Tips for Keeping Your Trailer Stable on Long Journeys

A well-loaded and properly hitched motorcycle trailer is stable and easy to predict on the road. A poorly prepared one, on the other hand, can become a problem at motorway speeds. The difference between the two comes down to preparation: a few minutes before setting off can help you avoid a scare on the road or complications with your insurance if something goes wrong.

The Check Before Leaving Home

Most stability problems on long journeys can be avoided with a quick pre-trip check. Five minutes of inspection before setting off are worth more than any other piece of advice in this article.

• The tow hitch: check that the coupling is properly attached to the tow ball and that the locking mechanism is fully engaged. It sounds obvious, but when you are in a hurry to leave, this is one of those steps that can be taken for granted too quickly. If your hitch has a safety cable —the one that connects the trailer to the car in case the main coupling fails— make sure it is fitted correctly and is not dragging on the ground.
• The trailer tyres: trailer tyres often spend long periods supporting weight while stationary and then suddenly have to roll for hours. Over time, they can crack even if the tread still looks acceptable. Before a long journey, visually check the sidewalls and confirm the cold tyre pressure. An underinflated or overinflated trailer tyre directly affects the stability of the whole setup, especially at higher speeds, with a load or in crosswinds.
• The lights: check that the rear lights, indicators and brake lights are working properly.
• The motorcycle tie-downs: the motorcycle must be completely immobilised before you leave. Check that the straps are tight, that the front wheel chock is properly closed and that there is no slack at any securing point.

How to Position the Load

The way you place the load on the trailer directly affects the stability of the whole setup. It is important to consider where the weight sits, how it is distributed and whether it can move during the journey.

• Slightly forward weight, without overloading the hitch: as a general rule, the load should be centred and positioned with the weight slightly forward of the trailer axle, so that there is some downward load on the tow ball. This helps the setup remain more stable than if the weight sits too far back. The most important thing is to avoid having most of the weight at the rear. A trailer with too little weight on the hitch is more likely to sway from side to side, especially at higher speeds, in crosswinds or when overtaking large vehicles. At the same time, you should not put too much weight on the tow ball either. Always respect the limits specified by the trailer manufacturer, the tow hitch manufacturer and the towing vehicle. If in doubt, check the vehicle and trailer documentation before travelling.
• Centred from side to side: the load should also be centred between both sides of the trailer. If the weight is shifted to one side, the setup becomes asymmetrical, which can be felt in corners, under braking, during manoeuvres and in windy conditions. Before fully tightening the straps or securing points, visually check that the load is straight, balanced and evenly distributed. If you are carrying several items, try to place the heaviest ones in the central and lower area of the trailer, avoiding too much weight on one side.
• Properly secured and unable to move: a load that moves during the journey can change the behaviour of the trailer. Use straps, tie-downs or securing systems that are suitable for the weight and type of load, and check that there is no slack before setting off. On long journeys, it is worth checking everything again after the first few kilometres, as vibrations can cause some straps or fixings to settle or lose tension.
• If you are carrying a motorcycle: on a motorcycle trailer, the bike is the main load, so its position largely determines how the setup behaves on the road. The motorcycle should be aligned with the trailer’s central rail, with the front wheel properly positioned in the wheel chock and the weight slightly forward, without overloading the tow ball. Once in place, the motorcycle must remain completely immobilised.
• Do not exceed the maximum load: every trailer has a maximum load limit stated in its technical documentation.

How to Drive to Maintain Stability

With the trailer properly prepared, driving becomes much easier. Even so, you need to adapt your driving compared with a journey without a trailer.

• Adapt your speed: speed limits for cars towing trailers vary depending on the country, road type and sometimes the weight of the vehicle and trailer combination. Before travelling, check the rules that apply to your journey and do not assume that the normal car speed limit applies. The faster you drive, the more quickly any sway can build up and the harder it becomes to correct. Adapt your speed to the road, wind, traffic and surface conditions, without feeling the need to drive at the maximum permitted speed.
• Leave more safety distance: with the extra weight of the trailer and motorcycle, the distance needed to stop increases. Anticipate braking, avoid sudden braking and leave more space between you and the vehicle in front. On long downhill sections, reduce your speed early and use engine braking whenever possible. As a practical rule, the heavier the setup or the worse the conditions, the more margin you should leave.
• Crosswinds: in windy sections, reduce your speed and avoid sudden movements. Take extra care when coming out of tunnels, overtaking lorries or driving over bridges and open areas. In very exposed sections, slow down further. If the wind is very strong, no journey is worth the risk: stop somewhere safe and wait for it to ease.
• Smooth, planned manoeuvres: lane changes, bends and slip-road entries should be taken with more space and more smoothly than when driving without a trailer. The whole setup reacts more slowly, and any sudden steering input can turn into trailer sway that may take several seconds to settle.
• What to do if the trailer starts to sway: if you notice the trailer starting to move from side to side, the instinctive reaction to brake sharply is usually the worst option, as it can make the swaying worse. The best approach is to ease off the accelerator gradually, keep the steering wheel steady and let the setup regain stability as speed drops. If the sway continues, stop in a safe place and check the load distribution and tie-downs.
• Stops during the journey: on long journeys, it is worth making regular stops —every two or three hours— to check that everything is still in order. At each stop, make sure the securing points are still tight and that nothing has shifted. Road vibrations, braking and acceleration can gradually loosen tie-downs over time. You can also use the stop to visually check the trailer tyres, confirm that the lights are working properly and make sure the hitch is still securely attached.
• Parking and leaving the trailer: when you arrive at your destination and need to leave the trailer parked, choose a level surface whenever possible. If you have to leave it on a slope, use wheel chocks to prevent any movement.

Prepare Your Trailer Well to Travel Better

The stability of a trailer on a long journey depends on three things: that it is well prepared before departure, that the load is properly positioned and secured, and that your driving is smooth and planned ahead. These three requirements only take a little order and attention.

If you also want to make sure your trailer has all the necessary documentation and has been designed to be stable and easy to handle from day one, take a look at the LittleWay Team motorcycle trailer.