Hiring a trailer means having to know something about the trailer. Like most things in the car world, there is quite a lot of terminology to get used to. Some terms are thrown around like you should know exactly what it is that is being talked about, while other terms are a lot less common but still something that you should know.
Although trailers are fairly straight forward, the terminology used to describe the various parts of a trailer can get a little complicated. If you are a first time user of a trailer, you might come across some of these terms when you are learning how to hitch the trailer or when you are hiring for the first time, and in our quick but comprehensive guide, we’re going to cover the most common trailer terms.
Towing Capacity
This term relates to the upper limit weight of a trailer that a vehicle will be able to tow. Not all vehicles are able to tow all kinds of trailers, because some trailers are just too heavy, especially when the trailer is loaded. To find out if the trailer is the right weight for your car, look for a sign that will indicate the weight.
Gross Trailer Mass
The gross trailer mass relates to the mass which is put onto the ground by the axle of the trailer once it is attached to the vehicle and is loaded up. The mass is based on the overall load as it is spread out over the trailer surface.
Braked Towing Capacity
As the name gives away, the braked towing capacity relates to the braking system of the trailer, if the system is connected to the vehicle. The opposite of braked towing capacity is unbraked capacity, which means the trailer does not have a braking system at all. These systems are okay for smaller loads and smaller trailers, but to improve safety, you should look for a trailer with a braking system.
Tongue Weight
This term refers to the weight of the trailer pressing down on the tow hitch of the vehicle. If the tongue weight is not enough, the trailer can sway quite a bit which can cause a lot of problems and naturally can make the vehicle more difficult to drive.
Gross Combination Trailer Mass
This refers to the maximum weight of the trailer and the weight of the vehicle combined.
Aggregate Trailer Mass
The aggregate trailer mass relates to the manufacturer’s recommended weight for a fully loaded trailer. The trailer will be tested using various weights and what the manufacturer recommends is going to be what you should go with.
If you are looking to a hire a trailer for the first time, and you are in the Pretoria area, you can contact Newlands Trailers. We have a wide range of excellent trailer options available and we can give you great advice so that you can stay safe and make the most of your trailer when you are out on the road.
