How to Load a Trailer Safely: Tips for Melbourne Renters

Loading a trailer properly is critical for your safety and everyone else’s on Melbourne roads. This guide walks you through planning, securing, and verifying your load before you depart.

Plan Your Load Distribution

• Front-to-back balance: Aim for 60% of weight forward of the axle.
• Side-to-side: Keep heavier items centered over the chassis rails.
• Low centre of gravity: Stack heavy goods on the floor, lighter on top.

Secure with Ratchet Straps and Nets

Use at least four high-tensile ratchet straps on bulky items, cross-strapping for lateral stability. For loose debris—garden waste, gravel—deploy a mesh cargo net. Each strap should achieve hand-tight plus two full ratchet clicks.

Cover, Weatherproof, and Visibility

Melbourne’s sudden showers can turn materials to slurry. Use a UV-resistant, waterproof tarp with bungee cords at every anchor point. Ensure the cover doesn’t obscure lights—use reflective tape on edges for night visibility.

Check Trailer Load Limits

Your trailer’s ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) is stamped on the A-frame. Overloading not only breaches VicRoads rules—carrying 10% above the ATM incurs immediate fines—it also degrades braking and steering response.

Final Walk-Around and Quick Test

• Walk full perimeter: hitch coupling, chains, lights, tyres.
• Drive 100 m and re-check strap tension and tyre pressures.

FAQs

Q: How many straps do I need?
A: At least one strap per 500 kg of load plus two cross straps.

Q: Where can I weigh my fully loaded trailer?
A: Local weighbridges at service stations around Port Melbourne or Dandenong.

For a deep dive on licensing, check Do You Need a Special License to Tow a Trailer in Victoria?