Loading a trailer
How you load your trailer will depend on what type of vehicle you are transporting. But there are some things that are universal whether you are towing a row boat, or a 3-ton SUV. One of these universal factors is called tongue weight. Tongue weight is the measure of the vertical downward force that will be pressing on the trailer hitch, and consequently, the rear of the truck. For a load to be properly secured, approximately 10-15% of the total weight being towed should be pressing on the hitch. The remaining 85-90% of the weight will be over the wheels of the trailer. If there is too much tongue weight, the vehicle will sit very low in back, and the weight of the trailer will make the tow vehicle difficult to control. Too little tongue weight and you'll get trailer sway, where the trailer whips around like it is in a high wind, even if you are going perfectly straight. When loading, make sure your trailer has ramps that are load rated to the weight of the vehicle being trailered. When loading a trailer, make sure the truck is in Park, or engage the emergency brake so the truck does not roll forward when something is being loaded.
Securing the load
Once your trailer is loaded, it is then time to properly secure the vehicle. For this purpose, either chains or straps can be used, although most people seem to prefer nylon straps. When tightening down your vehicle, put it in Neutral. Once the vehicle is secured, put it in gear or in Park with the parking brake on, so that if a strap comes loose, your vehicle is less likely to roll. Most trailers are also equipped with safety chains that you can loop over the axles, frame, or suspension of the vehicle, and are extra insurance in case of a broken, or improperly tightened strap.
 Remember at all times that...  Remember at all times that you are towing a trailer. Be mindful of such hazards as curbs, driveways, and railroad tracks. |  There are two rules on how...  There are two rules on how to back up a trailer. The first is to never get into a situation where you have to back up. If you break rule number one, then use this simple rule: place your hands at the bottom of the steering wheel. Your thumbs will be pointing out toward whichever direction the trailer will need to go. From this position, if you want the trailer to go right, use your right hand and turn it in the direction your thumb is pointing. Left is just the opposite. Remember to turn back the other way about five feet into your turn so that you don't jackknife the trailer. An empty lot or field is best suited for this type of practice. |  Note that the majority of...  Note that the majority of the weight of this Bobcat is directly over the wheels of the trailer. Too far forward or backward, and the truck and trailer combination will handle poorly, or be downright dangerous. |