How to Load Your Cargo Trailer

Cargo trailers are well known for providing an easy and safe towing experience. However, if these trailers are not loaded correctly it could easily spell disaster as they could begin to sway or even tip over. We here at APC Trailers want you to be safe when you tow your cargo, so we’ve created a short guide on how to correctly pack your trailer. 

Read Your Manual 

Both the weight and towing capacity of your trailer are crucial pieces of information for a safe towing experience. Fortunately, all of this information can be found within your manual. Your manual should also include various tips and instructions on how to hitch, tow, and pack your trailer. Before using your cargo trailer for the first time we advise reading this helpful book! 

Distribution

Most trailers will have a little bit of a sway from time to time, especially when traveling in high winds. However, sway can get out of hand quickly and cause road hazards or accidents. To avoid this more serious swaying you’ll want to distribute the weight of your cargo evenly across your trailer. If all your items easily fit at the front of the trailer you will still need to move some to the rear to ensure your trailer isn’t off balance. An unbalanced trailer and a bit of sway can often result in tipping.

Packing Methods

The most effective packing tip is to use the 60/40 method! 60 percent of your cargo is at the front to keep the center of gravity closer to your vehicle, the other 40 is in the rear. Keeping the back of your trailer light but not empty should diminish sway and keep you safe out on the road. 

If you find that you have a few exceptionally large items, this rule changes a bit. A large item can easily outweigh several small ones and so you’ll need to change the distribution of your items. Now 60 percent of your cargo's combined weight should sit at the front of the trailer, while 40 percent stays in the rear. This means that you’ll have to spread your exceptionally heavy items across your trailer to achieve the correct distribution. 

Tying Down Cargo

Most cargo trailer owners don’t need to worry too much about items slipping or spilling out onto the road. However if the trailer is considerably empty, or you have smaller more delicate items, sliding items might become a concern. If your trailer is relatively full, but you have quite a few light weight items that could be crushed by larger cargo, we advise stacking them! Once lighter cargo is placed on top of heavier cargo it is less likely to be moved or crushed.

If your trailer is relatively empty, or if you’re extra precautious, you could tie down your cargo. However, many cargo trailers do not come with included tie-down anchors, and you will likely have to buy the implements yourself. E-tracks and D-rings are both popular anchors due to their easy installation and affordability. 

We hope that this guide has been helpful in preparing you to pack your cargo trailer! If you have any questions, or are interested in buying a cargo trailer, we hope you’ll stop by our dealership in Tucson, Arizona! We also proudly serve the cities of Phoenix and Casa Grande.