughout the journey, as the stresses that travel can sometimes take on their bodies and mental health can be exacerbated.

Use hoof oils to keep them moisturised and check that they are kept in good health.

As well as this, check your horse’s behaviour closely. If they seem different from how they are on a typical journey, especially if they are withdrawing or look uncomfortable, this could be a sign that they are cold in the horsebox. The sooner you can intervene, the sooner they will feel better.

Any piece of equipment that is used as often as an industrial or agricultural trailer needs to be able to last for a long time in heavy-duty conditions. No business has the time to waste on a tool that is not hard-wearing enough for their needs.

This is the reason why we offer Ifor Williams trailers and have a comprehensive trailer servicing process to ensure that your trailer is ideally suited for your needs, safe to use on the road and ready for your next job.

It is vital that you keep your trailer well-maintained in part because it is legally required, but also because a trailer kept in a dangerous condition is increasing the risk of a sudden, dangerous situation that could take control of a vehicle away from you.

Proactivity is always better than reactivity and will save you money in the long run.

With that in mind, here are some of the most common signs of a serious issue, what it tends to mean, and what you can do about it whilst waiting for your service.

Warning Lights Or Malfunctions

Trailers and caravans need to have a complete set of lights, brakes and turn signals that are connected to your towing vehicle, but if there is an issue with the connection between the car and the trailer, it can cause these lights to not work properly.

Make sure to test your lights and indicators before you start travelling, as it is one of the expected safety checks and could constitute using a vehicle in a dangerous condition in some situations, particularly when driving at night with lights that are not working.

Beyond this, if the lights are not working, it could be a sign that the electrical systems on your trailer are also not functioning, which could affect other electrical systems, such as brakes.

Strange Noises

Whilst heavy-duty trailers are not always going to be quiet on bumpy roads, there is a clear difference between noises that demonstrate that the trailer’s suspension, bearings and brakes are working fine, and noises that clearly indicate a problem.

If your brakes squeak or grind when you apply them, that is typically a sign that there is an issue with the system or the pads that should be addressed sooner rather than later.

Similarly, scraping, clunking, and banging can also be signs that there are unaddressed issues that should be looked into by a professional.

Braking Problems

Braking should be as controlled, even and quick in response as they are with your towing vehicle, and if there are any issues with how the trailer reacts under braking, it could be a sign of a potentially serious issue with your braking system.

This could be caused by brake pads that are worn, warped or not functioning correctly, it could be caused by leaks in your brake fluid, or it could be the result of electrical issues if your trailer has electrically assisted braking systems.

Braking is even more important with a trailer than it is already when driving a vehicle without one, as problems with your braking system can potentially lead to a loss of control or a road traffic accident.

A trailer should not feel difficult to stop, and if it does, or if it feels significantly different, it may be time for a service.

Steering Issues

Similarly, trailers should not be that much more difficult to control than your towing vehicle, and a trailer certainly should not cause unexpected or unwanted steering responses.

If the trailer feels somewhat unpredictable when driving, if it favours or actively tries to steer in one direction, if it has a tendency to snake or is otherwise difficult to maintain control of, it is typically indicative of a serious and potentially dangerous issue with your trailer.

It is most commonly an issue with either wheel alignment, the suspension system or the axle, but it can be an issue with uneven tyre pressure or warped brakes, depending on the particular loss of control.

In any case, if you do not feel comfortable controlling the trailer, you should contact an expert as soon as possible to diagnose and solve any problems.

Uneven Tyre Wear

Tyres are often an underestimated part of your trailer, and they can both contribute to and be an early symptom of a problem with it.

If the tyres of your trailer wear at different rates, if there are flat spots on them, a sudden loss of pressure or noticeable damage to the tread, get them checked to avoid a potentially dangerous blowout.

The vast majority of farm animals in the UK are transported in a trailer at some point in their lives, whether that is to move them from one part of a farm to another or for a longer journey to a livestock market or an abattoir. 

If you are in the market for a new livestock trailer, there are a number of factors it’s important to consider, including what animals you’ll be transporting and how far, how easy it is to load your livestock into your trailer and how stable the trailer is when you’re towing it. 

 

What load weighting should I look for in a livestock trailer?

The gross weight your trailer needs to handle will depend on what type of animals you are going to be transporting. When you are comparing the specifications of different trailers, take the gross weight listed and deduct the unladen weight from it. This will show you how much weight your trailer can safely hold. 

From there, you can work out if it is suitable for your purposes. Obviously if you will be transporting cows, you will need a trailer that can handle greater weights than if you are transporting sheep, for instance. 

 

What features should I look for in a livestock trailer to ensure animal welfare?

The welfare of any animals being transported should be at the heart of the process. One of the most important features of any livestock trailer is ventilation. Your animals need to have adequate airflow for the duration of their journey to ensure that they don’t become unwell or suffocate while you’re on the road. 

This means that vents are key features on any livestock trailer. Similarly, you need to ensure that the trailer is made of a material that promotes temperature regulation. This is why most livestock trailers are made from aluminum, because it reflects heat in the summer which makes conditions in the trailer more comfortable. 

You also need to check the height of the livestock trailer to ensure it provides sufficient headroom for the animals you’ll be transporting. Naturally, sheep and pigs need less head room than cows or llamas, for instance. 

 

What is the best way to load animals into a livestock trailer?

You will usually need a ramp to help your animals get into the trailer. This is where Ifor Williams livestock trailers stand out thanks to their EasyLoad ramp and folding deck system. 

This makes it easy to deploy the deck and ramp within minutes, without the need for any additional tools or equipment. Two gas springs assisted the process of deploying the ramp. Once the ramp is secured, you can use it to load your livestock onto your trailer. 

Stowing the ramp and deck is just as easy as deploying it, which means you will be on your way within minutes of loading your animals and securing the gate of the trailer. 

For additional support and security while loading livestock, you can also add a ramp gate extension to your trailer system.

 

How can I tell how stable a trailer will be when I’m towing it?

Until you start towing a trailer, particularly when it’s fully laden, it can be hard to know how it will handle. However, the reviews or experiences of other farmers can help here. In addition, there is plenty of evidence that the Ifor Williams trailers remain stable on varied terrain. 

The company has designed its trailers with farmers in mind, which means they are both durable and stable when being towed. One of the key components of Ifor Williams’ livestock trailers is the beam axle and leaf spring suspension system. 

This mimics similar systems used in other commercial vehicles where stability when under load is essential. It offers excellent stability and therefore provides a smoother journey for both you and your livestock. 

 

How far you’ll transport livestock in your trailer

When you are investing in a new livestock trailer you also need to consider how far you will be transporting animals. If you will be transporting animals for distances of greater than 65km or on journeys of longer than eight hours, you’ll need what’s known as transporter authorisation. 

You’ll also need a certificate of competence for transporting animals and you may be required to have an attendant with you who is responsible for managing the animals’ welfare. 

If you are transporting animals for longer distances, you also need to consider food and water provision as well as their comfort during the journey. This may therefore affect the type of trailer you decide to purchase.

To some people, the prime time for horse racing is the spring and summer, whether it is for steeple chasing or flat racing. After all, the ides of March are accompanied by the Cheltenham Festival, the Grand National is in April and Royal Ascot takes place in June.

November is the last month of the flat racing season, but there are still some great jump chasing events in the late autumn and winter, as well as some wonderful courses that come into their own at this time of year.

For this reason, there will be no shortage of horse box trailers on the roads and in the fields over the coming months, with a busy programme and many courses staging their biggest and best events in the months ahead.

 

Be Ready For Winter Road Conditions

Needless to say, this is the time when you will most need trailers that are robust and reliable. The road conditions will be far from ideal on many occasions, with plenty of wet leaves now, some inevitable big rain days and also some snow and ice not far away.

The motorways might be well gritted, but you can be sure that sooner or later you’ll have to get up a road that isn’t. Moreover, you’ll no doubt be parking on a few fields that are soft to say the very least. You need to know your trailer is one you can trust and can handle the wear and tear that the season brings.

Having ensured your horse or horses can get safely to and from the course, you can focus on the racing ahead, with some superb venues offering great racing over the next few months.

 

Famous Venues, Big Events

Aintree is one place to note this month and next, with three meetings at the Grand National venue, including racing on Boxing Day. It might not quite have the glamour of the epic race made famous by the likes of Red Rum and Aldaniti, but It still offers the chance for runners, riders and spectators alike to enjoy a visit to one of the world’s most famous race venues.

If the English Grand National is not until next April (as is Scotland’s), the Welsh version is coming much sooner. Chepstow is the venue for this event and this year’s edition will take place on Saturday December 27th, one of seven races on the day.

After the brilliant victory of Val Dancer last year, there are high hopes that 2025 will be just as spectacular.

Chepstow might have the most glamorous race of the winter season, but some courses stand out for their excellent conditions for racing over the winter season.

 

All-Weather Wonders

The UK currently has seven all-weather courses, designed to ensure the racing goes ahead come sun, rain, wind, sleet, snow or a plague of frogs. These are located at Lingfield, Kempton Park, Wolverhampton, Southwell, Chelmsford, Newcastle and Dundalk.

Lingfield is the oldest of these, being established in the 1890s, although the current Polytrack surface was laid in the 1990s. Able to host all formats of racing, it has over 100 days of racing a year, so expect it to be busy through the winter (and not just on its all-weather surface).

Not all of the all-weather courses will be in use throughout the winter; for instance, Wolverhampton is a flat course so although there will be several meetings this month, some under its floodlights, that will then be it until the new flat season starts next year.

Nonetheless, all-weather surfaces do add a new feature to the racing calendar, as some horses run better on them than others. Moreover, when the weather is bad, that will give such runners an advantage on those who thrive when the going is soft.

All-weather surfaces also mean that you know the event won’t be called, off, which means you may have to drive the horse and trailer box through all sorts of poor on-road conditions to get to the course.

 

Make The Most Of The Winter

While a venue like Wolverhampton or Newcastle is in a city, others are in fairly small towns, so you may pass through more rural areas where there are fewer major roads and more chance of running into challenging conditions in winter.

The fact that the jump racing calendar remains packed through the darkest and coldest days of the year is heartening for those who enjoy going to racing or getting in the saddle, while the horses benefit from not having to run on a hot day (just look at the footage of the aftermath of a race at Ascot in June and the buckets of water being poured over them!).

With a robust trailer to make sure you can get the and back, the racing community can make the absolute most of this time of year.

Winter has finally arrived, and for many in the agricultural sector who live on rural roads or who still have to travel great distances on business, the colder weather and shorter days can cause issues.

In particular, operating a trailer safely is about ensuring that your trailer is serviced by expert mechanics who are well-versed in working with the particular make and model, that you have the right towing vehicle, that it is secured properly and that you feel comfortable driving in the conditions.

This is not only a legal requirement, as trailers need to be serviced to ensure they can be towed safely enough, but they also help to offer peace of mind and make what can be a difficult time of the year less arduous.

With that in mind, here are some top tips to ensure you drive safely with a trailer from December up until the start of spring.

Inspect Your Trailer Closely

In general, you should check your trailer for any issues every time you use it, but especially make sure to give everything a test before you set off on a wet, icy or snowy day.

In particular, make sure that your brakes, suspension, lights, signals and tyre pressures are all in working order and at the right levels for your vehicle and the trailer.

Depending on how much snow or ice there is, it may be worth considering fitting all-weather tyres, snow chains or even snow tyres, particularly if you are primarily driving off-road. Traction is everything, and you will want to ensure your car and trailer are as stable as possible.

Finally, make sure the links between your car and trailer are properly connected as well, as you are likely to need your lights more during winter nights and foggy days.

Front-Load Your Trailer

Weight distribution and the right centre of gravity are critical if you want to have a comfortable, safe journey and avoid potential snaking. Part of this is ensuring that your trailer’s suspension is working, your brakes are consistent and equal and that it is securely attached to your towing vehicle so the trailer does not favour a certain direction.

Another major part is ensuring that any load you fit to your trailer is primarily added to the front of your trailer, as close to the towing vehicle as possible.

Aim for a 60:40 ratio, where three-fifths of the load is in the frontmost half, ensure that the trailer is not overloaded in any section, and secure cargo tightly to stop it shifting and changing the handling dynamics whilst steering.

Finally, consider looking into weight distribution hitches to help evenly distribute the weight of the trailer across the towing vehicle itself, further improving the centre of gravity and helping with handling performance.

Gradually Accelerate And Brake

When driving, you want to ensure that the tyres grip the road as much as possible, and the best way to ensure this is to avoid sudden bursts of acceleration or braking.

Keep a safe distance from cars ahead to ensure you do not have to react suddenly, apply your brakes gently and progressively push down on the throttle pedal to slowly get to your cruising speed.

Avoid sudden braking if at all possible; the slippery conditions can cause the trailer to jerk suddenly and cause a complete loss of control.

Keep Further Away From Cars In Front

Consider staying further than two car lengths away from the car in front, as your stopping distances will significantly increase in icy conditions, and many people will similarly react less quickly.

Check your mirrors and be mindful of what the cars in front, behind and to the side of you are doing.

As well as this, look for potential patches of black ice or changes in road conditions.

Be Extra Careful In Foggy Conditions And Snowstorms

Blizzards and foggy conditions can be particularly treacherous, as not only can it be difficult to see other vehicles, but it can be difficult for them to see you.

If you are struggling, turn on low-beam headlamps or fog lights to boost your visibility, and turn on the hazard lights on your trailer to ensure that other drivers can see you there.

Trust your judgement as well; if you feel like the visibility and weather conditions have reached a point that it is dangerous to continue, find a safe location and pull over until the storm clears somewhat.

Steer In The Direction Of The Skid

If you do lose control and start skidding, do not panic. Firmly slamming on the brakes will make the situation worse.

Instead, gradually steer into the skid in the direction you want to go without overcorrecting. Avoid sudden movements and use your brakes carefully to gradually build up traction again.

Businesses can only succeed when they are in constant motion, and many agricultural firms rely on their trailers in order to transport goods and perform a range of tasks on and off the land.

Not only does this mean that you need to pick the right high-quality trailer for the needs of your business, but you also need to make arrangements to ensure it is professionally serviced and repaired.

We can provide that complete service, offering tailored advice to ensure you get the right equipment customised to meet your exacting needs, whilst also offering maintenance and servicing to ensure it lasts as long as possible.

The biggest reason why this is so important is that driving an unsafe trailer is against the law, but the reason why the Highway Code is particularly strict is that an unsafe vehicle has the potential to cause serious accidents on the road.

Whilst anything that is a cause for concern should be checked, here are some of the most common causes of trailer accidents, and how a regular maintenance routine can help avoid them.

 

Brake Fade

Worn and faded brakes are a potential danger with any vehicle, but brake fade can be particularly problematic and difficult to diagnose with trailers, as a loaded trailer can lead to unexpected braking properties and longer stopping distances.

Brake fade can cause accidents for a range of reasons, not only due to brake failure, but also due to poor brake alignment or synchronisation between the towing vehicle and trailer. These issues can lead to a loss of control, which can increase the risk of a collision or crash.

Effective maintenance will not only replace brake pads and shoes, but also examine particular wear trends to ensure that the brakes are functioning evenly and thus will be balanced and consistent in an emergency braking situation.

 

Decoupling

A potentially particularly dangerous accident, if the trailer is not hitched correctly to the towbar of the towing vehicle or there is a problem with the attaching equipment, it could potentially lead to the trailer detaching. If this happens whilst on the road, the unpredictability of the trailer could cause a collision with other vehicles on other lanes.

There are multiple failsafe systems in place to ensure that the trailer stays attached, and frequent inspections of the mechanics will help to minimise the risk of a failure of the coupling system.

 

Poor Visibility

The lights on the back of a trailer are linked to the towing vehicle and are even more critical than they are on a standard car.

A lot of accidents are caused by poor visibility, as the car behind cannot properly see where the trailer is in relation to the rest of the vehicle and thus cannot adequately anticipate where it is moving on the road.

Checking to make sure all of the lights work, including the tail lights, brake lights, turning indicators and hazard warning lights, all work and work quickly. 

As well as this, make sure that the reflectors are in good condition, are undamaged and remain clean. They are an easy and vital way for cars to see the trailer and where it is on the road.

 

Snaking And Jackknifing

A common cause of trailer accidents that is typically associated with the trailer itself is swerving and snaking, which is where the trailer begins to oscillate behind the towing vehicle.

A degree of snaking can happen for several reasons, particularly in situations where a car is dealing with strong winds, high speeds and the effects of aerodynamic wake, but excessive levels of snaking are not only a serious hazard but could be the result of a mechanical issue.

At worst, it can cause a jackknife, a serious incident where a trailer whips around the towing vehicle, often causing a significant loss of control and the potential for serious accidents.

All of these issues can make a car and trailer more difficult to control at high speeds, whilst driving straight ahead and whilst turning.

They are caused in part by imbalances with the trailers’ braking and suspension. This can be detected through wheel balancing and inspections of the wheels and springs. They can also be the result of damage or rough terrain that affects the wheel, suspension or chassis.

Drivers can also help to minimise the risk by evenly distributing loads and gently slowing down to regain control of a snaking trailer rather than locking up the brakes or turning sharply. It also helps to take some time to get accustomed to how the trailer feels both empty and with a typical load.