Tips On Driving Heavy Equipment And Utility Trailers

Many people think that it is easier to haul up load on trailers than it is to drive them – and rightfully so. Loading is something that takes place for a few minutes or a couple of hours at the most.

Introduction

Driving requires drivers to be consistently effective and efficient in their task. So, only the most learned and the most professionally experienced drivers are able to safely handle heavy equipment and utility trailers properly. It is necessary to practice before attacking this profession and one also needs to check the traffic conditions on the paths that they are going to take. There are a number of other tips to keep in mind.

General

There is a specific gear that the manufacturer will always recommend for towing and hauling. The driver must remember to use that one at all times. Only when it is necessary is when the gear must be changed. Also, it has been said that sudden stops need to be avoided, along with higher speeds. The trailer will start to sway if the speed is increased too much. When one is travelling on bumpy roads, they need to go down to the lower speeds and stay there until the bumps last. When the trailer is swaying because of strong winds, one must keep a firm command over the steering. Try to dodge any sudden cuts or turns that may cause sway as utility or heavy equipment trailers will simply go out of control because of the undue force being placed on them. Always take wider turns that cover a larger distance.

Breaking, Passing and Acceleration

A lot of people know that utility and heavy equipment trailers take longer to break and then come to a halt because of their size and their weight. So, it will be better to allow for a considerable distance when breaking. Anticipation is the key here. One will need to predict when to slow down, when to speed up and when to completely stop. The driver will need to give a proper and a clear signal when they are about to pass or overtake a slower vehicle. They need to keep in mind that they are driving a relatively larger, and therefore more accident-prone, vehicle. Downshifting for better acceleration is an excellent option, when the necessity arises.

Parking

Do not park on grades and make sure that a third person or a companion is there to guide the driver when the trailer is being parked. This is because the sheer size of the trailer makes it hard for the driver to be aware of all its parts. Add to that the additional size of the equipment being carried and it becomes virtually impossible to keep track of all the sides at the same time. When uncoupling is taking place, some kind of blockage should be placed behind the wheels of heavy equipment or utility trailers to ensure that the trailer does not just roll down the road when the couples are unconfined. Always take measures appropriate for the prevention of injuries and hazards.