Dont trail behind with your insurance

Drivers who are looking for a comprehensive van insurance quote will be well aware of the safety considerations for their vehicle. Keeping the tyres at the right pressure, ensuring items in and outside the van do not obscure your vision and keeping the vehicle fuelled and well maintained are all required to keep you and other motorists safe.

As a van driver, you may often be required to pull trailer carrying goods, tool or machinery. Making sure your trailer is secure, correctly loaded and pulled in a careful manner is essential.

Here is a guide to properly pulling your trailer:

Weight limits

It is of primary importance that you use the right trailer for the job. Your engine must be large enough to pull the load. Similarly, the brakes of the vehicle must be sufficient to halt the additional weight. You must also ensure that the trailer gross weight does not exceed the towing capacity of your van. All of these capacities can be found in the vehicle and trailer manufacturers guidelines.

Loading and attaching your trailer

Whatever you are carrying on your trailer, it must be properly loaded. Weight should be evenly distributed in order to improve balance. If one side of the trailer is over or under-loaded, it will make it difficult to control as you turn your vehicle. The load must also be secured with restraints, to ensure it cannot move and unbalance the trailer. Goods must be packed in a way that minimises shifting.

You must ensure that the nose weight (the front of the trailer bed) does not exceed limits dictated by the vehicle and trailer manufacturers. Also, your trailer should have appropriate clearance both from the road surface and the vehicle itself, by utilising a suitable tow bar.

Driving with your trailer

The way in which you drive with a trailer must take into account the added load. Always stay within the speed limit for the road you are on. Speed limits for towing vehicles are 30mph on road with street lighting; 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways (these all apply unless otherwise signed).

Always change speed smoothly, using soft acceleration and braking. When attempting to slow down, in order to change gear, take your foot off the accelerator to drop to an appropriate speed.

If the trailer begins to swerve when travelling, ease off the accelerator and reduce speed gently. Also, never brake sharply while on a bend, to avoid any snaking or jack-knifing.