Whether travelling for work or leisure, increasing the storage capacity of your 4×4 is certain to be on the agenda. Looking beyond drawer systems and roof racks, and attaching a trailer to your 4×4 vehicle is an option that can unlock tons of extra storage space. Here 4WDing Australia explains just how much storage space you could gain with a simple addition of a trailer:
“Towing a trailer will give you a heap of extra storage space and payload. Our camper trailer has just over 1,000kg of available payload, not to mention probably double the storage our 4WD has. Of course, this is not going to apply to every situation; some caravans have terrible payloads, but in general, by towing a trailer you’ll gain far more storage and weight capacity.”
Driving your 4×4 with a trailer however requires a little extra care and attention. Thankfully, we’re here with some towing tips to help you travel with your trailer with confidence and ease.
DO know the rules
Before you hit the road, familiarising yourself with the latest towing regulations is a must. Your first task will be making sure your driving licence covers the type of trailer you wish to tow.
If you passed your driving test after 1st January 1997 for example, you might need to take an additional test to tow heavier trailers. Those rules and regulations also govern how much you can tow. You’ll need to check the maximum authorised mass (MAM) that applies to your vehicle and trailer to stay within legal limits.
DON’T overlook the basics
Not all 4×4 vehicles are created equal when it comes to towing. If you’re in the market for a vehicle that’s made for towing, its towing capacity (detailed in the owner’s manual) will be essential reading. This capacity should comfortably exceed the weight of your trailer and its contents.
The Land Rover Discovery and Toyota Land Cruiser are just two 4WD vehicles that are well known for their robust towing capabilities.
DO prioritise trailer maintenance
It’s not just your choice of vehicle that matters, your trailer should also be a well-oiled machine, especially if you plan to tow on a regular basis.
Your trailer must be inspected thoroughly before every journey. Be sure to check its tyres (pressure and tread), lights, brakes and hitch mechanism. It’ll help you put safety first when transporting a trailer with your 4×4.
DON’T just load up any old way
A balanced load is a safe and stable one when preparing your trailer for the journey ahead. The weight of the items you want to transport from A to B should be properly distributed. Place the heaviest items over the axle, and load evenly either side. By keeping the load as balanced as possible, you can prevent swaying and improve control.
DO take care when hitching up
Your trailer should be correctly hitched to your 4×4. Make sure that the hitch ball is the correct size for the trailer coupling. Once hitched, check the connection by lifting the hitch to ensure it’s safe and secure. Attach the safety chains in a crisscross pattern under the hitch for extra security.
DON’T forget to practise
Your driving style should be adjusted with your trailer in mind. As is the case when introducing any major upgrade, practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to the tricky task of reversing with a trailer. Practise reversing with your trailer in a safe, open area, and remember that turning the wheel left will make the trailer go right and vice versa. When mastering the art of reversing with a trailer, small and gradual adjustments are key to success.
Driving with a trailer requires a different approach as well as an appropriate gear setting. Make time and space for those longer stopping distances and wider turns, while maintaining a steady speed and avoiding sudden manoeuvres to put safety first.
