How do I travel with a trailer?

It's one thing to drive a car, and another thing to have a trailer of a certain weight. Indeed, the weight of the towed load affects various parameters such as balance and visibility, changes in speed and stopping distance, as well as increased attention when overtaking, shifting gears, direction, etc.

In addition, driving with a trailer, in addition to weight, is quite justified if certain conditions are met. Be sure to observe them for your own safety, the safety of other people and the safety of towed goods. 

So what are the rules for driving with a trailer? What are the other basic prerequisites for driving with a trailer? Discover all trailer driving information in our article. 

Trailer driving rules

There are special instructions for driving with a trailer because the way you control the track and drive changes. This is easy to understand because the weight of the load at the rear of the vehicle directly affects:

• Evaluation of braking, braking and overtaking distances;
• Lane selection (some are prohibited for vehicles over a certain weight due to their size and size, and the same applies to trailers);
• The types of signs to be put up or made, depending on what is being transported; 
• Use of the track by other users (sharing the track must be done differently); 
• Overcoming blind spots and turns.

Therefore, it must be understood that someone who drives a vehicle with a trailer cannot make a turn or any other maneuver in the same way as someone who is driving a vehicle without a trailer. Hence, among other things, the need for a special permit.

Question about driving license with a trailer

Having a B license is more than enough to drive any light vehicle. But as soon as the latter is used for towing loads and the total load (vehicle + towed load) exceeds 3500 kg, it is no longer valid. 

Then it is necessary complete training to obtain a license of category B96 or take an additional examination to obtain a BE license in accordance with European Directive 2006/126 / EC. The Total Gross Weight Allowable or PTAC determines the type of license you need.

Obtaining a B96 or BE license to drive a trailer

The B96 license is issued after a 7-hour course of study at recognized driving schools and driving training associations. The BE license is issued after a formal theoretical and practical examination. 

Both courses combine theory and practice and focus on the specific knowledge, skills and behaviors one needs to have while driving with a trailer. You will also learn to better understand the risks associated with towing. 

All of this is designed to save you and the lives of other road users by choosing to drive responsibly. For example, in France, training must take place in centers bearing the DSR quality mark issued by the Ministry of the Interior.  

Rules for driving a vehicle with a trailer

In addition to a driver's license, there are also many other basic rules that you need to know and follow in order to be eligible to drive a vehicle with a trailer.

Balanced and safe loading

Balanced load distribution in the trailer is essential to ensure the stability and safety of the vehicle. 

Basic loading rules

According to the laws of physics, fair distribution of your materials, equipment and other goods in a trailer assumes that:

• you put the heaviest in the center of the latter,
• lateral loads of approximately the same weight. 

This will prevent a silly accident due to the fact that you roll over in a stream of cars in a ravine or on other road users.

You should also avoid overloading the rear of the trailer to avoid swinging.

Some basic rules for securing a trailer

It is also important to remember about securing the load. This means you have certain accessories such as lashing straps, wood cushions, axles, tarpaulins or hoods, trailer ramps, trailer tailgate, support wheel, cables and lanyards. No matter what kind of product you are carrying, it should not crumble, spill or fly out onto the track.

Other important lines of behavior and behavior

Driving with a trailer is difficult and can be dangerous if the necessary precautions are not taken.

Some Important Safety Concepts You Need to Know

You should know, for example, thatan independent braking system is required when your trailer weighs more than 650 kg with their loads. The towing capacity of your vehicle and hitch should be suitable for the towed loads. Your trailer shouldn't limit your visibility.

Some routine checks  

Among other things, you must:

• make sure your tires are in good condition, inflated to the correct pressure and suitable for carrying heavy loads;
• have rear-view mirrors with mirrors that allow you to see the trailer from end to end;
• make sure your hazard lights, warning lights, brake lights and turn signals are in good condition;
• have reflective devices in the car;
• make sure your braking system is in perfect condition;
• check the quality and strength of the load retention belts of your trailer;
• check the condition of the frame or bumper of your vehicle to which the hitch will be attached.

Although it requires even more attention than usual, it is quite easy to drive a trailer if you follow a few basic rules and drive safely without straining. Therefore, do not forget any of these instructions so as not to pose a danger on the road to yourself and to other road users.