Driving a heavy-duty quad axle trailer is a huge responsibility and requires careful driving practices. Before you leave for a long-distance road trip, it’s a must that you do enough planning and preparation with your trailer for your safety. Here are a few things that a responsible trailer user must do:
Check the overall condition of your quad axle trailer and inspect the following parts:
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Tyres must be inflated with the required air pressure
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A spare tyre must be readily available and inflated
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Brakes must be working
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Oil and water levels must meet the standard percentage
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Windscreen wipers and washers should function well when the need arises.
This inspection must be performed at least two days before you head out on the road trip. If repairs or replacements are required, do them at the soonest possible time.
Update your driving skills on heavy duty trailers
If you are a new owner of a quad axle trailer, it’s highly recommended that you update your driving skills. Attending additional training courses focused on axle trailers will not only keep you confident on the road but will broaden your professional driving knowledge about how to drive heavy duty vehicles safely. An extensive driving experience is imperative if you want to be allowed to drive a quad axle trailer.
Adequate planning must be applied before a road trip
One of the safety measures that you must implement as a responsible driver of a quad axle trailer is to plan adequately before you hit the road. Why? You can never predict what could hit you as you leave your parking space. You must be prepared for all sorts of unpredictable events such as a dead battery, or dealing with extreme weather conditions that may leave you stranded for hours while waiting for rescue. You need to make sure you have enough supplies to keep you going and these should include the following items:
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First-aid kit
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Enough water to ensure you are hydrated
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Food packs to fill your hungry tummy
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Extra clothes
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Blanket in case you are driving at night
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Warning signals kit
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Tools for changing tyres
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Tyre gauge
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Enough fuel reserves if you don’t know how many kilometers to the next service station
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Necessary documents to show proof of ownership, like a copy of the vehicle’s current registration
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Valid driver’s license
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Map reader
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Mobile phone
While on the road, the following driving habits must be applied:
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Observe the required speed limit mandated by your state or the location you are heading to.
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Avoid driving under the influence of liquor or drugs, regardless of whether they are prescribed by your doctor. As much as possible, drive in a good healthy and alert condition, postpone any road trip if you need to take prescription medicines that will make you drowsy while driving.
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Be aware of your surroundings, especially if you are heading out on an unfamiliar route. If you feel danger or potential risk at stake by driving over a particular terrain, it’s better to find another route, preferably the one most truckers use.
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Truck Insurance HQ are brokers with extensive experience in the transport and machinery sector. If you need obligation-free quotes and advice then don’t hesitate to call us on 1300 815 344 or request a quote online today.