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.