20 tricks to make towing a trailer off-road a whole lot easier

The biggest problem you’ll find when heading off-road with a trailer in tow is that you’ll usually only have one chance to get through an obstacle. That means your trailer needs to be setup right from the start, and you need to be confident you can manage whatever is thrown your way. With that in mind, here are 20 guaranteed ways to make towing a trailer off-road a whole lot easier.

TRAILER PREP

1. More often than not, the only thing stopping your trailer sliding down a steep embankment is a quality set of tyres so that’s first on the checklist. Choose the same brand and size as your 4WDs tyres, and don’t forget the pressures also have to be lowered when off-road. You can usually go a few PSI lower than your 4WD because it’ll weigh less. 
2. Jockey wheels can be another problem, especially the swing-away type. Strapping the winder handle and wheel out of harm’s way is typically all that’s needed to prevent them getting caught. 
3. Make sure that any electrical wiring between the trailer and the 4WD is kept up high to prevent snagging – no one likes warm beer. 
4. Ensure the under body is well protected. Water tanks are fitted with bash plates, tool boxes don’t hang too low, and support legs aren’t in a vulnerable position. 

   OUT-DRIVING YOUR MATES

5. Starting with technical tracks like rock steps and deep ruts, the secret is to pick the line that keeps wheel articulation to a minimum without getting the 4WD or trailer hung up. The best lines have the wheels riding on the high points of the rocks, which maximises under body clearance and reduces the chances of tyre sidewall damage. 
6. When it comes to sand, the main thing to remember is to lower tyre pressures all round and drive in existing wheel tracks where the sand is already compacted. Ideally, the vehicle tyre pressures should be between 14–18psi, and the trailer should be at least 2psi below that. 
7. Something as simple as planning your next stop so the nose of your 4WD is facing down a slope means there’s less chance of getting bogged when you go to take off. 
8. Check the depth of any water crossings or muddy bogholes before you take the plunge. You’ll need to ensure you have enough under body clearance to drive the obstacle without bottoming out or taking on a whole heap of water. 
9. Talk to the manufacturer and ask them if the trailer’s waterproof? And if it is, to what depth? Most mid-sized 4WDs have a wading depth of around 500–600mm. The trailer should match this. 
10. If you decide to tackle a crossing, take note whether or not you’re likely to strike the drawbar as you drop in, and if there are boulders or drop offs mid-way through. Mark obstacles with sticks, keep the speed constant and don’t try to change gear halfway through. 
11. If it’s deep or fast flowing water, it’s a good idea to attach a Hercules Snatch Strap at either end before you start the crossing so that you can be instantly recovered if things turn sour. 
12. If you notice your speed slow to a crawl, work the steering wheel side to side and get your tyres side-biters working. It’s your best bet of breaking through the top greasy layer and getting down to the firmer terrain beneath. 
13. Towing a trailer up steep terrain usually means the rear tyres are doing most of the work, and that means any wheel spin could easily stop you in your tracks. If you’ve got a rear locker, maximise traction by engaging it at the first sign of a slippery surface. 
14. On steep downhills, the trick to getting down safely is to go slowly; a lot slower than you would normally and stick to low-range first gear. If you have traction aids like Hill Descent Control or a rear diff lock then use them. 
15. If you’ve got a front locker, avoid using it down-hill because it could compromise steering and induce a slide. 
16. If the trailer begins to slide and you’ve got electronic trailer brakes, use the manual activation lever to apply a small amount of the brake drag. If you do it carefully without touching the 4WD brakes, it’ll help keep everything nice and straight. 
17. Reversing with a trailer can be real tricky. If you’ve got to manoeuvre into a tricky spot, try swinging the camper trailer to the driver’s side of the 4WD while reversing. It’ll make it easier to see exactly what the trailer is doing, and then make steady adjustments to the steering as needed. 
18. Reversing straight back down a track catches a lot of people out. The trick to it is to use your side rear view mirrors as guides, instead of looking over your shoulder. If you see the trailer in one side more than the other, steer towards the side with more trailer, and it’ll straighten right up. 
19. A rear vision camera will make any reversing manoeuvre easier. Look for one that’s wireless and that’ll plug into the back of your GPS. Less wiring and less clutter on the dash. 
20. And last but not least, if the going gets too tough and things are going pear-shaped, the safest option is often to disconnect the trailer and winch it the rest of the way using a Domin8r X winch. Trying to drive beyond your limits will put a dint in your ego, and your bank balance.