Trailer Safety and Wreck Prevention
A trailer is a semi-trailer that is towed behind a powered vehicle. It is most commonly used for the transportation of materials and goods. The trailer may also be called a dolly, goosenecker, U-hauler, utility trailer or curb trailer. It is a road vehicle that has a built-in support structure to tow the trailer behind the truck.
In transportation of cargo over long distances, a tandem trailer is the most economical. In this case, one vehicle is towed behind the other vehicle. This type of trailer is a good choice when you need to transport loads that are too heavy to be transported using a single axle truck. In addition, when you have to transport goods that are too large to fit into the bed of a pickup truck, a tandem trailer is the best choice.
Single-axle trucks can’t tow very far, if at all. They are designed only to towing a single axle with a low clearance. When towing a trailer that is longer than the length of the truck, a combination of towing strategies will be needed in order to maintain stability and prevent the cargo from being damaged. One of these strategies is to increase the clearance of the vehicle behind the towing vehicle. This is referred to as boosting the towing vehicle’s clearance.
There are various ways to improve the trailer’s towing capability. The most effective method is to install an anti-tow hitch receiver, which is a device that helps keep the trailer in position during towing. Another option is to install a swivel joint swivel that allows the trailer to be mounted more tightly against the truck while in towing. Another trailer sway solution is to install shock absorbers to the fifth wheel and the outboard motor. These devices will limit the amount of swaying the towing vehicle will undergo.
Air-bags are also available to protect the towing vehicle from the effects of bumps and crashes. In fact, the NHTSA recommends using an air bag in any vehicle to prevent cargo from being thrown out of the trailer. Some manufacturers recommend the use of side curtain air bags instead of rear air bags. Some side curtain air bags have a hinged cover that can be removed, allowing the side curtain to be folded up and installed on the truck during the towing process.
Specialty trailers include dump truck, flatbed, motorcycle hauler, and utility trailer. Most specialty trailers require special handling, since they are designed for towing. For example, a motorcycle trailer must be fitted with a snatch strap in order to safely hold the motorcycle with the trailer. Flatbed trailers, on the other hand, must be fitted with soft ties to keep the cargo in place.