Question 1

What do I need to rent a trailer?

Accepted Answer

Bring a valid driver's licence, proof of insurance, and a tow vehicle rated for the trailer you're renting. We'll confirm your vehicle's towing capacity, hitch, ball size, and light plug before you leave.

Question 2

How do I know if my vehicle can tow the trailer?

Accepted Answer

Check your owner's manual or the sticker inside the driver's door for the towing capacity and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). The loaded trailer plus everything in your vehicle must stay under those limits. If you're unsure, call us with your year, make, and model and we'll help you choose the right trailer.

Question 3

What should I inspect before every trip?

Accepted Answer

Walk around the trailer and check tire pressure and tread, wheel lug nuts, the coupler latch and pin, safety chains, the breakaway cable, ramps or gates are secured, and that all running, brake, and turn signal lights work with a helper watching.

Question 4

Do your trailers come with roadside equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every RPM trailer includes a tire changing kit and roadside safety kit, so you're prepared if something comes up on the road.

Question 5

How do I make sure the coupler is properly attached?

Accepted Answer

Lower the coupler fully onto the ball, close the latch, and insert the safety pin. Then raise the tongue jack slightly — if the rear of your vehicle lifts with it, the coupler is locked on. Fully retract the jack before driving.

Question 6

What size hitch ball do I need?

Accepted Answer

The ball must exactly match the coupler size stamped on the trailer — usually 2" or 2-5/16" on our fleet. A mismatched ball can pop off under load. Each trailer listing shows its ball size, and we'll double-check at pickup.

Question 7

How should safety chains be connected?

Accepted Answer

Cross the chains underneath the tongue in an X pattern before attaching them to your vehicle. This creates a cradle that catches the tongue if the coupler ever separates. Leave enough slack to turn, but not so much that they drag on the road.

Question 8

What is the breakaway cable for?

Accepted Answer

On trailers with electric brakes, the breakaway cable activates the trailer brakes if it ever disconnects from your vehicle. Clip it to your hitch receiver — never to the safety chains or the ball mount.

Question 9

How should I distribute the load?

Accepted Answer

Follow the 60/40 rule: place roughly 60% of the weight in front of the trailer axles and 40% behind. Keep heavy items low and centred side-to-side. Too much weight behind the axles is the most common cause of trailer sway.

Question 10

What is tongue weight and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Tongue weight is the downward force the trailer puts on your hitch. Aim for 10–15% of the total loaded trailer weight. Too little causes sway; too much overloads your rear axle and reduces steering and braking control.

Question 11

How do I secure my cargo?

Accepted Answer

Use rated ratchet straps or chains at the trailer's D-rings or stake pockets, and strap each item in at least two directions. Re-check tension after the first few kilometres and at every stop — loads settle as you drive.

Question 12

Can I overload a trailer if it seems to handle fine?

Accepted Answer

No. Never exceed the trailer's posted weight capacity. Overloading stresses axles, tires, and brakes and may not show until a hard stop or emergency manoeuvre. Our listings show the capacity for every trailer.

Question 13

How should I adjust my driving when towing?

Accepted Answer

Drive slower than usual, leave at least double your normal following distance, and brake earlier and more gradually. Make wider turns so the trailer wheels clear curbs, and stay in the right lane on highways when possible.

Question 14

What do I do if the trailer starts to sway?

Accepted Answer

Stay calm and ease off the accelerator — don't slam the brakes or jerk the wheel. Hold the steering straight and, if you have a brake controller, gently apply the trailer brakes manually. Once stable, pull over and check your load balance.

Question 15

How do I handle hills?

Accepted Answer

On long downgrades, shift to a lower gear to let the engine help slow you down and avoid overheating your brakes. On climbs, watch your temperature gauge and give yourself extra room to merge or pass.

Question 16

Do I need extended towing mirrors?

Accepted Answer

If you can't see clearly down both sides of the trailer with your standard mirrors, yes. Wide trailers, like our 7' and 8.5' models, often require extended mirrors for safe lane changes.

Question 17

What's the easiest way to back up a trailer?

Accepted Answer

Place one hand on the bottom of the steering wheel. Move your hand in the direction you want the trailer to go — left goes left, right goes right. Make small corrections, go slowly, and pull forward to straighten out if you need to.

Question 18

Should I use a spotter?

Accepted Answer

Whenever possible. Agree on hand signals beforehand and keep your spotter visible in your mirrors at all times. If you lose sight of them, stop immediately.

Question 19

How do I park safely on a slope?

Accepted Answer

Set your parking brake, place wheel chocks behind the trailer tires, and turn your wheels toward the curb. Avoid unhitching a loaded trailer on an incline.

Question 20

What should I know before raising a dump box?

Accepted Answer

Park on firm, level ground with the trailer hitched and straight behind your vehicle. Check overhead for power lines and branches, open the tailgate, and keep everyone clear of the box while it's raised. Never move the trailer with the box up.

Question 21

How do I load equipment onto a trailer with ramps?

Accepted Answer

Keep the trailer hitched to your vehicle while loading so the tongue can't lift. Line equipment up straight with the ramps, drive on slowly, and secure the machine with at least four tie-down points before lowering the ramps back into travel position.

Question 22

Are there materials I can't haul in a dump trailer?

Accepted Answer

Hazardous materials, wet concrete, and anything exceeding the trailer's weight capacity are not permitted. Heavy materials like gravel and soil reach capacity quickly — ask us for guidance on how much you can safely load.

Towing FAQ & Best Practices

Before You Tow

Hitching Up

Loading & Weight

On the Road

Backing Up & Parking

Dump & Equipment Trailers

Still Have Questions?