Load by Trailer Type
Dial in the load once, tow confidently. If anything feels wrong, don’t tow — call 1300 418 285.
Ball load:
aim ~ 8–12%
of total trailer weight (10% sweet spot)
Straps:
use rated straps with visible WLL
; no frays/tears
Retension:
re-check straps at 10 km
then every fuel stop
Winch:
loading tool only — never
a tie-down
Overhang:
fit red flag by day / red light at night; follow local rules
Cage Trailers General cargo
- Weight placement: Heavier items low and centred (front half preferred for ball load).
- Tie-down points: Secure to the deck lashing points first; use cage sides as helpers, not the only anchor.
- Top cover: Add a cargo net or tarp; lace it to multiple points to stop fly-outs.
- Small items: Box them so nothing can bounce through the mesh.
Pro Tip:
Use edge protectors
on sharp loads (timber, sheet steel) to protect straps and keep tension. Avoid:
Hooking a single strap high on the cage — it can bend panels and still let the load move.Enclosed Trailers Protected cargo
- CG low & forward: Heaviest items on the floor in the front half; keep tall items against tie-down rails.
- Anchor correctly: Use floor lashing points. Walls are for secondary restraint only.
- Stacking: Heavy bottom / light top; pad fragile goods and compress with load bars if available.
- Vent & moisture: If carrying fabrics/electronics, bag or wrap — enclosed spaces trap humidity.
Pro Tip:
Pre-tie a “spider” pattern(front-left to rear-right, front-right to rear-left) to lock a stack from shifting under brakes or swerves.Flat Top Trailers Open deck
- Even spread: Place the densest pieces over the deck beams; fill gaps with dunnage to stop rolling.
- Restraint choice: Use ratchet straps for most loads; chains for very heavy, hard-edged items.
- Strap count: Use at least two independent straps per item; more for tall/irregular loads.
- Wind: Wrap excess strap tails; any flap will lose tension on the highway.
Pro Tip:
Total forward-facing WLL
of your straps should meet or exceed the load weight. Add straps until you’re there. Heads-up:
If any overhang is unavoidable, keep it minimal and clearly marked; check local limits before you go.Car Trailers Vehicles
- Position: Winch or drive on slowly; stop with the engine’s weight slightly ahead of the axle to hit ~10% ball load.
- Primary restraint: One wheel strap per wheel(or wheel nets). Keep straps clear of brake lines and ABS wires.
- Secondary safety: Optional short safety lanyards to rated recovery points (never to suspension arms or steering parts).
- Before moving: Park/first gear, handbrake on, steering straight, ramps pinned and stowed.
Pro Tip:
After loading, bounce the vehicle’s suspension and re-ratchet
all four wheel straps — you’ll gain extra clicks as things settle. Avoid:
Using the winch
as a tie-down. It’s for loading only and won’t hold under emergency braking.Bike / ATV Trailers Powersports
- Chock & centre: Wheel chocks front and rear; keep each bike/ATV on the deck centre-line.
- Four-point tie-down: Two straps forward, two rear. Use soft loops at the triple clamp or bar risers; avoid bars only.
- Suspension set: Compress forks roughly 30–40% so straps stay tight without bottoming out.
- Shared decks: Stagger bars and levers so nothing rubs; pad contact points.
Pro Tip:
Tie helmet/gear in a sealed bin — loose items become projectiles. Re-check strap tension after the first 10 km.Universal Quick Wins Worth remembering
- Measure twice: If the trailer feels light at the hitch or sways, you likely need more weight forward (within limits).
- Strap quality: If the label’s unreadable or the webbing is cut, don’t use it. Replace before you go.
- Routine checks: Stop at 10 km to re-tension; then check at every fuel stop.
- Weather plan: Rain + wind = slower speeds, longer gaps, and extra attention to strap tails.
