Planning that special trip can be rewarding until you realise that you won’t be able to pack everything you need for your getaway. A suggestive method is to invest in a trailer, that way you can pack enough to last you months. It truly is a lifesaver when you are faced with a living room filled with luggage and only a certain amount of boot space to pack it into, says Kristin Allen, Business Manager for Camp Master.
"Why should mom leave her “just in case shoes” at home and why should the kids leave their PlayStation for those rainy days?
“While a trailer could be perceived as an expensive item, it should rather be considered an investment and if looked after properly, it could last for all your family holidays going forward”, said Allen. Important elements to review include the material, support systems, braking systems, suspension, construction and hardware.
Once you have purchased your trailer you need to ensure the safety of your passengers and other road users. Allen said the driver should have a Code B license in order to tow a trailer.
"It is also important to consider that there are certain requirements when loading your trailer; never overload your trailer and be sure to load all the heavy stuff up towards the front. The reason for this is that it is relatively easy to keep a trailer under control if the weight is close to your vehicle.
"The further it is away from your vehicle, it’s going to behave like a swinging pendulum which could result in the driver losing control over the trailer," she added.
Here are some basic checks you can make every time before you use your trailer:
*Fit a plug into the towing vehicle socket and test each function systematically.
*Make sure all light lenses are in position and not damaged.
*Run the cable at the front of the trailer through your hands and make sure it has not ‘dragged’ along the ground.
*Check to see that the wire is secure in the plug.
*Check under the trailer to ensure that no wires are hanging loose.
*Check your tyres for tread wear and damage, and check the pressure in the tyres.
*Make sure all wheel nuts are tightened to the correct torque setting.
*Check that all the fasteners are secure and that all the attachments are firmly fitted in their correct place, check the condition and mounting of the mudguards.