Autumn is gardening time: How to secure loads on a car trailer
Practical tips for safely transporting leaves, garden waste and firewood
Whether raking leaves, storing firewood or working on a DIY project, autumn offers many opportunities to use a car trailer. Our low-loaders and high-loaders make it easy to transport larger or bulky materials. A tipper trailer makes unloading loose materials at the destination easier. Proper loading is essential to keep every journey safe.
Position heavy loads low and close to the axle
Heavy loads should be placed as low as possible and near the trailer axle, ideally slightly in front of it. This keeps the centre of gravity low and improves the stability of the vehicle-trailer combination. Uneven loading or a high stack of materials can negatively affect handling.
The load should be distributed evenly and as tightly as possible. Gaps between individual items should be avoided so that nothing can shift during transport. The trailer’s permitted gross weight and permitted axle load must also be observed.
Heavy loads should be placed as low as possible and near the trailer axle, ideally slightly in front of it. This keeps the centre of gravity low and improves the stability of the vehicle-tra
The nose weight also plays an important role in driving stability. If too much weight is placed at the front of the trailer, the permitted nose weight may be exceeded. If the load is positioned towards the rear, the nose weight may be too low or even negative.
Insufficient nose weight can cause the trailer to start swaying. Excessive nose weight puts additional strain on the towing equipment and the rear axle of the towing vehicle. The lowest permitted value specified for the towing vehicle, towing equipment and trailer always applies.
Secure the load against shifting
Balanced weight distribution alone is not enough. The load must also be secured so that it cannot shift, tip over or fall from the trailer during emergency braking or an evasive manoeuvre.
Suitable lashing straps should be attached to the designated lashing points. On some Böckmann trailers, the CFlex Lock system helps position lashing points flexibly on the load bed and secure the load according to the transport task.
Bulky loads should not merely rest against the side panels. They must also be secured against movement forwards, backwards and sideways.
Secure loose loads additionally
Loose garden waste should be covered with a suitable load-securing net or tarpaulin. This prevents material from falling off during the journey or being blown away by the wind. The side panels alone do not replace proper load securing.
If the load extends beyond the side panels, the requirements of the German Road Traffic Regulations apply. For example, a rear overhang of more than one metre beyond the rear reflectors must be marked. Marking may also be required for loads projecting sideways. The applicable requirements should be checked before starting the journey.
Check everything before setting off
Before setting off, check that the load is evenly distributed, securely positioned and that no items are loose on the trailer. It is equally important to check the permitted weights and the nose weight.
By following these basic rules, you can safely use your Böckmann trailer for autumn gardening and DIY projects.
