Packing a luggage trailer seems simple enough; you just load your stuff, hitch it up, and hit the road, right?
Well… not always!
Over the years, we’ve seen some truly creative (and sometimes disastrous) packing attempts. From overloaded trailers scraping the road to flying mattresses on the highway, trailer-packing fails are more common than you’d think. We offer trailer hire in Pretoria and the surrounding areas. In this blog, we’re sharing some of the funniest (and most avoidable) mistakes people make when packing a trailer, so you don’t become that person on the road!
The “Stacked to the Sky” Strategy
Some people stack their luggage higher than their car and while it might look impressive, that impression only lasts until a sudden turn or a gust of wind sends bags, boxes, and camping gear tumbling onto the road.
How to Avoid this Fail
- Keep your trailer load low and balanced.
- Distribute the weight evenly; heavier items at the bottom, lighter ones on top.
- Secure everything with strong straps to prevent movement.
The “Flying Mattress” Incident
Ever seen a mattress soaring majestically down the highway? Many travellers have. A loosely tied-down mattress or camping tent can turn into an unexpected road hazard, especially at high speeds.
How to Avoid this Fail
- Use multiple tie-down straps, not just one.
- Cover loose or lightweight items with a tarpaulin and bungee cords.
- Stop and check your load regularly during long trips.
The “Where Did My Stuff Go?” Mystery
You finally reach your holiday destination, open the trailer… and realise your suitcase is missing. Somewhere along the road, it bounced out and it’s probably enjoying its own adventure now.
How to Avoid this Fail
- Always double-check that everything is secured before driving.
- Use cargo nets or lockable trailer covers for extra security.
- Do a quick check at every pit stop to make sure all your bags are still there.
The “Trailer or Clown Car?” Situation
Some people try to fit everything into a trailer; bicycles, braais, coolers, the dog’s bed, and even that couch they “might need.” Everyone has seen this on the roads in South Africa and a dangerously overloaded trailer that struggles to move is a hazard for everyone.
How to Avoid this Fail
- Know your trailer’s weight limit and stick to it.
- Pack only what you need—not your entire garage.
- If it doesn’t fit comfortably, it probably doesn’t belong in the trailer.
The “Guess We’re Not Stopping” Problem
You’ve packed the trailer perfectly, except you’ve forgotten the most basic trailer packing rule and now the cooler box, baby bag, or extra snacks are buried right at the bottom. Now, every time you need something, you have to unload the entire trailer.
How to Avoid this Fail:
- Pack essential items last, so they’re easy to grab.
- Use clearly labelled bags or bins for quick access.
- Plan your packing so you don’t have to play Tetris at every stop.
At Newlands Trailers, we have a massive selection of trailers for hire in Pretoria and we can also give you great advice if you are worried about having a trailer “fail”. Contact us today for more information.
