When it comes to hauling heavy loads, weight distribution and cargo securing aren’t just recommendations—they’re essential for safe towing, stability, and preventing accidents. Whether you're pulling a car hauler, equipment hauler, or tandem utility trailer, loading your trailer correctly is critical for smooth towing and longevity.
At Tomahawk Trailers, we believe in No Shortcut Trailer Design™, which means our trailers are built tough to handle heavy-duty hauling. However, even the best trailers need proper loading to avoid swaying, uneven weight distribution, and premature wear.
What Happens When Weight Isn’t Distributed Correctly?
Poor weight distribution can lead to:
- Dangerous trailer sway at high speeds
- Loss of control and jackknifing
- Excessive tire wear and axle strain
- Uneven braking, reducing stopping power
Top 3 Problems Caused by Poor Weight Distribution
- Trailer Sway & Loss of Control
When weight is too far toward the rear, the trailer can fishtail and sway uncontrollably, making it dangerous at high speeds.
✔ Best Practice: Keep 60% of the load’s weight in the front half of the trailer to improve stability. - Excessive Tongue Weight & Steering Problems
If too much weight is placed toward the hitch, it pushes down on the towing vehicle, affecting steering and braking performance.
✔ Best Practice: Aim for 10-15% of the trailer’s total weight to rest on the hitch (tongue weight) for balanced towing. - Overloaded Axles & Uneven Tire Wear
Placing too much weight in one area stresses certain axles, leading to premature tire wear and axle damage.
✔ Best Practice: Distribute weight evenly across the trailer deck, ensuring that no one axle is overloaded.
How to Load Your Trailer for Maximum Stability
Step 1: Position the Heaviest Items First
Load the heaviest cargo in the front half of the trailer, near the axles, while ensuring some weight is placed on the tongue. Avoid placing too much weight at the very front or back to prevent balance issues.
Step 2: Balance Weight Side to Side
Uneven weight causes pulling to one side, excessive tire wear, and poor handling. Keep the load centered across the trailer width.
Step 3: Secure the Load to Prevent Shifting
Use tie-downs, straps, or chains to prevent movement in all directions. Tension test: If cargo moves when pushed, it’s not secure enough.
Step 4: Double-Check Trailer Tongue Weight
Aim for 10-15% of the total weight on the tongue. Too much tongue weight? Move cargo slightly toward the axles. Too little tongue weight? Shift some weight closer to the hitch.
Best Practices for Securing Heavy Loads
🔧 Use the Right Straps, Chains & Tie-Downs
- Heavy-duty ratchet straps for general loads
- Chains & binders for large machinery or vehicles
- E-track or D-rings for added tie-down points
🛠 Secure All Four Corners
- Always use at least four tie-down points.
- Extra tie-downs prevent movement during sudden stops or turns.
⚖️ Check Load Ratings on Tie-Down Equipment
- Ensure straps and chains are rated for at least the weight of your cargo.
- Weak tie-downs snap under pressure, risking load shifting.
💡 Inspect & Retighten Before Driving
- Check straps and chains before hitting the road.
- After 10-15 miles, retighten everything to account for vibrations.
Common Weight Distribution Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Overloading the Rear – Causes dangerous trailer sway.
❌ Not Enough Tongue Weight – Leads to poor steering control.
❌ Uneven Weight Distribution – Causes tire wear and handling issues.
❌ Loose Cargo – Can shift during transport, increasing accident risks.
Haul Smarter, Haul Safer
Proper weight distribution and secure tie-downs are key to safe hauling. Following these best practices ensures smooth, controlled towingwhile protecting your cargo.
At Tomahawk Trailers, we build heavy-duty trailers engineered for real-world hauling, complete with reinforced frames, premium tie-down points, and top-quality components.
For more information on safe trailering practices, visit the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) website.
Need a Reliable Trailer Built for the Load?
📍 Visit us at 6109 US-167 Sheridan, AR
📞 Call us at (870) 917-2111
