Tips for driving a car with a light trailer

Without considering other types and alternatives like trucks or caravans, drivers are increasingly choosing trailers as an option for transport. Trailers attached to cars are typically the most common and recommended choice for holiday periods. They allow for carrying extra luggage or transporting other heavy vehicles such as boats, motorcycles, or ATVs.

Despite what some may think, driving a car with a trailer is not that complicated, but it does require practice and keeping in mind some tips like those we propose in this article. All of this aims to break down the main points regarding safety, legality when driving with a trailer, and preparation for maneuvering and adapting to different situations with these types of vehicles.

Tips for Driving a Motorcycle Trailer

We’re talking about driving light motorcycle trailers. This feature is important because they differ from larger trailers meant for heavier loads. So-called ‘light trailers’ must not exceed 750 kilograms in weight, with the total weight of the vehicle and trailer also being less than 3,500 kilograms. With these characteristics, a vehicle with a motorcycle trailer can be operated with a standard Type B driver’s license.

Insurance and Reliability

As for insurance, since it’s a light trailer, the conditions associated with these systems mean that no extra insurance is needed for using these transport systems on the road. The trailer will be covered by the same insurance as the vehicle to which it is attached.

However, it’s necessary to check if the car is prepared to tow the trailer and the load weight it will carry. This can be confirmed on the vehicle’s technical sheet. Similarly, a tow hitch must be installed on the car to use the trailer according to the manufacturer’s conditions.

Maneuvering and Driving with a Trailer

Safety and prevention on the road are vital. When using a trailer on the road, driving changes. It’s essential to highlight some factors that come into play when driving a light trailer, as these are important to adapt your driving to the extra weight and total size of the vehicle.

Preliminary Tips

It is essential to ensure the trailer is in perfect condition. Everything should be in its place, and if transporting a motorcycle, make sure that all anchors, attachments, and structures are well secured and ready for road use. The trailer must be certified.

The car or vehicle being driven should also be prepared and road-ready with the trailer. We recommend checking tire condition, pressure, and all systems at a specialized mechanic’s shop.

Practice

One of the most common ways to get accustomed to a new situation is by practicing in safe, open areas. This is another tip for those who have never driven with a light trailer and who, this way, can gain the necessary experience and skill in a short time.

Road Precautions

As with any vehicle, driving with a trailer also requires driving within the restrictions imposed on roads, highways, or expressways. This includes speed limits, which are lower for heavy trailers, and other typical road signs, as well as the braking distance.

Special care and attention should be taken on windy days or when overtaking at high speeds.

Key Maneuvers

The practice mentioned above will help control the various maneuvers that are commonly performed on the road. When adding a light trailer to your vehicle, it’s essential to remember that the size and weight of the vehicle change, which affects the braking distance and situations where distance calculations are necessary. This is particularly relevant when reversing, where more technique is required to adapt to the vehicle’s added length with the trailer. During overtakes or inclines, the extra weight will be most noticeable, and it will often be necessary to downshift.