How to Hitch Your Trailer. A How To Guide: With Images (2024)

By Kori Archer•16 Apr, 2024

Equipment and automotive theft is a rising issue amongst local businesses in recent times. Thieves always seem to find new ways to get to your goods, so it is always important to be prepared, whether that is within your property, or out of it. Below are some handy items that we recommend having on hand to keep your trailer and equipment safe and secure from theft: WHEEL CLAMP find out more here A wheel clamp is a great way to ensure your trailer is kept immobile on steep roads, but also to prevent unauthorised driveaways. The clamps are usually brightly coloured and are a great visual deterrent in parking lots, and an added security within a shed or warehouse HEAVY DUTY COUPLING LOCK find out more here A heavy duty coupling lock is the more subtle but effective way of quickly ensuring your trailer is safe from theft. Simply clamp the lock over the trailers coupling secure with the key. PARKING + SECURITY POSTS find out more here Parking and security posts are recommended to be used in company parking lots where the trailer has a permanent spot. These posts are ideally used overnight, where the posts are simply latched and locked into a concreted anchor point, securing the trailer. SECURITY CAMERAS Installing security cameras on your premises or temporary security on your jobsite are recommended to help deter thieves and capture footage of any incidents. ALARMS + MOTION SENSORS Alarms can be beneficial when installed on your trailer and equipment, these alarm systems can be a great deterrent to any unauthorised use and are a great way of alerting the driver immediately that something is wrong. This is especially helpful if the trailer is left on location overnight or has to be parked over a long period of time. You can also benefit from a GPS tracker on your trailer to increase the likelihood of your trailer being recovered on the occasion it is stolen, we recommend placing these tracking systems in a hard to reach, watertight location under the tray of the trailer. Although there are many ways of preventing trailer theft, it is important not to make your trailer an easy target for thieves. Especially while travelling through unknown towns to locations, it is important to keep the trailer attached to the main vehicle where possible to and to park only in well lit areas with high security. Drivers should also avoid: Leaving vehicles idling at rest stops or unmanned parking lots Unhitching trailers without security precautions Leaving load unchained or unmanned overnight Openly discussing the value of the trailer or cargo to strangers Keeping your trailer and cargo safe from theft should be greatly considered when purchasing a trailer for work away from your main business premises or where you'll be in low security areas. We hope that the above recommendations will help prepare you for boosting your business with an Ox Trailer.

18 Dec, 2023

A work truck has its advantages, but, in some cases, a trailer is the more logical option in terms of durability, ROI, and end-to-end capabilities. Let us tell you why.

15 Nov, 2023

What's the difference? And why care?

22 Sep, 2023

Trailer load capacity, methods of manufacture, and drawbar configurations are some of the most important buying decisions to consider when looking at buying a trailer. With the road conditions deteriorating rapidly, costs of living/running a business increasing rapidly, and consumers demanding better value for their money; quality Australian built, and well designed trailers are becoming more and more of a “must have” in everyday trades people’s lives. Read on to find out more about what considerations you must take when buying a trailer. LOAD CAPACITY: All our trailers have been meticulously designed and engineered to withstand the load requirements and daily rigors all trailers are subjected to. Regardless of the ATM/GTM or who the end user might be we have never skimped out or taken short cuts in the strength of our trailers. Our trailers are one of the heaviest on the market and in our eyes, strength far outweighs the extra 100-200 kgs of extra payload claimed by most competitors and this is just one of the many reasons that we are a favorite. We use crossmembers every 300mm to reduce the chance of floor sheets bowing/bending, we also have increased the floor plate thickness typically used in the industry to 3.0mm unlike many competitors who use 1.6mm or 2.0mm floor sheets which do not stand up over time to the load requirements. MANUFACTURING METHODS: The method in which a trailer is manufactured plays an important role in the overall durability and lifespan of a trailer. Welding is not always best, neither is the use of bolts. If the trailer chassis is simply fully welded together, the joints won’t flex and can cause cracking and metal fatigue, hence why our chassis is a combination of both. Look for Fisch Plates (usually welded & located on joins) and gusset plates along drawbars for peace of mind. In some areas, bolts are ideal for added accessories when options are removable. When choosing a trailer with bolt on accessories, look for items such as nyloc nuts, spring washers, split pins and loc-tite bonding gel which help prevent the possibility of bolts from vibrating loose. TRAILER DRAWBAR CONFIGURATION: The basic configuration of the trailer’s drawbar is a key factor when it comes to the strength, durability, and usability of the trailer. Below are a few things to consider: Length of the Drawbar. A short trailer drawbar indicates not only weakness; it also affects the drivability and stability of the trailer when backing up or turning. A longer drawbar significantly adds to the overall strength and longevity and allows for a more reasonable turning radius and added clearance to the vehicle whilst backing up. A longer drawbar is also best for extending the distance from the tow vehicle rear axle to the front axle of the trailer, this allows for more stability and durability on the road. Axle Location The axle location is key for ensuring maximum load stability. Our axle set is placed deliberately rear of the center of the trailer for stable and safe load transportation unloaded or loaded. There are many indications to look for that show whether a trailer is well built or not, with the main three being the load capacity, manufacturing techniques used and the trailer drawbar configuration. With most trailers it can be obvious that it is cheaply built or poorly designed, but it is always a good idea to check over the main indications to ensure it will meet your hauling needs safely.

28 Aug, 2023

When choosing your trailer, one of the most critical decisions you'll make is selecting the right tire configuration for your Ox Trailer. Much like the heart of a machine, the tyres you choose significantly influence the overall performance and efficiency of these hauling powerhouses. In this blog, we will cover how your considerations of load capacity and tyre type, tyre maintenance and longevity, and climate and road conditions should impact your choice of tyre. LOAD CAPACITY AND TYRE TYPE: The journey to optimal performance starts with understanding your trailers' load capacity and the nature of your transportation tasks. A proper balance between load weight and tyre capacity is essential. Equally important is the type of tyre you choose. Consider the terrain your Ox Trailer will traverse - whether it's highways, construction sites, or off-road paths. Choose tyre types that align with your trailer's regular routes for enhanced durability and traction. See below for our handy guide for your optimal tyre choice; 16” 5 Stud Land Cruiser Wheel Load rating is 1400kg each. 235 / 75R16 Lt Tyre Load Rating is 1260kg each. Lt is a Light Truck tyre suitable for on road and minimal off-road use. These are perfect for urban roads and inner-city travel. 265 / 75R16 AT Maxxis Razr Tyre Load Rating is 1400kg each. AT is an All-Terrain tyre that is more suited for off-road tracks and hard to reach locations. These are perfect for mining sites, construction sites and agricultural use. TYRE MAINTENANCE AND LONGEVITY : Maintaining the right tyre pressure isn't just about preserving the rubber – it's about ensuring safe and efficient journeys. Regularly inspect and adjust tire pressure according to recommendations to prevent uneven wear, compromised handling, and decreased fuel efficiency. Moreover, investing in high-quality tires might be costlier upfront, but it pays dividends over time. Durable tires with extended tread life can reduce downtime and ensure smoother, safer rides for your Ox Trailer, ultimately contributing to your business's success. CLIMATE AND ROAD CONDITIONS: The environment your Ox Trailer will operate in plays a pivotal role in tire configuration. If your trailers brave muddy roads, we suggest the AT Maxxis Razr with their exceptional grip in slippery conditions. In hotter environments where hot bitumen work is common, opt for the Lt Tyres that can withstand high temperatures without sacrificing performance. Choosing the right tires for the specific challenges your trailers encounter ensures longevity, safety, and hassle-free performance on every journey. In conclusion, selecting the ideal tire configuration for your Ox Trailer requires careful consideration of load capacity, tyre type, maintenance, and environmental factors. By aligning these factors with your trailers' needs, you're not only enhancing performance but also investing in the safety and efficiency of your hauling operations. Just as a steed needs the right shoes to conquer any path, your Ox Trailer deserves the perfect tyres to carry them to victory on the road.

24 Jul, 2023

At Ox Trailers, our dedication to delivering the highest quality products drives us to explore innovative solutions for durable and reliable coating systems. In pursuit of this mission, we have developed a unique 3P certified coating system that surpasses surface-level considerations.

31 May, 2023

When it comes to running a successful business operation, having reliable equipment is crucial. This is especially true when it comes to trailers - after all, you need a trailer that can handle your heavy loads, adapt to your specific needs easily and safely, yet all while being able to withstand the toughest conditions. That's where Ox Trailers thrive!

26 May, 2022

In the world of transportation and logistics, having the right equipment is crucial for ensuring efficiency, productivity, and safety. When it comes to versatile and reliable trailers, Ox Trailers are a top choice for many professionals...