How to wire a trailer.

Loading the trailer:

• Load the trailer so that there is positive weight on the towbar (around 25-100kg).
  
• NEVER load the trailer in such a way that there is negative weight on the towbar as it is dangerous and will lead to the instability of the tow vehicle.
  
• Do not overload your vehicles, or the trailer.Ensure the load is properly secured.

On the move:

• Towing a trailer isn't that difficult, but it does required a LOT MORE CARE.
  
• Because your vehicle and trailer combination is now bigger, heavier and longer than before it is wise to travel more slowly than you would normally - lower speeds will put less stress on you and the vehicle and will also save on fuel.
  
• Keep to the left lane so that faster traffic is not impeded.
  
• Keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front - remember that with a trailer behind your vehicle you will require a far greater distance to slow down or pull up. 
• Normal touring speeds of 90-100km/hour may be maintained, but high speeds should be avoided, not only for safety reasons but also for fuel economy.
• Be careful when overtaking - remember that the overall length of your vehicle is substantially longer with a trailer on behind, and your acceleration will be reduced, especially if towing a large tandem axled trailer.
• If the overall width of the trailer is wider than the tow vehicle take special care when turning corners or pulling alongside kerbs, shop verandah posts, fuel bowsers and the like, as they may be missed by the tow vehicle but not the trailer.
  
• With high trailers keep in mind it's height when passing under trees or other overhangs.
  
• Don't wander, weave or swerve or you will set up a sway motion at speed. If the trailer does start swaying and threatens to take control away from the towing vehicle do not apply the brakes. Gently apply power until control is re-established. Avoid sudden manoeuvres as they may well lead to the loss of control.
• Loose gravel on bends of the road should not be approached too fast. If a "slide" be encountered, drive out gradually, easing speed, but do not apply the brakes. Rough or corrugated roads should be taken at low speed.
  During the trip
  
• After travelling a few kilometres pull up in a safe location. Walk methodically around the trailer to ensure all is in order, including:
  
  •  coupling and safety chains still fastened
  •  lights are still working
  •  tyres are still inflated correctly
  •  loads, doors etc are still properly secured
  
  
• On long trips, repeat these checks every 2-3 hours when taking a rest stop.
  
  Hill climbs and descents:
   
  
• Your vehicles' engine will work hardest when climbing hills, and therefore great care should be taken to ensure it doesn't overheat.
• Keep a close eye on the temperature guage at all times and investigate any sudden rises in temperature.
• When descending, make use of the engine as a brake, by selecting a lower gear (before starting your downhill run) - as a guide, select the same gear going down as you did coming up. (In the case of automatic transmissions it is permissible to manually select a lower gear in order to maximise engine breaking.)
• WARNING: Never descend on any downhill run (short or long) with the gearbox in neutral - with no engine breaking whatsoever the vehicle will quickly run away and greatly increase the risk of the driver losing control.

Reversing the Trailer:

• Check the immediate area around and behind the trailer using the tow vehicle's mirrors.
  
• If unsure what is behind the trailer the driver should get out and inspect first hand. Alternatively, have someone guide the driver whilst standing in the driver's field of vision (and never behind the tow vehicle or trailer).
• As you will not always reverse with the tow vehicle in line with the trailer, primary consideration should be given to the position of the front trailer.
• With one hand placed on the bottom of the steering wheel, move it to the right to move the trailer to right, or to the left to reverse towards the left; in other words, steer the tow vehicle in the opposite direction to that normally taken.