Quality and Safety

It's In Everything We Do

Trailer Safety and Driving Guidelines

Pulling a trailer, regardless of its size, necessitates regular equipment checks—including the hitch and signals—as well as extra safety measures to ensure a secure driving experience.

Many states mandate that trailers operate in the slower right-hand lanes; consult your state’s Driver Handbook for specific regulations. Remember that trailers require increased stopping distance and careful consideration when changing lanes, making turns, or reversing. Always be mindful of your surroundings to avoid getting stuck or needing to backtrack extensively.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Before embarking on your journey with a trailer, ensure the trailer is securely connected to the hitch and that the brake lights and signals are functioning properly.

1. Check the Hitch:

• For a standard ball hitch, ensure the trailer’s tongue is correctly attached to the vehicle’s hitch, with the locking mechanism engaged and the lock pin in place. A loose hitch can detach and pose serious risks.

• Connect two chains in a crisscross (X) pattern between the vehicle and trailer for added security.

2. Connection Test:

• Pull up on the trailer to confirm it cannot be detached from the hitch. If it comes loose, reattach it properly. Check that the clearance is adequate and that any wheel or stand is in the up or drive position.

3. Brake Lights and Signals:

• Connect the trailer’s electrical wires to the vehicle. If no one is available to check the lights while you apply the brakes, use the reflection of another vehicle or a nearby window to verify their operation, especially in low-light conditions.

• Ensuring your brake lights function properly is crucial for notifying other drivers when you’re slowing down, particularly at night.

If your hitch connection and signals are secure, you’re ready to hit the road.

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On the Road

Before merging onto the highway, familiarize yourself with driving your vehicle-trailer combination. Practicing in an open parking lot or a familiar area can help you gain confidence, especially with reversing. When backing up, remember: turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction you want the trailer to go. For instance, to steer the trailer right, turn the wheel left.

Making turns can be challenging for many drivers. Always overshoot your turns to allow ample space for the trailer’s path, avoiding contact with curbs, poles, or pedestrians. If you misjudge a corner, stay calm. Stop, check your surroundings, back up slightly, and take the turn again more widely.

Be mindful of your trailer’s size and clearance. Ensure it can safely pass through obstacles, such as a 12-foot-high tunnel. Secure all cargo to prevent debris from becoming a hazard.

Keep in mind that larger loads take longer to stop. Maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead and practice braking to gauge your stopping distance with the trailer. Always ensure you’re within your vehicle’s towing capacity; some larger trailers are equipped with braking mechanisms that assist in slowing both the trailer and the vehicle.

Avoiding Jackknifing

One of the most critical issues to avoid while towing is “jackknifing,” which occurs when the angle between the vehicle and trailer drops below 90 degrees, creating a V shape.

To prevent this, never allow the trailer to exceed the L shape when reversing. Take your time and get comfortable with the trailer’s movement. Minimize steering adjustments and remember you can always pull forward to straighten out if needed. Jackknifing can damage both the hitch and the trailer, so stay vigilant.

NATM

Express Custom Trailers has been a proud member of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) since 2002. The NATM seeks to promote awareness of safety and provide a voice for trailer manufacturers and their suppliers when issues of trailer safety and regulation are considered by Congress and relevant government agencies. NATM is dedicated to improving trailer safety through a mandatory Compliance Verification Program, requiring all Regular members (trailer manufacturers) to verify they have the manufacturing processes in place to build trailers that meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and industry best practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you ship nationwide?

Yes, we use 3rd party logistic companies to deliver anywhere within the United States.

What Sets Your Trailers Apart from Cheaper Competitors?

We specialize in heavy-duty, highly customized commercial-grade trailers designed specifically for companies that need complete fleets—typically produced annually in fixed or increasing quantities. While lower-priced options may seem appealing, they often compromise on quality, durability, and customization. Our trailers are built to withstand rigorous use and tailored to meet the specific needs of your business. With us, you’re not just purchasing a trailer; you’re investing in reliability, performance, and long-term value that outshines cheaper alternatives.

How Many Trailers Can You Produce for My Company in a Year?

We focus on commercial accounts with tailored annual production schedules. Depending on your specific needs, we can produce anywhere from 5 to 150 trailers each year. Our flexibility allows us to scale production to meet the demands of your business, ensuring you receive the right number of high-quality trailers to support your operations.

How Long Have You Been in Business?

Express Custom Trailers, originally known as Express Trailers, has been proudly serving the industry since 1985. With decades of experience, we have built a reputation for quality and reliability in trailer manufacturing.

Do You Have Any Dealers?

We sell directly to our customers to ensure you receive the most competitive pricing while still providing extensive customization options. By eliminating the middleman, we can focus on delivering high-quality trailers tailored to your specific needs at the best value.

Are You Currently Hiring?

Visit our Careers section to explore our current job openings. We take pride in offering traditional manufacturing jobs right here in Florida, contributing to our local economy and community. Join us in building quality trailers and be part of a dedicated team!

No other trailer manufacturer takes the time to design a trailer for our needs from the ground up like Express. There really is no other place we could get this level of quality at the quantity we require.

Ryan Schwake

VP of Spray Foams and Coatings at Boss Industries

Wow, love my new custom built trailer, they did a phenomenal job. Quality work, delivered it faster than expected. Would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a professionally built trailer.

Kevin W.

Great product, communication and all local! Definitely recommend Express to all of our clients!

Michael B.

Express Custom Trailers

5303 126th Ave N

Clearwater, Florida 33760

727-572-4265

Product specifications are believed to be accurate at the time of publication.

Clients should verify specifications prior to purchase rather than relying on the information on this website, which is not intended to be a final specification.