Motorcycle Trailer - Utility Trailer - Boat Trailer - Towing Guide

Loading a motorcycle trailer, small utility trailer, or boat trailer so that it can be safely towed at reasonable speeds is easy by following a few guidelines.

Trailer Registration Information
Trailer Tire Guide

Towing Vehicle Capacity
Hitch Capacity and Trailer Load
The trailer weight fully loaded should not exceed the gross towing weight capacity of the towing vehicle and the hitch. The maximum vehicle towing capacity is the entire trailer weight including the load. Compact cars can typically tow trailers weighing at least 1,000 lb (450 kg). Larger cars and minivans are usually rated at 3,500 lb or so. Light pickup trucks and SUVs may be rated up to 5,000 lb. Check your vehicle specifications for this information.

Hitches are rated for gross towing weight (GTW) and tongue weight (TW).

Many motorcycle, small utility, and boat trailers can be towed with small vehicles and a class I or II hitch. For larger utility and motorcycle trailers, a mid to full size vehicle and a class II or larger hitch may be required. Motorcycle towing cradles and dirt bike carriers usually require a medium to large size towing vehicle with a class III or higher hitch receiver to handle more tongue weight. Bumper mounted trailer balls are typically not rated and may not work properly with some types of couplers. If in doubt, take your vehicle to a reputable shop that installs hitches.

Trailer Loading and Tongue Weight
Trailer tongue weight (TW) is the amount of downward weight on the tongue. The tongue weight should be 10 to 15% of the total trailer weight. For example, a trailer with a gross weight of 1500 lbs. should have the load evenly distributed so that the tongue weight is 150 to 225 lbs. Too much tail weight may cause the trailer to oscillate or weave back and forth. Too much tongue weight can damage the hitch, and can also lower the rear and raise the front of the vehicle, which can cause vehicle mishandling and ineffective braking. It is best to load heavy cargo on the bottom and lighter cargo on top, as a lower center of gravity provides better vertical stability and will reduce jerkiness when braking.

Hitch Height
The hitch height is measured from the ground to the top of the receiver (bottom of the trailer ball). Typical hitch height is 15 to 18". The trailer should sit close to level. If the coupler is too low or too high, a riser can be used to adjust the hitch height up or down.

Trailer Hookup

1. Always inspect the hitch and tongue for cracks before towing a trailer.
   The trailer ball should be lightly greased.
2. The safety chains should be long enough for tight turns and be crossed for better handling in case of a hitch or coupler failure. The safety chains should not drag on the ground for they can wear to an unsafe condition in a very short time.
3. The lighting hookup wire should have enough slack for tight corners yet not drag on the ground. Petroleum based grease should not be applied to plastic electrical connectors such as 4-pin flat plugs. If a water seal or lubricant is required, use silicone grease.
4. Check lug nut tightness before each trip. The lug nuts should be approximately 90 ft. lbs. or very tight with a small to medium size lug wrench. Also recheck any wheel that has been removed and replaced after towing 25 to 50 miles. Do not drive a loaded trailer with a missing lug nut or damaged lug bolt. Wheel lug nuts are usually tightened evenly in a star pattern for 5 lug wheels or a cross pattern for 4 lug wheels, crossing over to opposite sides as you work around the wheel.
   

Wheel Bearing Maintenance
Trailer wheel bearings or axle bearings should be greased every six months and before long trips. It is a good idea to check them occasionally on long trips, especially when hauling a heavy load. Do this by carefully feeling the hub for excessive heat. Caution: If the bearing is adjusted too tight or is running without grease it can get VERY hot! A hot bearing needs immediate attention. Most often either more grease or proper adjustment will ease the problem, but replacement may be necessary.

Note: Boat trailers are a particular source of wheel bearing problems as they are often put in and out of the water. A warm bearing that is suddenly cooled by being immersed in water tends to suck water into the inside as the air cools and shrinks. The water causes the bearings to rust and fail. Spring-loaded pressurized bearing caps are inexpensive and work great to eliminate this problem.

Trailer Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) Rating
Trailer springs, axles, tires and chassis are all rated for a total maximum weight. The gross vehicle weight is the empty trailer plus the deck, box sides, stake sides, and everything that is attached to or inside of the trailer. For instance, if the GVW rating is 1800 lbs and the empty trailer weighs 400 lbs., a properly loaded cargo of 1400 lbs. may safely be hauled.