How to Properly Load Your Toy Hauler

A toy hauler can handle many types of cargo, but it's important that you load your items properly. Failing to do so can result in damage to the items, the toy hauler, or both! Use the following how-to guide for an easy toy hauler loading experience.

Get Your Toy Hauler & Tow Vehicle Ready

A safe hauling experience starts before you hit the road. It's important to prepare your toy hauler for a hassle-free journey, which is where a pre-trip inspection comes in handy. Here you are looking over the toy hauler and tow vehicle, making sure that both are ready to safely transport your cargo.

Tire Pressure

Begin with the tire pressure. Make sure each tire is inflated to the level recommended by the manufacturer. This will help reduce the chance of a blow out, reduce the wear and tear on the tire, and even help maintain good fuel efficiency. Remember to check the tires on your toy hauler and your tow vehicle.

Visibility 

Next, double check your visibility. After you hitch up your toy hauler, climb into the front seat of your tow vehicle. Glance into the mirrors and ensure you can see the whole length of your trailer. You should also make sure that your toy hauler’s lights work properly. Get a buddy to help you check the brake lights and turn signal lights. They should all be bright and clearly visible. Replace any that are burnt out.

Plan Out The Weight Distribution

You don't want to simply place items anywhere inside your toy hauler's cargo bay. It's important to be mindful of weight distribution from left to right and from front to back. This will help promote a smoother time on the road.

Aim for about 60% of the cargo in front of the front axle, 30% behind it, and about 10% on the trailer hitch. Try to also have even weight from left to right, which will ensure equal pressure placed on the tires. This also helps maximize your control as you drive.

Load The Cargo Strategically

Once you know where the items will go, the next step is to load them up. Park the tow vehicle and toy hauler on as flat of ground as possible. Double check that your tow vehicle is in park and chock the wheels.

Next, lower the toy hauler's gate so that it becomes a loading ramp. Try to set up the ramp so that it's at a low angle, which makes loading easier. If you are loading powersports vehicles, slowly drive them up. Once you get inside the cargo bay, turn the engine off. Remember that fumes in a confined space can be a threat for carbon monoxide poisoning.

Secure The Cargo

The final step is to make the items secure. You don't want them moving about while you are driving. That's a quick path to expensive damage! For a powersports vehicle, you can use ratchet straps to secure the suspension. 

Another option is to secure it to the garage's interior with D-ring tie-downs. Once you've connected the ties, tug the vehicle from different angles to ensure it's secure. You may need to add an extra tie or two. For other items, consider storing them in boxes or bags and make sure the containers are secure.

Come see us at our Texas location in Kyle to view our full stock of new and used toy haulers for sale. RV Land is proud to serve our customers in Austin and San Antonio, TX.