Driving with a Trailer – Empire Trailer Hire
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Driving with a Trailer

Smooth inputs, longer gaps, no sudden moves. If anything feels wrong — pull over and call 1300 418 285.

⚠ If Trailer Sway Starts — Do This
  • 1
    Ease off the accelerator — do not brake hard or steer sharply. Both make sway worse.
  • 2
    Hold the wheel straight and let the trailer settle at a lower speed.
  • 3
    If you have a brake controller, apply a gentle trailer-only override to help settle it.
  • 4
    Pull over safely and re-balance the load if sway persists — it won't fix itself.
Every Trip
6 Golden Rules Always

The habits that prevent most trailer incidents on the road.

Smooth throttle & brakes
Double your following distance
Check mirrors frequently
Slow down in wind & wet
Downshift on long hills
No sudden lane changes
Driving Situations How To

Tap any situation for specific guidance. The first two are open by default — read those before you leave.

Turning & Manoeuvring Wider turns, kerb clearance, merging
▾
  • Take wider lines into corners — the trailer cuts inside the vehicle's path. Watch for kerbs, islands, and pedestrians.
  • Look further ahead than normal and begin steering earlier. Avoid mid-corner braking.
  • Build speed gradually when merging. Allow significantly more room than you would without a trailer.
  • Check mirrors before, during, and after every lane change. The trailer swings wide.
Reversing The one skill that takes practice
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  • Practice in a quiet, open area before reversing anywhere tight. Even experienced drivers do this with a new trailer.
  • The trick: place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and move it the direction you want the trailer to go.
  • Go slow — very slow. Use tiny steering inputs. The slower you go, the more control you have.
  • If it starts to jackknife, stop immediately, pull forward to straighten, and try again.
  • Use a spotter on the ground if available. Agree on simple hand signals before you start.
First time reversing? Set up two marker cones or bottles in an open carpark and practice steering the trailer between them. 10 minutes of practice makes a huge difference.
Wind, Wet & Rough Roads Adapting to tough conditions
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  • Wind: Reduce speed. Grip the wheel firmly but don't fight it. Increase following distance. Be extra cautious when passing road trains or large trucks — their wind wake can push you sideways.
  • Wet roads: Slow down well before corners and stops. Brake gently in a straight line — not while turning. Wet trailer brakes take longer to engage.
  • Gravel or dirt: Reduce speed significantly. Loose surfaces mean less traction for both braking and steering. Avoid sudden movements.
  • Night driving: Make sure all trailer lights are working before you leave. Check again if you stop — connections can loosen.
Hills & Long Descents Engine braking, not brake riding
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  • Downshift before a long descent, not halfway down. Use engine braking as your primary tool — it's more effective and doesn't overheat your brakes.
  • Avoid riding the brakes on long hills. Overheated brakes lose effectiveness and can fail. Brake, release, repeat.
  • On steep uphill starts, be aware of the extra load — you'll need more throttle and more time to build speed before merging.
  • If your trailer has electric brakes, make sure the gain is set correctly for your load before tackling hills.
Highway & High Speed Overtaking, following distance, limits
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  • Maximum speed with a trailer is 100 km/h in Queensland. Reduce in any adverse conditions.
  • Keep at least double your normal following gap — trailers significantly increase stopping distances.
  • Only overtake when you have a long, completely clear run. You need much more time to complete the pass and move back into lane.
  • When being overtaken by large vehicles, ease off slightly and be ready for a wind push as they pass.
Rest Stops & En-Route Checks What to check every time you stop
▾
  • Stop after your first 10–15 km to check strap tension, lights, and tyre heat. Things settle and shift once moving.
  • At each break: walk around the trailer, check the coupling and chains are still secure, re-tension any straps that have loosened.
  • Feel the wheel hubs — excessive heat means a bearing problem. If hubs are too hot to hold, stop and call us.
  • On long trips, fatigue affects your reaction time significantly. Take regular breaks — every 2 hours minimum.
Pre-Drive Checklist Tick Off

Confirm these before every trip. Tick them off as you go.

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✓
Mirrors adjusted for trailer width You need a clear view down both sides of the trailer. Extension mirrors may be legally required.
✓
Brake controller set for load Empty ≈ 40% gain. Loaded = 80–100%. Adjust for the weight you're carrying.
✓
Lights & indicators confirmed working Do a final check after loading — heavy gear can shift the lead connection.
✓
Load strapped and re-tensioned Straps loosen after initial movement. Re-check after your first 10–15 km.
✓
Route planned — no tight streets or low clearances Check your route for low bridges, roundabouts, and narrow lanes before you leave.
✓
Know your trailer's dimensions Length, width, and height of the loaded trailer. Needed for clearances and overtaking decisions.
✓
Phone charged & 1300 418 285 saved If anything goes wrong on the road, pull over safely and call us immediately.
✓
Done a slow brake test before the main road Find a quiet area and do a gentle brake test before getting up to speed.
Related Guides Up Next

Everything else you need before hitting the road.

Full Safety Checklist Complete pre-tow checklist before every trip
→
Electric Brakes Guide Setting up and calibrating the Elecbrakes system
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QLD Towing Regulations Speed limits, weight limits, and legal requirements
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Emergency Guide What to do if something goes wrong on the road
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