Trailer Safety in Thunderstorms: The Overlooked Essentials
During the winter months, it’s easy for trailer owners to be caught off guard by the weather —especially during thunderstorms.
Whether you're towing a box trailer, flat top trailer, car trailer or tipper trailer, understanding how to prepare for heavy weather and drive in a storm is essential both for your safety and the longevity of your trailer.
At Basic Trailers, we build trailers that are tough, reliable, and ready for all Australian conditions. But even the best-built trailer needs the right safety measures in place when working in winter weather.
In this blog, we’ll explore the essentials of trailer safety in thunderstorms, and offer practical steps to keep you, your load and your vehicle safe.
Check the Forecast Before You Tow
It’s a fairly straightforward point, but before you hit the road it’s important to check the weather forecast, especially if you’re planning to travel long distances.
Storms can form quickly in South Australia at any time of the year, so if a thunderstorm is expected along your route or at your destination, consider delaying your trip until the weather clears.
Being proactive in this way could prevent a dangerous situation on the road.
Ensure Electrical Systems Are Protected
The electrical system on your trailer, including the tail lights, indicators and electric brakes, can be vulnerable in thunderstorms. A lighting strike or prolonged exposure to water can cause short circuits or electrical system failure.
It therefore pays to inspect all wiring and plug connections for signs of wear or damage, and use dielectric grease to seal connections.
It’s also good sense to avoid parking under tall trees or in open spaces during a storm, as this can increase the risk of your trailer being hit by lightning.
Use the Right Tyres and Maintain Proper Pressure
Wet, slick roads are a major hazard both during and after thunderstorms. Therefore, trailer tyres need to be in good condition to prevent trailer sway, skidding or a loss of control.
Before towing, especially in winter weather conditions, check your tyre tread depth and whether there are any signs of cracking or wear.
Under-inflated tyres can also affect braking performance and towing stability, so it’s important that tyres are inflated to the correct pressure, as recommended by the manufacturer.
Take the Time to Secure Your Load
During thunderstorms and winter weather, high winds frequently occur, and loads can shift and become a potential hazard if they are not properly secured.
It’s therefore essential to that loads are set up in such a way that they aren’t able to move or, in the worst case scenario, become detached and end up on the road.
It’s therefore good practice to use ratchet straps to tie down cargo whenever possible. Also, ensure tie-down points and rope rails are in good condition. Items that are lightweight and susceptible to wind should secured and covered with tarps if possible
Pull Over in the Heaviest Weather
Unless it’s absolutely essential, avoid driving in thunderstorms when you’re towing a trailer. Pulling over is very often the safest option, both for you and for other road users.
However, where you pull over is important too. Don’t park up in low lying areas that could be prone to flash flooding, or open spaces where there is an increased risk of lightning strike. You should also avoid pulling in under trees, which can be blown over or drop limbs in a thunderstorm.
The ideal solution is to pull off the road into service station or rest stop. However, if you can’t do that, pull off the road as far as possible, ensuring that your hazard lights are on.
Carry a Storm Safety Kit
If you’re out and about on the roads towing your trailer regularly, it’s a good idea to carry a kit that you can call on in an emergency.
For instance, you might consider carrying:• torch and spare batteries
• high-vis vest and hazard triangles
• waterproof tarp
• tools for re-securing loads
• spare straps and ties
• first aid kit
Stay Safe, Stay Alert
Towing a trailer during a thunderstorm demands caution and care. Hazardous road conditions, high winds and the risk of lightning strikes can all make it more being on the road with a trailer more challenging.
Need Advice on Trailer Safety or Upgrades?
At Basic Trailers, we are proud of building strong, durable trailers that are made with Australian steel for Australian conditions.
But even though our trailers are as tough as can be, it still makes sense to take precautions when you’re towing a trailer in heavy weather.
If you need advice on towing, or want to find out more about our range of trailers made in Adelaide, please call Basic Trailers on 1300 770 770 or email info@basictrailers.com.au.
