It is important that trailers are not overloaded and that loads are properly secured to or contained within the trailer:
A load must not project more than 150mm beyond the trailer’s width or be more than 2.5m overall width, whichever is less.
Loads that project more than 1.2m behind a trailer must have a red ﬂag attached to the end of the load. This ﬂag must be at least 300mm square and clearly visible. To avoid having an overhanging load, you should purchase a trailer that suitably contains the load.
Between sunset and sunrise, or when there is insufficient daylight, a clear red light or at least two red reﬂectors must be ﬁxed to the end of any projecting load.
The overall length of the vehicle and trailer combination including its load must not be more than 19m.
To reduce sway, heavy loads should be concentrated towards the centre of the trailer.
Loads should be kept as low and as close as possible to the axle or axles with about 60 per cent of the total weight forward of the centre of the axle or axles. As a general rule, about 5-10 per cent of the total mass of the trailer plus load should be supported by the vehicle through the coupling. The trailer drawbar should be level or slightly ‘nose down’.
Loads must be covered to secure and contain all materials within the vehicle and trailer. Fines apply for uncovered loads.