Whether you’re moving, hauling lawn care equipment or other items, a trailer is a great asset. It allows you to carry other vehicles or transport heavy items, such as a motorcycle, without having to drive them yourself. But before you pull out the keys, there are some important things to know about towing a trailer. These tips can help you make the most of your experience.
There are many different types of trailers. The type of load you’re towing determines what size of trailer you need. For example, if you’re hauling a motorcycle, you’ll need a larger trailer than if you’re towing a lawn mower. You should also consider the length of the trailer and how maneuverable your vehicle is. A flat trailer is best for towing a car or general cargo. However, a double drop trailer is perfect for hauling heavy equipment or freight. You’ll need to check your gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). This is the maximum weight of your cargo, passengers and all fluids. It is not an absolute guideline, and you may have to take some exceptions.
Most film trailers contain a three-act structure. The first act is usually set up, introducing the premise of the movie. In most cases, the second act is a chase scene, and the third act is a climax, often containing a visual montage of emotional moments. In other instances, the trailer may contain deleted scenes from the film. Sometimes, music from another movie is used, such as in the trailer for Spider-Man. Other times, it’s used to provide a satirical element.
You should also be careful to follow the laws and regulations of the state and country where you plan to tow your trailer. A utility trailer is classified the same way as private passenger automobiles, so you’ll need to obtain a license in any state or province. You’ll need a permit in the District of Columbia and any other Canadian province.
If you’re towing a trailer, you’ll need to attach safety chains to the coupler of the trailer. These chains should be attached in a criss-cross pattern, and the weight of the chains should be no more than 9 to 15 percent of the total weight. The tongue weight should be a similar amount. You’ll need to find out the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating for the trailer and the towing vehicle, and then determine the proper tongue weight.
The National Association of Theatre Owners issued a guideline in January 2014 that asks film distributors to supply trailers no longer than two minutes. The guideline is not mandatory, but it’s recommended. A billing block is a list of the principal cast and director, usually located at the beginning of the trailer.
A trailer is not an exact representation of a movie, and you should always be prepared for the fact that your movie might not be as action-packed as the trailer suggests. In some instances, trailers may be edited to include additional footage from the movie, such as the opening sequence. Similarly, trailers may be created while the film is still in production, such as the ones that show Alfred Hitchcock giving a tour of the Bates Motel to Vera Miles in Psycho.