Are You a Rookie With Your Toy Hauler?

Toy haulers are recreational vehicles(RVs) that can transport almost any powersport vehicle along with you while you're camping. Stop by Johnny's Premier Boat and RV in Theodore, Alabama, for all your RVing needs. Customers from Mobile and Grand Bay, Alabama, are welcome to check us out, too! 

Loading and Towing Can Be Challenging

If you're new to loading and towing a toy hauler, you might find some challenges. Therefore, you should practice loading and hauling your trailer before taking it on the highway with a full load of cargo.

Preparations Before Departure

After practicing, you want to prepare your toy hauler for the trip:

1. Use a tire gauge to check all the tire pressures on the trailer. They must be filled to the manufacturer's recommended pressure settings before leaving.

2. Adjust your mirrors to ensure you can see all other drivers around you and your trailer.

3. Install and check all brake lights and signals to make sure they work and others can see you on the road. 

Weight Distribution

Weight distribution of your vehicle and toy hauler is critical because it can be hazardous while driving and more dangerous at higher speeds. The following ratio, 60% in front of your front axle, 30% behind it, and 10% over your hitch, usually works best to tow a fully loaded toy hauler. The weight should be as even as possible from side to side. Too much weight in one area of the trailer can put excess wear on one set of your tires. 

Load Up

Try to do this on level ground and ensure your towing vehicle is in park. Chock the wheels to stabilize it all. Convert your cargo gate to a ramp by lowering it to the lowest angle. Drive your powersports vehicle slowly and directly towards the ramp. Just use enough speed to get up the ramp safely. Try to keep it as centered as possible. Shut the vehicle off after it's in place inside the bay.

Securing The Cargo

Use ratchet straps and D-ring tie-downs to tighten and compress the powersports vehicle's suspension. Anchor the vehicle to the walls inside the trailer. You don't want to let your toys bounce around in the trailer. Afterward, try shaking the vehicle. If there's no movement, then it's ready to go. 

With these tips, you can safely take nearly any recreational sports vehicle with you when you go camping with your toy hauler. In Theodore, Alabama, Johnny's Premier Boat and RV is your source for RV vehicles and accessories. Feel free to stop by if you come from Mobile and Grand Bay, Alabama, too!