LRT FAQ's - Low Ride Trailers

The basics & more!

FAQ's... Low Ride Trailers

THE BASICS

THE-HITCH

WEIGHT

MAINTENANCE

RENTALS

The Basics – Towing A Trailer

Quick Links: THE-BASICS THE-HITCH WEIGHT MAINTENANCE RENTALS

Q1: Do I need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to tow a trailer with a car or motorcycle in Canada?

A: No, in Canada and many other countries, you do not need a CDL to tow a trailer with a car or motorcycle. The options for trailering are generally restricted by your skills rather than a specific license requirement.

Q2: What are the basic skills needed for towing a trailer?

A: Basic skills for towing a trailer include backing up to a car trailer, understanding trailer attachment and detachment, and having good control while driving with a trailer.

Q3: Are there restrictions on the type of trailer I can tow without a CDL?

A: Generally, there are no specific restrictions on the type of trailer you can tow without a CDL. However, it’s important to ensure that your skills match the size and weight of the trailer you plan to tow.

Q4: What equipment do I need for towing a trailer safely?

A: To tow a trailer safely, you’ll need a properly equipped towing vehicle, a compatible trailer hitch, safety chains, trailer lights, and proper mirrors for visibility. It’s crucial to check the towing capacity of your vehicle.

Q5: Where should I start if I want to learn about towing a trailer?

A: If you’re new to towing, start by learning the basics of trailer hitching, driving with a trailer, and backing up. You can find resources online, take a towing course, or seek advice from experienced individuals.

Q6: How can I avoid being a novice trailer owner?

A: Begin by familiarizing yourself with proper trailer handling techniques. Take the time to practice backing up, securing the trailer, and driving with it in an open space before hitting the road.

Q7: What risks are associated with improper trailer towing?

A: Improper trailer towing can lead to serious accidents. Being unprepared or inexperienced may result in loss of control, accidents during backing up, or trailer detachment, posing risks to you and other road users.

Q8: Why is it important to know about how to haul a trailer before starting?

A: Knowing how to haul your trailer beforehand is crucial to prevent serious accidents. Being informed about the equipment, skills, and safety measures involved in towing a trailer can significantly reduce the risk of mishaps on the road.

The Hitch

Quick Links: THE-BASICS THE-HITCH WEIGHT MAINTENANCE RENTALS

Let’s start with one of the trickiest components, the hitch.

This is the most important area of operation, where attention to detail is crucial. A little slip-up could mean the trailer unhitches while moving over the crown of a driveway, or you end up being that guy going viral for ghost-riding a trailer as it escapes down the freeway. You can imagine worse consequences, and I can speak for a good friend of mine when I say that being hit by a runaway trailer while eating tacos is plenty unpleasant. The hitch system you end up with will ultimately be determined by the trailer and tow vehicle’s capabilities, so we’ll dive into some of the most popular configurations and show you how to equip yourself for whatever come across your hauling radar.

The vehicle carries the receiver and the hitch mount (be it a ball, pintle, etc), while the trailer holds the coupler, safety chains, and electrical connections. We’ll start at the front and work our way back.

Class 1 Hitch for Cars and Crossovers, Receiver 1-1/4-inch, GTW capacity up to 2,000 lbs and Tongue weight up to 200 lbs

Class 2 Hitch for Minivans, Cars, Crossovers, Receiver 1-1/4-inch, GTW up to 3,500 lbs and tongue weight up to 350 lbs

Class 3 Hitch for SUV’s, Crossovers, Vans and Trucks. Receiver 2-inches, GTW up to 8,000 and 12,000 lbs, and tongue weight up to 800 lbs

Class 4 Hitch for Truck, Trucks and SUV’s, 2-inch Receiver, GTW up to 12,000 lbs and tongue weight up to 1,200

Class 5 – Extra Duty, Class 5 Hitch for 3/4 ton Trucks and SUVs, 2.5-inch Receiver, GTW up to 17,000 lbs and tongue weight up to 2,550 lbs

Weight Distribution

Quick Links: THE-BASICS THE-HITCH WEIGHT MAINTENANCE RENTALS

Largely dependent upon the: vehicle’s GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) and towing capacities, the universal five-class hitch rating system matches the hitch type to the trailer’s size and weight. You’ll often see unibody vehicles with a smaller, 1-1/4-inch receiver hitch—Class 1 or Class 2—because it (ideally) limits the weight of the load by using a hitch system that only fits smaller trailers. Classes 3, 4, and 5 utilize the familiar 2-inch receiver hitch found under most pickups.

Low Ride Trailers - FAQ Trailer Tongue Weight

Weight distribution on any utility is super important, and can’t be stressed enough. Not just for the well being of your equipment, but more so because of the mishaps, accidents, damaged equipment and catastrophes, including getting hurt, can result of it. So it is so very important to be sure your weight is done properly, with a bit of tongue weight but not over done.

Note however, no tongue weight or negative tongue weight, can be even more detrimental and get you in trouble even quicker. Do not tow any trailer with negative tongue weight, never is this recommended.

Maintenance

Quick Links: THE-BASICS THE-HITCH WEIGHT MAINTENANCE RENTALS

Low Ride Trailers - FAQ Roadside Maintenance Maintenance is such an important item; especially where some Trailers are put away for the winter, as the weather and the elements can attack the dependability of your equipment. A little bit of preventative maintenance will help you avoid the ever so dreaded broken down event.

Besides the quick circle check if you will, you need to give your Rig a good overview and/or check up.

Check your bearings for the grease, especially the seals to make sure they’re not damaged and loosing grease. Check the springs if equipped, bolts, shackles and equalizers if the trailer is tandem. Check all the lights, brakes if equipped for wear, rust on the drums and so on.

Whether your Trailer is for your business or just around the house or farm, you should at least once every 6 months, give it a good check up and inspection. This will make your trailering experience so much more reliable and enjoyable.

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The basics & more!

FAQ's... Low Ride Trailers

The Basics – Towing A Trailer

The Hitch

Weight Distribution

Maintenance

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