DRIVING TIPS WITH A TRAILER

A loaded trailer significantly increases your stopping distance. At 100 km/h, a towing vehicle typically needs 40–60% more distance to stop than the same vehicle without a trailer. This increases again in wet conditions.

• Increase your following distance to at least 4–5 seconds behind the vehicle in front — more on wet roads or downhill.
• Apply the brakes earlier and more gradually than you usually would. Harsh braking can cause the trailer to push into the rear of your vehicle (jack-knifing on single-axle trailers).
• On long downhill sections, use engine braking (lower gear) rather than riding the brake pedal — this prevents brake fade.
• If fitted with electric brakes, ensure the brake controller is calibrated. Properly set electric brakes significantly reduce stopping distances — see the Electric Brakes Guide.

Trailer sway (sometimes called fishtailing) is when the trailer begins to swing side-to-side in an increasing wave. It is most common at higher speeds, in crosswinds, when passing large trucks, or with a rear-heavy load.

• Take your foot off the accelerator — reduce speed gradually by engine braking.
• Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands. Do not counter-steer against the sway.
• If fitted — manually trigger the electric brake controller to apply the trailer brakes independently. This slows the trailer without braking the tow vehicle.
• Allow the combination to slow naturally. The sway will reduce as speed drops.
• Once safe, pull over and check the load distribution — sway is almost always caused by rear-heavy loading. Redistribute the load forward.

The trailer's axle follows the inside of any curve you take. This means the rear of the trailer will cut closer to the kerb or centre line than you expect.

• Swing wider on turns — approach the turn from further out than normal. On left turns, keep right a little longer. On right turns, don't cut early.
• Slow down before the turn — do not brake in the middle of a tight corner.
• At roundabouts, check the trailer will clear the roundabout island before committing.
• At driveways and intersections — check the trailer won't clip the opposite kerb or verge as you turn.
• At petrol stations and car parks — pick the widest available path and take it slowly. Check overhead clearances if your trailer load is tall.

Reversing with a trailer is counter-intuitive at first — the trailer goes the opposite way to the steering wheel. With a bit of practice it becomes natural.

• Go slow. Slower than you think necessary. A small steering input at low speed gives you time to correct.
• To move the trailer to the left — steer your vehicle to the right (and vice versa). Think of the point where the trailer connects to your vehicle: that pivot determines direction.
• Use your mirrors on both sides. If you can see the trailer getting crooked, straighten up before it gets worse.
• If you've gone wrong — pull forward, straighten up, and try again. There's no shame in multiple attempts.
• In tight spots — get a spotter to stand at the corner of the trailer where you can't see and guide you in.

• Your combination is longer — you need more space in the new lane before you can safely move across.
• Indicate early and allow a full vehicle + trailer length of clear space before merging.
• When overtaking, remember you need to accelerate past and allow the full trailer length to clear before pulling back in.
• Avoid overtaking on hills or into headwinds — loaded trailers can take much longer to reach overtaking speed.
• Avoid changing lanes on bends — the trailer's rear path during a lane change on a curve is unpredictable.

• Descend hills in a lower gear so the engine helps hold your speed. This is especially important with a loaded trailer which will push the vehicle forward.
• Do not ride the brake pedal on long descents — this overheats the brakes and causes brake fade, leaving you with reduced braking ability exactly when you need it most.
• If the brakes begin to feel soft or the pedal sinks lower — pull over immediately and allow the brakes to cool before continuing.
• On steep ascents, don't push the vehicle hard. If the engine is struggling, reduce speed and allow it to work within its comfort range — forcing it can cause overheating.