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5 Essential Things to Know Before Hauling With a Trailer

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I know a lot of people are shopping for trailers right now to haul their tractors and equipment and there are 5 essential things you need to know before hauling a tractor, or anything else, with a towed trailer.
If you a first time buyer and purchase a tandem axle 18-22' trailer and the first time you use it is with a tractor and other equipment loaded, it may be scary. There's a lot of weight back there, and a lot to learn so you're safe and not in a liability situation.
The first thing you need to know is how to maneuver. It takes a lot more space to turn, and backing a trailer can be a really difficult project if you've never done it. The best way to learn is practice, but not with the truck and trailer loaded. I recommend learning the way I did, with your new trailer hooked to the tractor.
I grew up on an orchard, and like most farm kids, learned to pull a trailer at a pretty young age. I'd haul crates of apples in from the field and back the trailer into a shed to unload. Tractors go slow enough and have almost unlimited visibility to the trailer, so it's a lot easier to back. It's a great way to learn what works and what doesn't in maneuvering and backing a trailer. Ever since that time I've had no problem backing wherever I wanted the trailer to go, and you can learn the same way. Also, we cut firewood and were out in the woods a lot with a trailer and that's a great place to learn how to maneuver in tight places. So, if you've just bought your first trailer and want to learn how to operate it, hook it to the tractor and put it to work.
Secondly, you need to be able to stop the truck and trailer when loaded. Even with a sub-compact tractor, there's going to be a lot of weight there pushing the truck forward, so it's important to have trailer brakes and be extra careful, especially on wet roads, gravel, and slopes. The weight and momentum of a loaded trailer can push you places you don't want to go. So, allow extra time and room to stop and SLOW DOWN!
Third, it's very important from both a safety and liability standpoint to properly secure your tractor, and anything else you haul, to the trailer. The Department of Transportation requires two chains pulling back and two chains pulling forward, crossed, so they're also pulling from side-to-side. Any implement that is hauled with the tractor must also be properly secured as well, even if it in hooked to the three point or the front loader.
Fourth, load the tractor on level ground and put something under the wheels to keep it from moving. When driving a tractor on a trailer, there's an instance where there's so much weight lifting up on the trailer tongue and on the hitch, that it's possible the axle of the truck can come off the ground. If the emergency brake is locking the back wheels, and you're parked on a grade, the whole thing can take off, with you on the tractor half loaded on the trailer. That's not a very fun ride. To prevent that from happening, chock the wheels of the trailer and load on level ground.
Finally you need about 10% of the weight of the tractor on the tongue of the trailer. If there's almost no weight on the tongue, or, worse, if the load is balanced so that it is lifting up on the back of the truck, it can create an extremely dangerous situation. Negative tongue weight has caused a lot of drivers to lose control of their vehicles. What happens when you have negative tongue weight is the trailer starts swinging back and forth behind the truck, and if it's bad enough, it can pull the truck off the road and turn it over. If you want to see what happens, watch this video: . • Caravan Sway Crash
Follow these five guidelines and be safe on the road with your new truck and trailer and watch these videos to learn more:
Trailer securement:
• Booming Down a Tractor...
• Two Different Options ...
• Securing a Tractor to ...
• Ten Tips for Securing ...
How to select a trailer:
• Buying a Trailer to Ha...
How long a trailer do I need?:
• How Long a Trailer Do ...
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7 июл 2021

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Комментарии : 85

@bilz0r 3 года назад

Mike, I know you know this, and you did say this, but it's really important to highlight that you DON'T want as much tongue weight as you can get. It's not a "more is better" thing. You just want the weight a little bit forward. If you manage to put too much weight forward, you can risk reducing the load on your front wheels, and so reduce your ability to steer. Obviously, this is less of a danger, as it's pretty hard to do, but I've seen it happen once with a 34 foot trailer with a load way at the front.

@ohiofarmer254 3 года назад

Another helpful tip when loading is to put blocks of timber or jack stands near the back of the trailer when loading to keep the back of the truck from coming up

@KrustyQuad 3 года назад

Yea I always put jack stands under the back of the trailer when loading... Doing it without is sketchy, even the way mike did it in the little clip is sketchy

@rogerwright1902 3 года назад

When I bought my trailer for the tractor, I looked for stabilizers on the rear of the trailer; they really help!

@woofyw.2703 3 года назад

a couple of 5 ton bottle jacks and a couple of boards under them so they don't sink into the ground should work too

@robertjohnson6211 3 года назад

"I think he got saved" made me laugh. Thanks for the videos Mike. You helped me make my buying decision and your videos are awesome. Keep up the good work.

@markchoate9021 3 года назад

These things cannot be stressed too often. Thanks for the good job, Mike.

@douglaspost5097 2 года назад

I took my tractor to a customer's place to do some brush hogging. His dirt driveway was on a slight incline, no big deal. I parked in the middle of a gradual curve so that the truck, a Ford F-250 and Bri Mar 20' trailer weren't straight. Again, no big deal (I thought). When I unloaded my tractor that had a loader, 6' Bush Hog mower, and loaded tires for a total of 8000lbs, it came off nicely. When I loaded the tractor, I got on to the point that the front wheels were on the trailer, the rear of the truck lifted just like you said and down the driveway we went. I quick put the tractor all the way on thinking the truck's rear end would come back down and sure enough, it did. The problem was, that the whole thing kept sliding, Jack knifing as it went. Talk about "pucker factor"! I never took that tractor off as fast as I did then. That's the only reason it stopped sliding less than a foot from a good sized tree I might add. I around up with a nasty crease in the truck's quarter panel from the front of The trailer. Ever since, I try to keep the truck and trailer straight, block the front wheels, put it in fwd, I don't know if that helps but when the truck's rear end is just about dangling in the air, park and the e-brake don't do a whole lot. Thinking about it right now, probably should block the trailer wheels rather than the truck wheels or maybe even both. Might head off a jack knife situation. I like your videos, keep 'em coming.

@JohnDoe-ny1wp 3 года назад

Parking tip. I got tired of cutting grass around my trailers so I moved them to the goat pasture. My yard looked nice but I had to replace all lights and wiring on all of them before I could use them again on road. BAAAAAAD Idea. I'll cut the grass around them again this weekend.

@rogerr1296 3 года назад

Bet the goats were happy though... 😂 Just bought some acreage and my wife said something about goats... ummm, no. lol....

@bowmadness1333 Год назад

Mike your an awesome guy, thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge.

@jamesmorrison1884 3 года назад

Good things to know. There alot out there that need this knowledge. Tire pressure is an essential thing to allways check too. Have a great day

@bradmeacham6982 3 года назад

One thing that ought to be standard on trailers should be rear stabilizer loading stands. These are retractable stands at the rear corner of the trailer that you lower to within a couple inches of the ground before loading or unloading the trailer. They will keep the trailer from squatting down too far in the back and lifting the tow vehicle's rear tires off the ground. If the trailer doesn't have these stands, stack up some 2x/4x/6x lumber under the rear of the trailer to accomplish the same thing.

@diamondharp 2 года назад

Mike, I think every rookie tractor owner should be required to watch all your safety related videos before they are allowed to drive their new tractor off the lot. I’m sure it would save lives. Thanks for all your informative videos! You are appreciated.

@truckerray7533 3 года назад

No one can ever get enough of "SAFETY" of anykind. When one thinks they've had enough or start feeling "over confident", THEN thats when THEY GET INTO REAL TROUBLE!!! Nice video, Tractor Mike!!!

@j.cunningham8119 3 года назад

Placing a jack stand, blocks, etc., under the back edge of the trailer will keep your trailer from going down (and truck from going up) when pulling your tractor onto the trailer.

@fhuber7507 3 года назад

Use blocks. Jack stands can collapse due to the side loads involved when loading the tractor.

@saltydog3714 Год назад

Right on Mike! Another point to mention is the speed rating of the trailer tires. Some have a maximum speed rating of 55 mph but the driver is running 65 to 70 mph. These tires are likely to fail without any puncture. Enjoy your videos immensely. Thanks!

@TractorMike Год назад

Great point!

@andrewahern3730 4 месяца назад

Insurance companies need to start giving out goose eggs as rewards for that negligence

@andrewt248 2 года назад

Trailer brakes are a must and so is (in my opinion) a tow vehicle with a tow/haul mode. My GMC 2500 does such a good job of engine braking in tow/haul mode, I hardly have to touch the brakes on a freeway exit ramp. I would be very reluctant to tow heavy in a vehicle that doesn't have it.

@TheGsellers 3 года назад

Good tips and lots of info in this video! Thank you

@howardwinter3455 3 года назад

To solve the problem with the front of the trailer I keep 2 adjustable jack stands in the back of my truck. I place them under the back cross member of the trailer. Use the front jack to add pressure to the jacks and load whatever you want. Lower the front jack , freeing up the stands and you're done. To unload due the same thing.

@markpalkowski9673 3 года назад

best if you use the frame ,not a axle. i learn that from a guy that that in the army,as a tank mechanic . but great video

@andrewahern3730 4 месяца назад

Mods like increasing rear end or engine bolt ons will not increase your towing capacity, but will make it a lot easier to get to that point.

@lordrichard8184 3 года назад

I always double the distance for each thing when driving with a (loaded) trailer. So double stopping distance for the trailer. Then double it again (so 4x) the stopping distance for rain/wet conditions

@kylesmith8769 2 года назад

Something I see more common than negative tongue weight is a tractor to far forward. It tends to lift the front wheels causing the same swerving action as negative tongue weight.

@kylerayk 3 года назад

Here's another tip: Chock the trailer wheels, set the tow vehicle parking brake, then put the tow vehicle transmission in neutral. This will prevent the park lock pin in the transmission from damage. There is also a good demonstration from some Jeep guy that shows the danger of criss-crossing securement chains.

@frederickburns1739 2 года назад

Hello Mike, You gave alot of good advice. I watch your channel quite often as I am a retired farmer and diesel mechanic. ( road tractor trailers) I know you are all about safety and maintenance. And since you started the video with a trailer in the WEEDS I felt the need to add a few more things to your list. The trailer in the video had wooden deck, put some oil treatment on the boards. The hitch needs greased for better road handling. And my trailer always ( both of them ) have not one but two wheel chocks on board at all times. I have a friend that learned the hard way about greasing the ball hitch; the rusty ball and hitch in a curve on road the trailer pushed the rig into a ditch.

@ronaldmonroe7490 2 года назад

Mike, watched your video about after market oil. I use after market oil and oil filter on my MF 1433. Had 17 years and change oil once a year. The dealer told me about alternatives to OEM as the tractor ages. Tractor still in excellent condition but still need to change hydraulic oil - it is due but it's allot of oil. I usually do all servicing. Ron

@lmpres1 3 года назад

Two things, what is wrong with lasoo straps over tires? I've watched a couple other channels who claim those are best with tractors on trailers? But even more important is tires and tire pressure. I've been pulling Travel Trailers and 5th wheels for a number of years. And real quick, you learn the importance of getting the best trailer tires (American made) and keeping them at max pressure when pulling a trailer under load.....Great video about load placement.

@a.saintango1311 3 года назад

It’s great to hear you drive home the aspects of safety while operating and moving a tractor. Much like in the firearms world, we see too many know it all’s with too much money and too little experience who are unfortunately too tough to simply ask for help when needed. My buddies ask me why I drive 55-65 when towing while everyone else is honking and ticked off, well, first and foremost it’s the speed limit and not negotiable regardless of everyone else’s need to be in a rush. Second, there’s a hell of a fuel use difference and reaction time between 55 and 75. Sorry doesn’t give a life back and flipping a 35k tractor off a highway will make you consider jumping off a bridge.

@dwayneloftice2326 3 года назад

Mike .....you are so correct on all points.

@ryanv3751 3 года назад

Hey Mike, You did it right in the video but didn’t mention it…chock the trailer tires when loading and unloading. Weight can lift the rear truck tires over a chock but the weight will always be over your trailer tires. Also, the proper ramps with a heel on them at the hinge point is best. It will keep the rear of the truck on the ground and also prevent a runaway. Also, if you have a buddy with you, they can have a foot on the brake while loading/unloading. I’ve even gone so far as to lock my truck in 4x4 when I couldn’t avoid loading on hills so that my fronts brake also.

@Bob-vb8lc 3 года назад

I could not agree more with everything that you mentioned. Unfortunately, I see weight distribution and tie down issues way too often on the highways. Thank you very much for sharing Mike, we appreciate it.

@Croiseeman 3 года назад

Using the gears in the truck even if its an automatic to help slow down the trailer is helpful as well.

@misplaced_hoosier 3 года назад

The essential thing I learned when I went to haul my garden tractor for the first time was hook the trailer up to the truck before loading. I was thinking it would sit still on level ground. The dent in my tailgate now reminds me that the trailer will in fact not sit still. 😂

@espacef1fan 3 года назад

To add to your point on trailer brakes: Some states require trailer brakes on trailers over a certain weight(usually 2000-ish lbs) by LAW

@T_157-40 3 года назад

Don’t forget about strong cross winds in winter mountain passes, with black ice hidden under snow. It’s a life changing event if things go wrong.

@tractortyme 3 года назад

Important points, Mike. Always enjoy your videos.

@davidschurk9296 2 года назад

Great comments on loading trailers and transfering tongue weight Mike. If you drive trailers long enough you run into most of these issues like transfering all of the weight off of the axle with the parking brakes. It gives you religeon really fast if you weren't already a beleiver and it can go bad really fast. Great tips Mike. There are too many trailers out there with no brakes , either not specified or not maintained.

@critical-thought 3 года назад

There are few things more scary than negative tongue weight. Thank you for talking about it.

@royosborn7869 3 года назад

Thanks, Mike - these are all important points. Very good information for people who are new to loading trailers, and also for those who have experienced some of the scary episodes you describe.

@osagejon8972 3 года назад

Always load wit the trailer level left to right especially with a tracked machine. Be more careful in the rain and even more in snow. Its amazing how fast things can happen when you start sliding sideways and there isnt much you can do when it starts.

@stevewarner8880 3 года назад

Great video Mike. I hope people listen. It amazes me to see how some guys secure a tractor or equipment when they haul it. I paid lots of money for my Kubota tractor, I don’t want to do something stupid to tear it up or hurt someone. Another issue you might cover in a part II on trailers is maintenance of trailers. Lighting, brakes and let guys know the bearing aren’t lifetime sealed units, they need attention from time to time. Thanks again Mike

@georgesimpson3113 3 года назад

It helps if your truck is a 4X4. Put it in 4 wheel drive and make sure it's engaged, THEN put it in park/set the parking brake and load. Truck will not roll. Pay attention to how much to how much space is between rear tire and top of wheel well as another 'gauge' to how much weight you are putting on the truck. Better too much than not enough. (another reason why I never buy 1/2 ton trucks.) ;) Years ago I knew a guy that figured out with a tape measure and tractor weights on his hitch how much weight would put his hitch down so far... 500lbs would drop the bumper down X amount and so forth. He was pretty good at it. Then when it came time to load a trailer he could tell how much weight was on the hitch of the truck.

@richardschaffling9882 3 года назад

Most of what you are saying are great I have two trailers one has duel axles with brakes the other is smaller and no brakes the small one you have to load perfectly balanced from side to side or it will wiggle like you say for negative young weight I always load to tongue a little heavy and don’t forget the safety chains as for campers a lot of people get lazy or don’t have load levelers and what is real scary is the people hauling hay and not tying the bales down I was behind one and good thing we were going around a turn and there was a ditch there one round bale came off and ended up in the ditch instead of in front of my truck

@stevek4449 3 года назад

Another way to secure the tractor in a better way, when you cross the chains, have the back chains pull the tractor forward and the front chains to pull the tractor backwards. The cross stabilizes the left right tension and the inverse pull setup helps reduce weight shifting if the chains loosen as the opposite end can help counter pull against the slack in a sudden stop. so cross the chains "under the tractor not at the front and rear. i used to do that when hauling Army trucks and rocket launchers with my flatbed trailer before switching to dry vans.

@johndunawayiii4663 3 года назад

I have a large piece of a railroad tie that I slip under the very end of the trailer between where the ramps hook on. That keeps it from pushing the end of the trailer down so I don't have to worry about it picking up the back of the truck.

@bobdavis6103 3 года назад

Your point about lifting the rear wheels off of the ground when loading got my attention. After many years of driving boats and trailers in Florida this hazard did not occur to me since loading and unloading a boat at a ramp mitigates via floatation some of the rear trailer weight issue by limiting the upward pull by the trailer on the rear of the truck.

@johnthorpe1071 3 года назад

Thanks Mike!! Great review!! Haven't had a problem but always good to be reminded what can happen.

@ptowens1 2 года назад

Good stuff Mike. I had my truck take off a few feet one time while time loading a car on fairly level ground. Fixed flip down ramps almost always have a stabilizer bar welded on to prevent the trailer from lifting in the front. I did the slide out ramps for years and and hated using them. Flip downs are the only way I go now.

@jamesmorrison1884 3 года назад

Think you know about tire pressure either I missed it or you forgot. Again have a great day.

@stevemartinez6757 3 года назад

One other thing to note is the possibility of too much tongue weight. I made that mistake... once. Luckily it ended up fine, but putting too much weight forward can almost be as dangerous as not having enough. I was moving a tractor just a few miles down a very non-busy road with the load too far forward and it made steering and visibility questionable. Luckily the road was dry and I didn't have to go far, but it was very dangerous. I now pay more attention to how my trailer is loaded.

@MJADoingStuff 3 года назад

Great info Mike as always!! I had a dump trailer that was loaded incorrectly and we went for a ride like you said. I saved it by using the brake controller and trailer brakes only to straighten it out I will never forget that. See you on the next one : )

@gillibby 3 года назад

When I load my tractor, I put blocking under both back corners of my trailer to keep from lifting the back of the truck. This is also important if you have a cheap hitch on the trailer that might let go of the ball on the truck as well as the truck-trailer rolling off downgrade issue.

@chrisjones9115 3 года назад

I put jacks under the rear of the trailer to keep it from lifting my truck at all..

@MikeBrown-ii3pt 3 года назад

10% of the gross trailer weight is a good rule of thumb for tongue weight. However, the truck and trailer should ALWAYS be level. That's why weight distributing, a.k.a. equalizing hitches are manufactured. Also, an easy way to keep the truck on the ground when loading is to place wood blocks under the back of the trailer. In fact, many trailers with "flip over" ramps actually have additional bracing on the bottom of the ramps to support the weight while loading. I don't like that kind of ramp so, timbers it is for me.

@deerrudy 3 года назад

First time I towed a tractor someone else loaded it and they didn't know what they were doing either.. Well it was negative tongue weight. about an hour into that trip I was fishtailing all over the road and mentally prepared to flip. Luckily I gained control ,didn't panic ,didn't hit the brakes . But surely scares the hell out of you . 😳

@bobgrier3103 3 года назад

I was taught that 60% of the weight of your load must be in front of the trailer axle(s) to prevent “ the tail wagging the dog”.

@wildbill23c 3 года назад

Great points. Also...SLOW DOWN...I swear I see so many idiots on the roads on a daily basis driving way too fast when pulling a trailer...its a wonder there aren't more pickup/trailer accidents the way these idiots drive...they have no clue how much danger they're in and putting people around them in danger of their carelessness. Slow down, take your time, its not a race....your truck may have plenty of power to do the job, but if you end up upside down in the ditch it really doesn't matter how much power your tow vehicle had. Overloading a tow vehicle is another huge issue where I live and I'm sure everywhere else too. People think they got a pickup, or SUV they can tow anything. Not only loading the trailer properly, but loading the truck properly as well. Many don't realize that their fancy truck may not have much towing capacity due to all the fancy gadgets they thought they needed, and the crew cab configuration they thought they needed....add in there fuel, passengers, etc. and they may quickly find out they can't tow much of anything with that fancy $60k+ truck or SUV that has commercials saying you can tow 10k+ with it...well yeah the base model with the max tow package, not the decked out fully loaded crew cab LOL. People want their truck to ride like a car, well cool but it also means you probably have very little payload and thus very little towing capacity....you'll meet payload capacity most times long before you meet the max towing capacity on most vehicles due to configurations. A vehicle may start out with say 1500lbs of payload capacity. Subtract all the junk you have in your truck, passengers, fuel, etc...and you may only find yourself having 500-800lbs of payload...now you subtract the tongue weight of the trailer and you could very well be overloading the tow vehicle. Another thing people neglect is the towing capacity of a vehicle can also depend on if you have an equalizer hitch. Many times a tow vehicle has a standard towing capacity and to meet the max towing capacity numbers you need an equalizer hitch. People skip that important step and wonder why they have towing problems and why the front end of their tow vehicle is pointed at the sky. With an equalizer hitch you can also add a sway control bar as well which helps in high cross winds and passing semi-trucks...if you load your trailer properly you won't have sway issues under normal conditions but throw in a cross wind and passing semi-trucks and you can still have sway problems especially depending on the type of trailer you are using....an open trailer isn't so bad, but an enclosed/cargo trailer has a lot of wind resistance so a cross wind or passing semi-truck can blow that trailer all over the place and thus your tow vehicle as well. Check the tire pressure, make sure its correct, check trailer brakes, your tow vehicle has to have a trailer brake controller in order for those trailer brakes to work. An easy way to check is to start moving forward and activate just the trailer brakes using the manual over-ride on the brake controller, it should slow you down, if not the brakes may not be working and/or your brake controller needs adjusted if it has manual adjustments for brake power. You want your trailer brakes to activate slightly before the brakes on your tow vehicle. If you do find yourself in one of those situations where the trailer is trying to drive your tow vehicle let off the accelerator and lightly apply the brakes on the trailer only...once back under control pull over immediately and correct your trailer loading situation before resuming travel.

@donbrutcher4501 3 года назад

Make a vid about trailer load ratings, truck towing ratings and drivers license class. Real easy to get on the wrong side of the law with too high or too low of any one of them in combination with the others.

@thegreatnorthwoodswithbb2863 Год назад

I always put a block underneath the back of the trailer so the truck don't lift up

@nickwilliamson8137 3 года назад

If you're worried about the parking brake only being on the rear wheels (like on number 4 or on snow and ice) and you have 4wd, you can engage it and get the parking brake on all 4 wheels through the transfer case. Found out about it on Team O'Neil's Channel.

@shannonpetitt7666 3 года назад

mike , i bought a Kioti nx4510 with hydrostatic transmission. my question is ; the clipper you demonstrated, it was on your tractor and i think you said that you had a 40 hp new holland. Was the tractor tippy in the front when you used the clipper. my dealer has one that is a 7in clipper but doesn't turn 90 degrees and clip into the trees. the one he carries is to heavy to be lifted into the trees to get the branches. i have weighted rear tires on the new Kioti and would like to get one that can trim into the trees along with the whole tree. i am thinking that the Kioti is as heavy as your new holland . coming to missouri tomorrow and will be there until wednesday. will be going to Fair Grove to relatives. would like to meet you personally if possible . i enjoy your you tube channel. Shannon Petitt.

@richardhill7245 3 года назад

I would not load a tractor on a trailer without ramp stands. Plus it’s not good for the trailer loading like that.

@kevinstewart4806 4 месяца назад

I like your veduos but tire straps are way to go it don't loose like chains tires bounce loosing chains

@robsmith7681 3 года назад

Mike, let me stop you at the chains crossing. Very dangerous idea man. You want them to run right straight off each corner. If you loose a crossed strap it’s just as good as loosing all 4 straps. If you lose a single straight strap, you only loose one strap. The crossed strap when you loose one, the other one on the opposite side will start actually pulling towards the opposite side of the trailer, where it’s strapped to, and will actually loosen the strap and you’ll lose it. When that happens you loose control from keeping the load from rolling back and forth. Once you loose control of the load from rolling back and fourth, guess what? The other 2 straps will soon follow and become loose as well. This is especially true if you don’t have the option to put on a parking brake, or at least hold something in gear some how. With a straight strap, you tighten it down, and if you lose a strap (which is pretty rare too) it will stay tight on the other 3 corners. You’ll at least have some control from the roll, and with it having less leverage to pull to the side, you’ll more than likely retain full control (or at least 75% of it minus one strap out of 4) and you’ll stay safe. And remember, your front two straps? Well, with it retaining tension on the opposite corner from the remain good strap, there’s much less chance of the load being able to come loose. I hope this all makes sense to you. I’m just trying to warn of the crossed strap syndrome. One last thing too, crossed straps rub, and when they rub, especially with very good tension, they will cut each other very very easily.

@robsmith7681 3 года назад

Straps chains, whatever. Obviously a crossed chain won’t cut each other, but a lot of us use straps. I got lost with the chains and straps cause I’m not used to using chains. Either way, chains or straps, the same physics I was trying to describe still apply. I hope you’re not offended by any of this, as I’m just trying to help out.

@cparktd 2 года назад

Straps or chains or even ropes, DOT does not specify as long as the weakest link meets strength requirements and is labeled as such. Crossed securement is NOT allowed by DOT for commercial use if over 10,000 pounds. 4 corners required, NOT crossed. Private non commercial stuff under 10k does get a pretty large easing of requirements. For example in TN only one securement on each end is actually good to go.

@d.a.ballou9740 3 года назад

Mike, do you know of any schools (either state, federal, or private) that teach these techniques? I've seen lots of you tube videos that try and explain how to secure a load, what is and isn't required by DOT, chains vs. straps, etc but none of it is "certifiable". Not that I don't appreciate and enjoy these videos, especially yours, but I would feel more comfortable if I could somewhere and be taught all of this stuff.

@williamerwin6100 3 года назад

It’s funny now I’m sure it wasn’t then but if it takes a tractor to get saved then it was worth it

@hankpfenning2481 3 года назад

My John Deere operators manual recommends towing the tractor backwards...FYI

@TowerThree 3 года назад

Could you cite the source of the requirement for the chains to be crossed? Thanks in advance.

@fhuber7507 3 года назад

DOT regulations. State and federal. Many think these rules are just for CDL drivers, but many apply to everyone. Call your state DOT and ask.

@BG-vq9fd 3 года назад

Any body pulling a trailer should know your essentials at a minimum. Tow vehicle needs to be rated for tongue load and total load.

@coypatton3160 3 года назад

It is my opinion that securing by DOT standards is the only way to go. I fear that a failure to do so may result in your insurance company denying a claim for an accident since recognized standards were not followed in securing the load. As for negative tongue weight, I have had that experience once. It was not fun. It was not correctable do to the nature of what it was. Fortunately, it was only moved a short distance, we knew it would be less than ideal and had a chase vehicle following with flashing lights and we traveled very slowly. But even at less than 35 mph it wanted to wag on the road.

@jasperpetersen8241 2 года назад

how could you be liable? if he was the driver its the drivers responsibility for anything hooked up to their rig to be done properly and in the state of FL anything over 3500 pounds has to have trailer brakes installed and working properly if there was an accident and they aren't all the way up to code its immediately your fault for having improper towing safety equipment. although your mileage my vary state to state

@jasonbabcock2742 3 года назад

So tractors ARE filled with the Holy Spirit!

@williammatzek4660 3 года назад

If you load cattle wrong, the trip can really be bad.

@swampwhiteoak1 3 года назад

Most people have no knowledge, skills, abilities, or real need to use a trailer. Their tow vehicles, trailers, and loads are dangerous. Begin with a proper tow vehicle.

@oldretireddude 3 года назад

...and GRAVITY IS NOT A TIE-DOWN...

@MrBubinski777 3 года назад

7:21 And please never haul a tractor with a 1/2 ton truck.

@jimmcknight3021 3 года назад

I disagree on a half-ton truck not towing a tractor on a flatbed trailer. To be sure you can't tow as much as a super duty/heavy duty truck, but where people get into trouble is not getting a half ton truck equipped with a maximum tow package. I would be the first to agree that you shouldn't max your half ton out with a travel trailer due to the payload issue of it. However, on a flatbed you can move the weight around and you don't have the wind forces that you deal with on a travel trailer or total enclosed work trailer that is large. If you distribute the load correctly on a flatbed trailer that is appropriate for the weight of the tractor you should be okay on a half ton truck as long as the half ton truck is rated for that payload capacity both from a pulling standpoint as well as a payload capacity. A lot of people need to realize that the tongue weight transfers to the truck which takes away from your payload capacity and that's where a lot of people get into trouble on a half ton truck.

@earlyriser8998 3 года назад

as a new trailer buyer these two videos hae been gold. I checked the 2 trailer offers I had against your "trailer top ten" and one of them was the classic 'cheap' offer without brakes, or a spare, and with axels not rated for the GVW of the trailer. The other was an excellent offer that hit all of your top ten.