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Mistakes when loading and securing equipment can lead to accidents, damage, and costly delays. However, with the right practices and tools, these issues are entirely avoidable. Here’s a look at the top five mistakes when loading and how to avoid them.

1. Overloading or Uneven Loading

• The Mistake: Overloading a trailer or failing to balance the load correctly is one of the most common and dangerous errors. It can lead to uneven weight distribution, trailer instability, and excessive stress on tires and axles.
• How to Avoid It: Always know your trailer’s weight capacity and your towing vehicle’s. Equipment manuals typically provide weight specifications, but when it doubt, use a scale to confirm. Properly distribute weight across the trailer, ensuring heavier items are positioned closer to the center. This prevents the trailer from tipping or swaying during transit.

Proper tongue weight is also crucial. Aim for about 10-15% of the trailer’s total weight on the tongue to maintain stability. Refer to your trailer’s manual for guidance.

2. Ignoring Proper Tie-Down Points

• The Mistake: Using non-designated areas to secure straps, chains, or ropes can compromise the integrity of your cargo and lead to shifting or even loss of the load.
• How to Avoid It: Use the designated tie-down points on your trailer. Air-tow Trailers, for example, feature eight heavy-duty D-rings and e-track systems explicitly designed for securement. These points are reinforced and strategically placed for maximum effectiveness. Additionally, ensure all tie-downs are tightened to the correct tension to keep the load secure without causing damage.

3. Using Damaged or Inappropriate Straps

• The Mistake: Relying on frayed, damaged, or undersized straps is a recipe for disaster. Over time, wear and tear can reduce tie-down strength, leading to failure under load.
• How to Avoid It: Regularly inspect all straps, chains, and ratchets for signs of wear, such as fraying, rust, or weakening. Replace any that don’t meet safety standards. When choosing tie-downs, ensure they are rated for the weight of your equipment and are the correct type for your trailer. Ratchet straps with a high working load limit (WLL) are often the best option for heavy equipment.

4. Failing to Account for Shifting During Transit

• The Mistake: Equipment often shifts during transport due to road vibrations, sudden stops, or turns. This movement can damage the load or cause a rollover if not adequately secured.
• How to Avoid It: Always double-check the tension of your tie-downs after securing your load. For long hauls, plan stops to recheck and retighten straps as needed. Consider using additional tools like wheel chocks or wedges to minimize movement for wheeled equipment. Air-tow Trailers simplify this process by offering built-in features to keep loads stable.

5. Neglecting Ground-Level Loading Benefits

• The Mistake: Traditional trailers that require ramps pose a higher risk of tipping or improperly aligning the equipment during loading. This is particularly risky for heavy or top-heavy equipment.
• How to Avoid It: A trailer with ground-level loading capabilities, like Air-tow’s innovative models, eliminate the need for ramps entirely. The trailer bed lowers to ground level, allowing you to load and unload quickly. This saves time and significantly reduces risks associated with steep ramps, tilt beds, or uneven loading surfaces.

Contact us to find an Air-tow stocking dealer near you.