Tow it safely

Never towed before? Not a problem. Five minutes here covers everything you need for a safe, easy hire.

Hitching up

  1. Back your vehicle up so the 50mm towball sits under the trailer’s coupling.
  2. Wind the jockey wheel until the coupling sits fully on the ball.
  3. Pull the red handle up, open the safety latch, then push the handle fully down and lock the latch with the pin.
  4. Plug in the 7-pin flat connector. If your vehicle has a different plug, you’ll need your own adaptor.
  5. Attach the safety chain.
  6. Wind the jockey wheel up and stow it.
  7. Make sure the rear tailgate is closed and latched on both sides.
  8. Walk around and check the brake lights, indicators and tail lights all work.
Tyres should sit at 40 psi. If anything looks damaged or isn’t working, don’t tow it. Call us on 0430 095 190.

Loading

  • Put heavier items in the front half, close to your vehicle, and spread the weight evenly side to side.
  • Keep the load under 350kg and within your vehicle’s towing capacity.
  • Tie everything down with straps or rope. Use the cage sides as anchor points.
  • Nothing should stick out past the cage.
  • Cover loose rubbish or green waste with your own tarp or net so nothing blows out.

On the road

  • Never drive with the rear tailgate down. Close and latch it before you move, even for a short distance at the tip.
  • Drive a little slower and leave extra room to stop.
  • Take corners wider than usual so the trailer clears kerbs.
  • Reversing: hold the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand the way you want the trailer to go. Small movements, go slow.
  • Watch for sway in strong wind and slow down on wet roads.
  • Use a lower gear on hills to save your brakes.
  • On longer trips, stop and check the hitch, chain, lights and load.

Unloading

  • Park on level ground with the handbrake on.
  • Unload from the top and back first, and watch how the weight shifts.
  • At the tip, drop the tailgate and use the tipping deck. Keep people clear.
  • Lift with your legs, not your back.
  • Close and latch the tailgate before you drive off.
  • Sweep out any leftovers before you return it.

Queensland towing rules

  • The trailer plus its load can’t exceed what your vehicle is rated to tow.
  • Safety chain must be attached.
  • Load must be properly restrained.
  • Brake lights, indicators and number plate must be working and visible.
  • If the trailer blocks your normal rear view, you need towing mirrors.
  • No one can ride in the trailer.
  • Speed limits are the same as without a trailer, but drive to suit the road and the load.

For the full rules, see the Queensland Government’s towing vehicles and trailers page.

If something goes wrong

Breakdown or flat tyre

  • Pull off the road somewhere safe and turn your hazard lights on.
  • Don’t attempt a repair you’re unsure about.
  • Call us on 0430 095 190.

Accident

  • Check everyone is okay. If anyone is hurt, call 000.
  • If it’s safe, move off the road.
  • Swap details with anyone involved and take photos of the scene and damage.
  • Let us know as soon as you can on 0430 095 190.
Book from $50