How to load a trailer

Published 10 October 2026. Every figure was checked at its source that day.

The short version

Put heavy items mainly over the axle or axles.
Keep a downward load on the tow ball, inside the manufacturer's figure.
Spread the load evenly and secure it.
Do not go over the maximum weight on the trailer's plate.

How a trailer is loaded decides how it behaves on the road. The Highway Code covers it in rule 98 and GOV.UK repeats it in its safety checks.

Where the weight goes

Rule 98 says the weight of the load should be carefully distributed, with heavy items mainly over the axle or axles, and with a downward load on the tow ball.

How much weight

You must not overload the trailer. The maximum is on its plate.
The manufacturer's recommended weight and tow ball load should not be exceeded.
A trailer with no brakes must not weigh over 750kg loaded, and should weigh no more than half the weight of the car.
The loaded car and loaded trailer together must not weigh more than the gross train weight on the car's VIN plate.

What each of those weights means.

Securing the load

Rule 98 says you must secure your load and it must not stick out dangerously. GOV.UK's checks ask that the load is evenly spread and secure before you set off.

Tyres for the load

Tyres on the car and the trailer should be inflated to the manufacturer's figure for the load being carried.

How to tell it is loaded wrongly

GOV.UK says that if the trailer snakes or swerves, you are going too fast or it is loaded incorrectly. Ease off the accelerator, let the speed drop gently, then stop somewhere safe and move the load.

Before any tow, make the full list of safety checks.