How Not to load a Trailer. Mistakes that lead to accidents.

Trailer Mistakes, red flags & problems that lead to accidents. How to avoid the "Death Wobble" and pull out if it happens. Balancing your load, and best gear and equipment to keep you safe.
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[@jonathanweintraub]

I wish I saw this video a year ago. I loaded a trailer incorrectly and had to drive home under 45 mph constantly applying the trailer brake. Luckily I noticed the fishtailing right away because this could have gone bad. Nothing worse than having a trailer loaded for you with no forklift to fix it once you’re on the road. This is a great video.

[@nachase8623]

My biggest piece of advice as far as loading goes: (speaking from personal experience). In the odds that your truck lifts off the ground and starts moving, keep loading. Don’t stop on the ramps. Stopping will only hold the truck up and you’ll keep moving and you’ll have high chances of jackknifing and doing a lot of damage. If you just keep driving whatever you’re loading, the weight will begin to even out and your truck will set back down, stopping the truck from moving. I get that it can be slightly nerve racking when your truck and trailer starts to move, and that will probably make you freeze up and pause. Don’t let yourself do that. That’s the worse you can do.

[@ericouellette5293]

After almost 19 years of driving semi I can feel how my load is in the trailer. I also gained a lot of experience on loading trailers. I have a trailer that I use to haul wood pellets on. Being it's short I can only fit 2 pallets of pellets on it. I tried 3 once and the very back pallet made the tongue of the trailer come up. Had to take the 3rd pallet off as I knew it wasn't safe to haul like that. I also understand about straps loosing up. I use to pull flatbed and hauled Christmas trees. Every 50 miles had to stop and tighten the straps. The trees would settle and the straps would loosen up. Kinda sucked cause if you knew there was a scale coming up you better stop before and tighten the straps. Had one driver not do it and not only had to tighten the straps at the scale but also got a ticket for an unsecured load. I still enjoyed the video and I will always learn something new. Always said if you hear a truck driver say they know everything about driving truck stay far away from them on the road. I learn something new almost every day even after almost 19 years driving.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks for the feedback Eric and glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching!

[@ericouellette5293]

@@Dirtmonkey you are welcome keep the videos coming.

[@georgejudd1305]

Once again you did a great job, I am going to buy weigh safe and shock straps. I am 66 and have been trailering for 43 years. It is nice to see someone showing newbies how to properly load a trailer. I hope those people watch your video. Thank you!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you George!

[@bobrose8706]

Once you get your sweet spot.. A can of spray paint to mark tire locations on the deck of the trailer for your common loads (skid loader with standard bucket or compact tractor with mower deck) Then just hit the wheel of the skid steer or tractor with a dab of the same color spray paint. Different load, different color... couple / three satisfies most needs.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Good advice Bob, thanks for viewing !

[@jonnboimuhfucka]

That’s what I do😁

[@tonylamantia6417]

Spray paint where machine sits very good idea.

[@vampyvampiro]

Nice!

[@claymorton5097]

When I was first getting started I was loading my backhoe. My dump truck was on a slight downhill incline at the end of the road. In front of my truck was the bluff down to the river. I had just made it completely on the trailer when the back tires of the truck came off the ground and me the truck and trailer headed for the bluff. I quickly grabbed reverse and backed off the trailer. The truck stopped with the front tires on the edge. I was in shock but that is a lesson I will never forgot!!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and saving some smart people that will listen alot of grief!! From another dirt pusher.......love the channel

[@spudman12382]

I've been driving trucks for quite a few years. This is by far one of the best explanations I have ever seen

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you Dave, I appreciate that !

[@djhennessy1998]

I towed my bosses 14’ landscape trailer 30 out of 35kms I had to go until I rolled it my truck and the trailer at 110km/hr! Thinking even with 10+ yrs of experience towing big landscape weight, I still just didn’t load it right and probably a couple tires low on air. Now, I’m white knuckles every time I tow... it’s mentally and physically tough, but I still have tow a couple times a week for my current job. Thank you for taking time to put this video out there for all to learn, it will save lives!

[@nicklockard]

Very well explained. I suggest putting a marker or sticker at the center of gravity of each of your machines. Then put a corresponding sticker for the ideal matching spot on your trailer fender where they should align.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Good idea, appreciate the comments Nick!

[@teejay622]

Very helpful and informative video Stan. Loaded heavy equipment for 30 years and I agree - so many people do it wrong. After I became supervisor I had a company come out to the shop and train the crew on safe, proper and legal tie-down procedures. As an employer, I would have a new recruit load and secure a few pieces of equipment before hiring them to see what they know and don't know. This is something that doesn't get nearly enough attention. Thank you for sharing this information. Especially the shock straps. That's a big price-tag for a strap (buy once cry once) but worth it for the safety and peace of mind. Thanks again for this video. THIS is exactly why I'm subbed to this guy!!

[@Dirtmonkey]

I really appreciate the sub and all the great comments. Thank you for watching !

[@____________________________.x]

Good point about not loading in Park mode (actually not a gear, but a parking pawl), I'd never heard of it before. This is why I watch your videos, you are just about the only guy that knows stuff that I don't.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you 👍

[@mute8s]

@horse1066 This is one of the reasons why I watch Stanley's videos. Lots of little good bits of information. You might want to look up Essential Craftsman too. It's another great source of information on KZbin.

[@jamesmoore8900]

I'm glad to see videos like this. I had a bad accident in my racecar and the car was put on my trailer backwards by the tow truck. I almost lost the whole setup at about 50 on the freeway from death wobble. Never doing that that way again.

[@E1itetube]

My best tip for driving a trailer safely: don't drive like you don't have a trailer. Meaning, slow the F down!

[@85square]

I really love the people that tow a camper in a snow storm at 80mph

[@lossantoscity3249]

@@85square God Damn! Slow Down Michael Schumacher !

[@gunwrites6222]

I live near Yellowstone National Park. I've seen many a destroyed camper and rolled rig from tourists going way too fast and/or blown off the road from the extreme winds coming down the Yellowstone River valley off the Yellowstone Plateau. The last one I saw had rolled and ended upright. The camper shell was gone from the frame and only the toilet was remained. How that survived is a mystery to me!

[@stoicllc2352]

Why not load it with the trailer unhitched?

[@Note10plusAura]

@@stoicllc2352 it will tip backwards.

[@Beermalls]

Great video I went into death wobble yesterday merging onto the highway with an overloaded trailer! Luckily no one was hurt! These videos are great even for experienced drivers to keep you on your toes to be safety conscious at all times! My company just got a brand new skid steer and we re gonna take the time to secure it right!

[@evanerickson7216]

The weigh safe hitch is an amazing but simple hitch. We have one for our snowmobile trailer and its awesome. Those pins come of to where you can adjust the ball height up and down. And you can change the ball out easily as well. It is the best user friendly hitch I have ever used.

[@eddie2480671]

My dad taught me to strap down the equipment since i was 5, I am now 25 and I still do it the same way. Thank you for Spreading the knowledge.

[@urjb]

Solid video. I’ve been hauling stupid loads for 30 some years. Ive made almost every mistake at least once.. luckily without injury or serious damage. There’s never a good time or place to have to adjust your load or re-secure it once you’re on the road. Tie down selection is a personal choice.. I actually prefer the lever binders hands down.. but there are solid arguments for the ratchet style. One trick for ratchet straps on loads that can’t be tied too tight is to put a bungie from hook to hook or somewhere that will keep the hooks from becoming in-hooked if the load moves.

[@Actrealsurprised]

Great video. This needs to be shown to everyone that tows. Not only for the guy towing but the safety of the families in the vehicles next to them going down the highway next to them

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you Ryan !

[@jeffcourtney8101]

Holy tail whip batman!!! How did the guy in the video not lose that machine? The look on his face is priceless. Something you might consider talking about is how an employee can go about declining to transport equipment with under sized or defective equipment and not get blacklisted by employer. Many times I have had to transport equipment on trailers with defective brakes, lights, or even use trucks with defective controls because if I said anything or took time to fix I would be sitting at the house. Things dont have to be new and shiny, but they do have to work. Great video!!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Really appreciate the comments Jeff and thank you for watching !

[@thinkfirst6431]

Jeff I understand the importance of keeping a job. I also understand that if you hurt or kill someone(s) you won't need a job if you land in jail for a long period of time. Which is easier on you and your family finding a new job or being employed by the state making license plates?

[@jeffcourtney8101]

@@thinkfirst6431 Oh it wasn't a hard decision for me. I got the hell out of that company. My original comment was really for the younger people that had only just gotten a CDL when they hired on. They don't know any better and they blindly jump into a truck loaded down with materials, hook onto trailer with 17,000 # backhoe and take off with no trailer brakes. If they mention fixing them before leaving they are told " just take it easy an you'll be fine". Famous last words.

[@johns3106]

It takes a certain level of maturity, self-confidence and diplomacy to deal with an employer who tries to force an employee into dealing with sub-standard equipment and practices. Too many times over the years I've had to deal with a boss who had "special" little ways of dealing with broken, overworked or overloaded equipment. "Don't worry...it will be fine!" Unfortunately there is no easy solution for dealing with this...do you want to keep your job? One thing I've found, is that the more valuable you are to the company in other ways, the more likely your concerns will be heard concerning unsafe practices.

[@jeffcourtney8101]

@@johns3106 I completely agree. Being an asset to an employer is or should be a fundamental goal of all employees. As an employee we have a responsibility to prove ourselves everyday. Our worth is measured in everything we do and don't do.

[@jbrannon509]

You made some good points. I've been pulling trailers since a teenager. 10 years over the road wih a 53' van. I have owned travel trailers and 5th wheel campers. Now with my local job I haul about 3 different trailers every day now from low boys, pintle hitch and gooseneck as seen in my videos. Honestly we all get complacent but luckily I've never had any towing accidents and I've hauled millions of tons of equipment and freight over the years. I enjoy the "science" of towing and load securement and rigging. On my trailers I usually just chock the rear axle of the trailer unless loading on one that has air brakes. In that case the brake chambers keep the drums locked. I think I was just rambling. I'm at work so...

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks for the comments Jason!

[@RANDALLOLOGY]

Lol, years ago my son decided to load my Bobcat with truck & trailer pointing down the driveway, a slight down hill grade. He wouldn't listen from being in a hurry. As he drove up the ramp, the truck started raising up, then at the right point, truck, trailer, and skid steer started sliding down the driveway. He then backed off the trailer, moved to level ground to load it. You gotta love it when you can say " I told you so. Lol. Lesson learned.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Lol, yep!

[@bwutschke]

RANDALLOLOGY Q

[@mrmotofy]

It's better when they learn on their own dime in equipment

[@mightySHRIMP420]

Had a dude at work almost take my ass out doing that. My buddy grabbed me. Threw me out the way. I ripped into the dude loading the trailer.

[@bobstewart9365]

That is one senario when parking brake is useless !!!

[@mistersounds2006]

I love the way he directs positive comments. With ACTUAL information instead some jerk being butthurt about what somebody says. Def gettin my sub and showing my boss!!

[@JeffGoldSr]

Good video, thank you for taking the time to show this, it should prevent a lot of accidents. I spent years teaching how to load tow trucks, flatbeds and trailers. I’m a big believer in the 4 point tie down system. I would like to add a couple of things... 1. You must also have a tie down restraining anything that articulates, so you need to restrain the bucket. 2. You should be checking your load within the first 25 miles and then periodically.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you Jeffrey!

[@eriklund784]

Good video. Experienced "the Wobble" once. Forks on my backhoe and didn't want them stabbing over the front of my trailer. I've pulled a lot of trailers so I knew to use the trailer brake and it stopped the wobble quickly. Close to home, drove slow, never doing that again!!! Hopefully the inexperienced guys watch videos like this before they wipe the hell out!

[@Dieselprescott]

In 05 I had an f350 and was loading my skid steer on my trailer I had backed in my buddy’s driveway that was a hill, as I loaded it the ass end of my truck lifted and truck, trailer and me in the skid steer took a ride down the driveway! When I noticed we were moving I sped forward in the skid steer thinking once the ass end of the truck came down we would stop but that was not the case , it just continued skidding out in to the street where it started to jackknife my truck... only damage was a mailbox and my boxer shorts ..... definitely learned my lesson

[@tractorman4461]

Hahahahaha...my cousin ran that scenario with a single axle IH dump and a 555 John Deere hi-lift. Fortunately he was loading on the farm property so the only damage was his dignity and his shorts too !! LOL.

[@lewispond9876]

Very good video. Most trailer sway is from a load placed too far to the rear on the trailer. I've been there, done that many years ago and learned a good lesson. Loads can shift a little after a few miles, resulting in some slack in the chains. I like to stop after a while to check all chains for sufficient tension. While there, I check all the trailer wheel/hubs with a gloved hand for excessive heat from a bad bearing set or a stuck brake. As for the lever type binders, I have found them to be safe, fast and effective when installed correctly. Your results may vary. I use a 3 foot secton of pipe for leverage. When taking them off, if one got casual with the grip I could see that pipe getting tossed.

[@nickmeyers7812]

I load them backwards. Saves the front window on gravel roads.

[@01cissy]

GOOD ADVICE !

[@taylorroarkpayton]

@@dam2ben2 IMO they’re a waste of money.

[@user-bd5md5cm2j]

I've always loaded them backwards. Such a safer way to load and unloading.

[@1ronhall]

Thanks for the video. Trailer loading and load securing are often grossly inadequate and make for a dangerous situation to the inexperienced.

[@nicholasdowns3502]

I’ve also found that backing the skidsteer onto the trailer so that if the ground that you are unloading onto is unlevel, then it will allow for more visibility of wheels, and more control while unloading.

[@robertbeckler3135]

I’ve been using a Weigh-Safe hitch for a year and I love it. Easy to change the ball size. Very well made, and easy to order from the manufacturer website.

[@brandonpelshaw1300]

Long as you say "She ain't going anywhere" There is no wrong way to load.

[@blsully]

You have to be using ratchet straps from Hazard Fraught when you say that otherwise the magic doesn't work.

[@brandonpelshaw1300]

@@blsully that is true also you want to make sure the majority of the weight of the load is towards the rear. That way you can turn them corners with precision.

[@justinsane332]

Nowhere....you mean nowhere. Anywhere is too proper, and will make something fall off. Everyone knows this.

[@mistersounds2006]

🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂 and hey.....8 out of 10 times she not!

[@prrcpor]

That's funny I like that

[@jaboy123]

Great video. Very important lesson. I learned through trial and error. I had trailer sway happen once to me and luckily I accelerated through it and nothing bad happened. But After that I paid much more attention when loading my equipment. I only use the metal ratcheting load binders and never have them come loose.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you and thanks for the comments!

[@Trivit30]

I'm glad you mentioned that the trailer should be level when you load or unload it... very important tip that I see a lot of people overlook

[@Trivit30]

Even unloading or loading with forks!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Yep! Thanks for watching 👍

[@johnford313]

I'm a heavy hauler myself wanted to tell u ur spot on good vid. For those that don't know I've seen alot of bad situations next vid should b on how to pick the rite truck for the haul

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you John !

[@TexasPlaneDriver]

Great advise for those that thought they were doing it the right way. Born and raised in West Texas, moving equipment is a daily routine especialy when oil was at its prime(yes we own the mineral rights). Seeing some of the things we have seen can't be imagined, I know some of these rigs have killed innocent drivers but we never see DPS pulling them over. FYI-Your vehicle isn't actually in gear when parked, it's held by the parking pawl attached to the output shaft on the transmission, the pawl engages into a notched ring. Think of a ratchet in your tool box, same principle. Regardless, great video and hopefully you don't feel that I am being an ass by correcting you, figured I would explain it somewhat before the know all end all's get to it first.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Appreciate the feedback and thank you for watching !

[@BenjaminEsposti]

Yup, it still makes sense though, the parking pawl can only take so much force.

[@TexasPlaneDriver]

@Benjamin...agreed 100% they do fail and it's ugly

[@monky1964]

Thanks for hitting home the most basic but most important trailer fundamentals! I am also one of those who uses a Load Equalizing hitch. Dont see folks using those too much any more

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you !

[@AdamSmith-uv6kr]

Had never seen the shock straps. Ordered 2. Thanks bud.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Adam , happy the video helped out !

[@hildacorea]

Wow been trucking since 1976 don't know how I did it without you

[@philtripe]

great video, i wish i could have seen this before my close call in 2001, haha! thats not really a shock but more of an elastomeric device that stores potential energy or "preload" on the straps preventing them from "ratcheting down" when going from unloaded to loaded...you are truly a thoughtful individual that thinks through not just the mechanical situation but the social situation. i can tell just from this one video your the kind of individual that strives for a 100 percent satisfaction rating from the clientele just as i do and sure, some may take some extra work but in the end its all the same...we work to serve with pride!

[@Dirtmonkey]

That's right! Glad you like the video and thanks for watching!

[@petemiller519]

Your first point about the truck in park is bang on. I always loaded it when it is in neutral with parking break. I've seen a buddy put his truck into park when it was rolling just the slightest bit, and you can guess what happened...a trip to the dealer to rebuild his trans. Cheers.

[@JerichoRally]

Stanley...you're awesome! Thank you for putting the effort into the video and introducing us to new tech. I just got my first TLB and 14,000GVW trailer so this information is invaluable to me.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you, I appreciate that and am happy to show you all the new stuff. Thanks for being here!

[@411sponge72]

Thank you so much for this video! I just purchased my first utility trailer and the information you provided is priceless!

[@makincash3337]

It really is.

[@fivespeed3026]

Many years ago when I was a kid, my dad took my younger brother and I to pick up some sand in his 4 cyl. S-10 with his high sided single axle trailer. He filled the entire bed and trailer with wet sand. I don’t know how much weight it was but I’m guessing it was about 5 times the rated capacity, but probably more. Needless to say, the trailer fishtailed and threw us off the highway. Fortunately, the truck and trailer stayed upright and no one was injured. We blew out both passenger side tires and the same side on the trailer. It was scary as hell.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Very scary! Thanks for watching and for sharing your story.

[@peterf.229]

since I worked at a big box home improvement store, the dry bags of sand you see in the white bags weight 3200 lbs dry.

[@fivespeed3026]

Peter F. I’ve never paid attention to those bags but I’ll definitely look for them next time. Just imagine it pouring over the sides of the bed and trailer and that’s how full it was.

[@barryhammel6521]

I like the way you go over in detail with what your showing . I like helping others learn also.

[@johnnyturbo8460]

Great video! I just wish there was a way i could beam this video to the guy i pass on the highway in need of your advice! Nicely done.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks so much Johnny !

[@68spc]

I use a Weight Safe hitch for my large boat and flat bed trailer. My tongue weight varies from 700 lbs to 1800 lbs fully loaded. Great invention.

[@Bread996]

It’s a good idea to use a couple blocks of wood or landing jacks on the tail of the trailers when loading equipment. That will prevent the tounge from lifting, and the whole setup from potentially rolling away.

[@jonyemm]

It'll also help to keep the trailer from bending. 12k Delco trailer at work lasted about 3 months with very little usage hauling 8-8500lb equipment.

[@davidhoover8862]

You cover everything to the T> One can tell how educated you are and we appreciate it....

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Wow solid tips, these are the videos that I love watching and learning the basics.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you !!

[@Whopperjaw.]

This guy reminds me of Richard Rawlings... GYSOT

[@lumpyg63ipod]

I have the weight safe hitch and love it! I tow utility trailers, horse trailers, travel trailers and farm trailers. So nice to know exactly what your tongue weight is and not be guessing. Thanks for the informative video that will help people new to towing trailers load their trailers accordingly!!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you Dave!

[@barnyard27]

Hmm I've been using smart straps that are patent pending. They basically eliminate the excess strap after tying down the load working like a tape measure in a since. But they would be loose when I get to the job site. I will check out the Shock strap. Thanks for this information!

[@Dirtmonkey]

You're welcome, thanks for watching !

[@geraldbonner7982]

Elastomeric Torsion Strap. Great class on proper loading. I wish more people would watch this video.

[@oldcountryman2795]

"Never load on a hill"?? Are you suggesting that people who live in the mountains just never use heavy equipment? The only flat spot on my entire farm is the floor inside the house.

[@okiedokie3845]

My thoughts exactly!

[@nicholasdowns3502]

The floor of your house is flat!?

[@marionamewontwork2681]

4/10 I dont have level ground to load OR a second person :)

[@tonychristopherson7987]

@@nicholasdowns3502 In my dining room you ALWAYS put the mashed potatoes on the uphill side of the plate with a dam to hold the gravy on. The first time my brother in law visited he couldn't understand why the gravy ran off of his potatoes but not everyone elses!!

[@atozbikes]

Yes. 🤣🤣

[@keithmcmullin2999]

This video is worth watching , Safety saves lives, People who don't know, until some one gets hurt, people need this info,

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Keith !

[@muds17]

Great video. Took my new Denali for an " adventure" while loading a 10k excavator alone on a driveway... resulting in an even newer front end on my truck and a new bumper of my wife's tahoe... good info

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you !

[@jimnunes6286]

Great information,thank you! Couple of things you didn't mention. Watch your speed, if something goes wrong even with a correct load its a lot better to pull over and stop right side up! When you have more than one trailer be sure of the correct ball size! When towing stop periodically to check your load, especially the first 15 minutes to half hour, THINGS SHIFT AROUND. take off the chrome hub covers, leave them off. so when you stop for a load check on a long trip you can walk around and feel the hubs, much better to find a failing wheel bearing before a wheel comes comes off.

[@robertgantry2118]

Here's my car hauler/equipment trailer loading adventure: OK. So I was working at a shop, we needed to take the bobcat out to do a job. Never loaded a bobcat. So, I told my coworker to go get the trailer hooked up while I was getting some other things, getting the bobcat. So I get the bobcat, start it up, head out of the shop, and total brain fade. I was so focused on what I was doing that I didn't even notice that my coworker had brain fade too, and just sort of forgot to hook the trailer to the truck. So I go driving the bobcat out there and start driving up the ramps.... lol .... The coupler was about 8 friggin feet in the air. Never count on anyone to get their end done while you're trying to coordinate your efforts. Because if you're not standing right there making sure they carry THEIR end of the load, then chances are it won't get done. Check EVERYTHING they do. And, pay attention! lol

[@Dirtmonkey]

Good advice Robert and thanks for sharing your adventure!!

[@royhoco5748]

check and then double check everything, your life could depend on it.

[@tomthorn2887]

Great video! I just found out I have been loading my trailer wrong! I have always had it in park and never thought twice about it!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Glad the video helped out, thank you Tom !

[@chevyon37s]

Death wobble is a front suspension/ steering issue/ problem. This is trailer sway, that you’re talking about.

[@christopherrosas2738]

I was thinking the same thing, never dealt with death wobble, but i've had a trailer start dancing on me and I'm pretty sure it feels about the same..... Had my dad following me when the trailer started dancing and he was like.... Well, it didn't look that bad..... Automatically thinking yeah, but you weren't in the Jeep with the trailer dancing

[@meegstomtom]

Trailer sway can turn into a death wobble.

[@michaelcuff5780]

Drew w you are right. I know, I have a 2003 crewcab Dodge dually so I am more tham familiar with the death wobble. But I think he used that word just help explain the movement of the trailer.

[@traviskonarzewski2576]

Yessssss!!!!!!!

[@okiedokie3845]

@@christopherrosas2738 definitely doesn't feel the same. Death wobble is violent compared to sway being much slower of a movement.

[@snowbosspa8303]

great video, this is literally every lawn company in NJ, small undersized trailer, 1000lb+ zero turn mower laying back on the rear gate, 4 feet behind the rear axles....

[@jakerawls4727]

Tongue weight is your friend. Scariest loads I've ever towed were because I didnt have enough tongue weight.

[@randyboone7717]

Couldn't judge where to place the Bobcat on my trailer by parking in the same spot. To many different attachments. But what I did was, watch my receiver hitch. When the tractor was loading it would pull the receiver up (that little slack in your receiver hitch) until the equipment weight would pass over the balance point of the trailer, then you can see the slack switch from pulling up on the ball to pushing the receiver hitch back down. Then I would pull forward and pay attention to my mud flaps. I knew about how far off the ground they should be when I was l loaded. Worked out good. However, watching the weight transfer to your truck with your phone as you are loading is awesome...!

[@Ramdodge582]

Years ago with a borrowed trailer i moved my bobcat 863 with my dodge DRW on a slight downhill slope. no landing gear on the back of the trailer and no chocks on the trailer wheels. raise your hand if you know where this is going... as you guesed the trailer leveraged the back of the truck off the ground and away we went till i mashed the sticks and transferred weight back to the back end of the truck. and yes i needed a new pair of shorts.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Lol!

[@devilish34]

been there ... lol now I try and keep the 100gal transfer tank full as possible

[@timhubert3367]

Ram-n_dodge that happened to me once but we had no other possible to load the skid steer

[@animal6463]

Ram-n_dodge

[@officialyoutubecommentator4357]

Oh Doug your Nanna is calling. (You'll get that later)

[@garrisonfamilyalbum3901]

Still full-time truck driver and slowly putting together a Lawn business, another great piece of knowledge is; An overloaded tongue also reduces traction in steering tires of the vehicle. In an extreme example, I have literally not been able to get out of the parking lot of a Freight terminal, unable to turn due to the dock crew overloading the nose of a trailer. The steering tires would side when turned. The tractor would keep going straight. Never be in a hurry with a trailer at any time. Loaded or Not.

[@scoutboy74]

A couple years ago, I was helping out a friend who needed to have several non-op International Harvester Pickups and Scouts moved from one storage facility to another facility roughly 90 miles away. I was using a constructed deck over tandem axle trailer that had belonged to my dad. The deck was only 15 feet long...yeah pretty short and the axle group was nearly centered front to back almost like a teeter-totter. WTF? Anyway, my dad had used it to haul my own Scout a couple times for me, so I knew it would suffice to haul this guy's Scouts, but his full size pickups I wasn't so sure about. The first trip I hauled one of his Scouts that was minus the engine all the way to the destination without issue. The second trip was hauling an early 70's IH 3/4 ton long bed, regular cab 4x2 pickup. It fit on the deck, just barely. I could have maybe gotten the thing another six inches further forward than I did before we chained it down. As it turns out, I should have done that...or better yet not even attempted to haul that truck on the POS shorty teeter totter in the first place. Twenty miles into the trip at a speed of roughly 50 mph, I went over a minor jostle in the road which suddenly pitched my little choo choo train into a very violent tail wagging the dog scenario. I was on the interstate too. Fortunately, there were no other vehicles nearby. Traffic was fairly light and well behind me. Only by the grace of God did I manage to regain control without winding up in a steaming pile scattered across the road. The wag probably only lasted ten seconds at most, but it sure felt like an eternity. And it seemed like the cycles were getting worse before they finally subsided. I at least knew not to slam on the brakes. Rather, I did a series of quick on/offs of the brake pedal, feathering it I guess you might say. Once I was back under control, you can bet your sweet bippy I pulled over to ahem, collect my thoughts and reflect on my recent life choices. I still had over 70 more miles to go with some 6 percent grades for good measure, plus it was raining too! But, I was committed to the journey at that point. I really didn't know what else to do, but climb back in the saddle, even though I didn't want to. I made it to the destination without further issue, but it was a white knuckle, and puckered sphincter ride the whole way doing 40 mph down the interstate! Afterwards, I told my friend about the incident and the blood drained from his face. I told him yeah, I'm sorry, but you're going to have to rent me an actual car hauler trailer for the next trip. Something with at least an 18 foot deck that has the tandems set back a bit so I can get plenty of weight on the tongue. He agreed wholeheartedly. What a difference it made to have a trailer that was properly setup to haul the next loads. Total night and day difference.

[@brettblack7049]

So did you move it forward the 6" after the incident?

[@kevinbrogee6208]

I like all your videos. Things I've forgotten, never done, or simply newer or better ways to help me grow my business better. Thank you for all the videos and instruction you give!! Kevin Lima, Oh

[@baratariaelectric2415]

Great Video! I always load my skid steer backwards as well. One other thing I do is cross my chains in the rear (so left tie down on skid steer to right side of trailer). It gives me more chain to cinch down and less to wrap around the binder (less chances of it hitting the pavement if there is only a few feet around). Again just my way of doing it and like you say everyone has the way they like best! Thanks!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you! Good tips and thanks for watching !!

[@JoeyCarb]

@@Dirtmonkey I learned to load ass end first and never really thought about it being different until I worked for some other companies. I feel more comfortable loading backwards for a few reasons: 1. If I'm loading backwards and I fall off the ramp I'm less likely to flip 2. If I'm loading and I need to bail for any reason, I'm much safer doing that going forwards 3. It way easier to get off the trailer at the destination 4. Since it sits further back on the trailer I can put all my attachments or other gear like tampers or generators on the front part of trailer with the machine, then take them off with the machine later. I've been laughed at by other contractors for doing it this way but it's just what makes sense to me.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks for the input Joe!

[@williamharader6385]

A comment I have on loading the trailer by yourself. I like to take a string and use it to hold my trailer brake controller locking the brakes on the trailer and setting the park brake on the truck. This eliminates almost any movement of the tow rig when loading and save you from needing a buddy to hold the brakes.

[@mbisson5816]

What scares me the most is wondering how Google knows I needed to see the info in this video. I'd encountered the loose strap problem on a 75 mile trip hauling light equipment from one of my farms to another. Thanks for the great video.

[@Dirtmonkey]

No problem Mark, thanks for watching !

[@AceBoy2099]

I was towing my dads classic in an enclosed trailer, he tied to the frame rail (hooked ratchet straps) at a fuel stop checked it out and iirc 1 rear strap was off the other loose because the car shifted, after that I tied to the axle with axle straps and it was fine for the rest of the trips.

[@popwall4297]

I know what you mean my son-in-law and I was messaging back and forth about some tires for my four-wheel drive and the next day I had several ads for tires for four-wheel drive trucks come up in my messages and on Facebook Also on KZbin So they are spying on us

[@a-veteranlandscapesitework2413]

I'm grateful for this video, I am a deathwobble survivor. Also great tip on the loading in neutral while in park

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you and thanks for watching !

[@Bohica706]

Good information saves time money and trips to the hospital

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks !!

[@Brian-cr6rb]

unless you like having adventures, love it! been there, done that, got the t-shirt! you are a great asset to newbies! I've actually coached a few death wobbles (sway) as a passenger, thank god I was able to reach that brake controller. it was due to failed secure devices each time on the highway. my advice is don't cheap out on rigging. equipment coming loose at highway speed is a recipe for disaster!

[@ROTAXD]

I've never had death wobble with my larger trailers, but I've had it on a 2 place enclosed snowmobile trailer (no trailer brakes required on them due to light weight). Best thing to do in that scenario is to stay off the brakes and apply some throttle. Get her straightened out, pull over and either move the load forward if possible or add some ballast to the front of the trailer.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Good advice, thanks for watching!

[@JasSinghGrewal]

Thanks for the great tips. I load my skid and excav all the time. Safety first!

[@patrickkennedy2533]

im certainly going to remember that loading tip thank you

[@Dirtmonkey]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching Patrick 👍

[@royhoco5748]

I keep a strong stick in my truck cab to push down the brake pedal and wedge the stick against the seat to hold the brake pedal down and also apply the e. brake pedal so I can load without help and wheel chocks under the trailer tires are a big help. properly chocked the trailer nor the truck will move. the stick is also a big help in checking the brakes lights on the trailer. trailer loading is a lot of common sense and some judgement. I leaned a lot about loading and towing at the school of LBYOM (learn by your own mistakes) one of the best teachers I have ever found. If you survive your bad mistakes you usually won't make them again.

[@qlsjayp]

Nice video.... I hope the trailer plug was installed before driving off (I could see it hanging down).

[@hsnsaad5398]

I don’t have a truck & do not need a trailer But I like the way you explain the tips 👍 Great video.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you !

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

Anyone else think Stanley is the long lost twin of Richard Rawlings?

[@crankshaft1053]

Yes

[@tentotwo8290]

Soz, just said the same thing 🙈🙈🙈

[@gburchett1]

just missing the beer

[@dennistrujillo4521]

When I first saw him I thought it was Richard lol

[@jacobottersbaugh6101]

I don't know who Richard Rawlings is, but if he's the type of guy who takes 20 to do something that should take 3.... then yes. They are twins.

[@IraChandler]

Great stuff. How many people have parking brakes that have never been adjusted and will not actually hold the vehicle in place? Try it. Put on the e-brake, and then try to pull forward with gentle gas. If the truck moves easily, your brake needs adjustment.

[@nopaul70]

with the binders,it hekps if you put a piece of fencing wire through the chain and loop on the binder handle

[@gold5th]

Here in Alberta, there's special lever binder locks you have to put on to keep the lever from popping on a commercial vehicle, wrapping the chain like in the video doesn't count.

[@turbodiesel4709]

@@gold5th : Nothing wrong with cam style load binders if properly used. Safest way I've found to secure the cam binder handles from accidentally "popping loose" is to use a piece of wire, a heavy duty zip tie, or simply wrap black electrical tape around the handle and chain. Black tape is cheap and works wonderfully for this. Tape is also handy for taping up and securing the excess unused strap length on a ratchet strap.

[@gold5th]

What "works" is one thing, but local law is you need the locks like this: images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41FTWuOUi7L._SX342_.jpg

[@richardm1631]

That is a great idea for a straps and great investment to have. Couple years ago I tow a car about 70 miles every couple miles I have to stop to tighten down the straps

[@Drew-in-NoDak]

The parking brake only applies to the rear wheels if you load something heavy and the rear wheels come off the ground you will still roll around the best thing to do is put your truck in four wheel drive then engage the parking brake you should be good to go then chalk the wheels if you want to be extra safe if your truck has trailer brakes too get a spring-loaded clamp that you can use to squeeze the brakes on

[@rickcavanaugh1]

Don't chalk the tires. That won't help at all and just messes up the pavement or concrete. Plus it is hard to do in gravel. I would chock them instead. ( I know, I know... I'm an a**hole ) LOL

[@snorman1911]

@@rickcavanaugh1 LOL!

[@mute8s]

@@rickcavanaugh1 Yeah, but at least you're an entertaining a**hole. It was funny because as I was reading your comment I was thinking "How is that gonna mess up the pavement?" Then I realized the spelling mistake and about fell over. It's always nice to see a mistake like that pointed out using a bit of humor rather than doing what most people do and call the guy names. I know I will make an occasional error and I like to be made aware of my mistakes as long as I'm not being called an idiot at the same time.

[@carlhall1880]

What you need is an approved loading and unloading zone were u tie down your vehicle! Lol

[@johndias6614]

@rickcavanaugh ... maybe sidewalk chalk would work OK. I always carry sidewalk chalk to use to point out people who park like jerks. BIG arrows on the pavement pointing to the offender along with a few choice words.

[@RT-rh1ws]

Awesome! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Bonus points for the humorous comments and photo bombs too. And, hope you enjoyed yourself here in Canada, even if is was only a short visit. Cheers!

[@Clawson_customs]

Have a manual transmission then u never have to worry about park gear

[@garypollack6948]

Good info...on my leaf sprung car trailer I can check the distance from the top of the tire to the fender to sure the load is level.

[@hvguy]

Also, those lever binders (mousetraps) are quick to use when you get the hang of them vs cranking on those ratchet binders. Just be careful unloading them 😂

[@raymondlent3517]

I’ve used the lever binders before and busted up my right pointer finger knuckle pretty good. I tried relieving the tension with its own chain and it whipped around and tagged my knuckle on the back spin. Still aches a little several years later. Be safe with those things, but they are effective.

[@luckycharm5251]

I'm not familiar with the laws when it comes to securing load in the US, but here, we would chain Bob down in a cross pattern, where each chain goes to the opposite corner of Bob on the trailer. When you do that, you keep Bob from sliding around, jumping up and down or whatever he does, because of the bumps in the road. It also takes a lot less force to chain Bob down that way too. And when you chain him down in a cross pattern, you've used up a lot of excess chain, so you don't need to spend half an hour on trying to chain Bob down.

[@nicholasremarcik6302]

That's the better way to do it but DOT doesn't say you have to cross the chains. Also for DOT standards you need to chain or strap the bucket or any attachment on the skid steer

[@nocoolname32]

you don't need a video lie this until you need a video like this, thanks for dropping that knowledge!!

[@Dirtmonkey]

No problem, thanks for watching !

[@wwrite]

Love the shock straps, might have to covert my stable of straps over.

Hey Stanley, big fan of all your videos. Thanks for putting in all your time making and editing your valuable info learned over years of hard work and lessons learned. I'm a grading contractor as well. I move smaller equip., constantly. My two cents, if I could. My rule w/ all my guys is the rear axle of trailer must be blocked. I have holders on all trailers for tire chocks, right by rear tire, where they should go. Truck gear does not bear the load when loading or unloading, if ramp support is to far from touching ground, in some situations, and truck wants to lift ass end. You wont be going for a ride! Because like some know, truck in gear w/ brake on is all rear axle of truck, unless truck is 4wd and in 4wd it can move. I have to load and unload on hills sometimes, no way around it. trucks rear tires do not have to be air-born for you to start sliding either. Trailers rear tires (rear axle) will never leave the ground is always bearing most of load when loading/un-loading, on any terrain. I've found to be safest way. I also tell em' , like you said , that the fulcrum (pivot point/ of fwd and aft ) of trailer load is the center of both axles on trailer and to watch the hitch and the trucks rear suspension. to gauge your load for proper tongue weight. Plus when you park and un hook I always chock rear trailer tire, the same way, so when you go to hook her back up and have to love tap a pintle hitch a coupe times solo, your not pushing on and possibly bending your trailer landing gear. P.S. Dirt Monkey, your vids on how to treat your employees, to bidding jobs, to taking pics of sketchy stuff, to getting cust. to agree and understand ( in writing and/or video) before you rip something out or pull it out to help another sub. what could break or go wrong and that I will not be held liable,,, are all in-valuable. Thanks, Again.. Rick

[@Dirtmonkey]

Hey Rick, thanks so much for the great comments! Really appreciate it

[@Wimpl00]

I look for a 60/40 split over the axles. 60 up front, 40 at the back.

[@samhuntrods5629]

I was 19 years old and loading cows at a sale barn on a slope at night and had the truck parking brake on. The truck started rolling forward as the cows were still running in. The cows obviously were disinterested in continuing to load and started running toward the highway. I sprinted out around them and headed them off (amazing how much faster you can run when your ass is on the line). X2 on loading on a level surface and someone holding the brake lol.

[@trackmader]

Always make sure your hitch is coupled...even though a gooseneck will likely ride not latched it won't stay when loading... It will come off and forward and will mess up your tailgate, bad. Also at home/shop I've got a ditch that I park in to load that lowers trailer to level ramps...easier to climb.

[@kristiancrump1649]

Great vid! I’m hauling my first loaded trailer today and now I’m ready!

[@madflyer1093]

always when transporting anything that you have secured. within the first 45 miles you need to stop and check all securement. then every 2 hours thereafter

[@Dirtmonkey]

Good advice ! Thanks for watching

[@Wjc128]

Its 50 miles then 3 hours or 150 miles which ever comes first per DOT regs

[@kubotaman3440]

That's what I do exactly stop check everything's periodically

[@scottfuchs9793]

My grandpa did that all my life selling horses, check his load.

[@brettblack7049]

@@scottfuchs9793 yep, hate when those straps come loose on the horses 😆

[@scotchbonnet7575]

Great video. Lots of helpful information. Just ordered 2 sets of those shock straps off Amazon. Thanks alot.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Happy to help! Hope they come in handy 👍

[@Gee-Wizz]

So'ooo not Australian, LOL. Love the channel, watching from down under.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Really appreciate the support Greg, thank you !!

[@davevarela1]

Thanks for making this video I'm new to this I just bought a 743 and not yet found a trailer for it yet or rigging material buy it once and right the first time