When it comes to travelling, there’s no better combination than smooth and safe. It lets you focus on the good stuff, instead of being mired in the bad stuff. If your travels involve a trailer, there are hacks to ensure you enjoy this combination.
If you’ve already started researching trailers for your next family adventure, you’ve come to the right place. Here are eight of our favourite trailer hacks for smoother, safer travels.
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Invest In A Good Cover
This isn’t just a hack; it’s a good practice. If you’ve got a trailer, you probably already use it regularly, but protecting it with a good trailer cover is one of those simple tasks that can easily be overlooked. Did your grandmother ever say to you, ‘a stitch in time saves nine’? This is the perfect example of that wisdom in practice.
A quality cover shields your trailer from the elements, preserving its condition whether it’s sitting in the driveway or out on the road. It helps prevent damage from UV rays, rain and dirt, keeping everything (from the paint to the interior) protected.
When you invest in a durable, weather-resistant cover, you’re ensuring that your trailer stays in top shape, ready for action whenever you need it.
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Don’t Forget A Trailer Emergency Kit
Again, this is less of a hack and more another useful gift for travel junkies. And again, we mention it because it’s something you can easily overlook. Some of us aren’t programmed to consider the worst-case scenario until we are living it. Like a first aid kit that forms part of your family camping setup, an emergency kit for your trailer will reduce the damage and stress when things go awry.
What you include in your trailer emergency kit will likely depend on the size and complexity of your trailer. That said, you can’t go wrong with a spare tyre and jack, trailer lights and fuses, duct tape, zip ties, and anything else that can provide temporary repair until you get home.
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Bungee Cords
In Australia, you have to tie things down in your trailer, unless you want to be pulled over by the cops. Law-abiding practices aside, bungee cords are brilliant for securing anything loose outside or inside your trailer. Items tied down properly are less likely to shift while you drive. And there’s nothing worse than items shifting while you drive.
Heavy-duty bungee cords are your best bet, as these will handle any task you set. The even more brilliant thing about bungee cords? The use cases. Bungee cords come in handy for so many jobs and activities, from camping to home organisation.
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LED Trailer Lights
If you have a modest trailer, it probably has reflector lights and nothing more. Which is fine if you only use it to take the odd load to the tip. If you plan to travel with your trailer, you should look at buying LED lights.
They’re energy efficient and outlast most traditional lights. Efficiency aside, they excel at night or in low-light conditions. If your family regularly goes National Parks camping, having a trailer that’s visible on those early, fog-laden mornings.
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Weight Distribution Hitch
This hack will prove especially handy if you own a campervan trailer. It’s a hack that improves the safety and functionality of your trailer and helps sustain the safety and functionality of your vehicle.
The principle is simple: a weight distribution hitch (WDH) distributes the trailer’s weight over your car’s axles, rather than focusing all the weight on your tow ball, which adds extra stress to your rear suspension.
Our advice: get a WDH expert to help you decide whether this hack is for you.
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Trailer Sway Control System
Your family’s favourite must-see camping spot is up a nauseatingly winding road in the national park, the type of road that makes your trailer sway no matter how fast you’re driving. The remedy? A trailer sway control system.
Like the weight distribution hitch, the sway control system attaches to the same area between your trailer and vehicle. It reduces lateral movement, a benefit that will seem like a gift from above next time you take that winding road.
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Anti-rattle devices
There’s not a single person alive who enjoys the sound of a rattling hitch. Trust us. If you’re yet to experience the effect this sound has on your concentration and patience whilst behind the wheel, you’re in for a treat.
Just kidding. Rubber inserts or a hitch tightener will eliminate that annoying sound. They’ll also reduce the wear on your hitch, which, over time, will cause a much greater headache.
Before you buy one, it’s always a good idea to check reviews and customer feedback to see how well it performs in real-world conditions. And remember that sometimes paying a little extra for a reliable, long-lasting device is worth it in the end.
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Wheel lock
While we doubt anyone would try to steal your trailer while you are using it on a camping trip, you can never be too safe. Trailer theft at home is a much more real concern. Securing a wheel lock stops anyone from driving off with your trailer, simple as that.
When choosing a wheel lock, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. First, look for one that’s made from durable, high-quality materials – steel or hardened metal will be harder to cut or break.
Make sure the lock fits your trailer’s wheel size properly to ensure it’s secure. It’s also worth checking whether the lock comes with a warranty or guarantee, giving you peace of mind in case it’s damaged or malfunctions.
If you’re looking for convenience, opt for a lock that’s easy to install and remove but still offers strong security. Some locks even come with a visible deterrent feature, acting as a visual signal to potential thieves that your trailer is protected.
Never Miss A Step
A maintenance checklist lets you keep your trailer in top shape, at home and on holiday. Inspecting lights and electrical connections, checking tyre pressure, lubricating moving parts, and testing brakes; if you routinely make the effort to tick these tasks off, your trailer should always be ready for action when you need it.
Of course, how often you need to consult your checklist will depend on how often you use your trailer. If it’s a once-a-fortnight activity, maybe you need to run through your checklist at the same frequency. If you only drag it out of the garage once a year for the Easter break, then a week before you leave might suffice. You’ll figure it out.
The thing with hacks is you discover more over time, especially as you become more familiar with your trailer and learn its quirks. It’s a trial-and-error game, so keep tinkering and you’ll discover what you need to discover.
