https://oriontrailer.com/blog/ Weekly trailer and towing tips from Orion Trailer Rental & Sales in Lake Orion, Michigan: loading, tie-downs, hitches, brakes, tires, and Michigan towing rules. en-us Mon, 26 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://oriontrailer.com/blog/michigan-winter-trailer-tips-road-salt-storage/ https://oriontrailer.com/blog/michigan-winter-trailer-tips-road-salt-storage/ Mon, 26 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0400 Get your trailer ready for a Michigan winter: fight road salt rust, tow safely in snow and cold, store it over winter, and prep for spring. https://oriontrailer.com/blog/renting-vs-buying-a-trailer/ https://oriontrailer.com/blog/renting-vs-buying-a-trailer/ Mon, 19 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0400 Should you rent a trailer or buy one? Compare cost, storage, upkeep, registration, and how often you'll use it to decide what fits you. https://oriontrailer.com/blog/moving-mowers-end-of-season/ https://oriontrailer.com/blog/moving-mowers-end-of-season/ Mon, 12 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0400 Hauling mowers and yard equipment to storage or the shop this fall? How to load low-clearance mowers, strap them right, and handle fuel. https://oriontrailer.com/blog/michigan-towing-laws-safety-chains-speed/ https://oriontrailer.com/blog/michigan-towing-laws-safety-chains-speed/ Mon, 05 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0400 What Michigan law says about towing a trailer: safety chains, towing more than one trailer, trailer brakes, and speed limits, with links to the law. https://oriontrailer.com/blog/trailer-wheel-bearings/ https://oriontrailer.com/blog/trailer-wheel-bearings/ Mon, 28 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 Trailer wheel bearings fail quietly, then suddenly. The warning signs, the quick hub temperature check, how often to service, and what to do. https://oriontrailer.com/blog/fall-cleanup-hauling-tips/ https://oriontrailer.com/blog/fall-cleanup-hauling-tips/ Mon, 21 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 Tips for hauling leaves, brush, mulch, and firewood by trailer this fall: covering loads, avoiding overloading, and keeping debris off the road. https://oriontrailer.com/blog/trailer-brakes-and-brake-controllers/ https://oriontrailer.com/blog/trailer-brakes-and-brake-controllers/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 How electric trailer brakes and brake controllers work, proportional vs time-delayed controllers, setting the gain, and what a breakaway kit does. https://oriontrailer.com/blog/hitch-basics-ball-size-receiver-class/ https://oriontrailer.com/blog/hitch-basics-ball-size-receiver-class/ Mon, 07 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 A plain-English guide to trailer hitches covering ball sizes, receiver classes, drop and rise, ball mount ratings, and when a weight distributing hitch helps. https://oriontrailer.com/blog/how-to-back-up-a-trailer/ https://oriontrailer.com/blog/how-to-back-up-a-trailer/ Mon, 31 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400 Backing up a trailer doesn't have to be stressful. Learn the hand-at-the-bottom trick, how to use a spotter, small steering moves, and simple practice drills. https://oriontrailer.com/blog/trailer-lights-troubleshooting/ https://oriontrailer.com/blog/trailer-lights-troubleshooting/ Mon, 24 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400 Trailer lights out or flickering? Most problems are a bad ground, a dirty plug, a fuse, or a bulb. A step-by-step guide anyone can follow. https://oriontrailer.com/blog/trailer-ramps-and-dovetails/ https://oriontrailer.com/blog/trailer-ramps-and-dovetails/ Mon, 17 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400 What a trailer dovetail is, how ramp length changes your loading angle, and how to load low mowers, side-by-sides, and equipment without scraping or slipping. https://oriontrailer.com/blog/how-to-haul-a-skid-steer/ https://oriontrailer.com/blog/how-to-haul-a-skid-steer/ Mon, 10 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400 How to haul a skid steer or compact track loader: trailer size, weight, loading safely on ramps, where to position it, and chaining it down. https://oriontrailer.com/blog/trailer-sway-causes-and-fixes/ https://oriontrailer.com/blog/trailer-sway-causes-and-fixes/ Mon, 03 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400 Trailer sway can turn scary fast. Learn the common causes, how to prevent it with good loading and setup, and exactly what to do if your trailer starts to sway. https://oriontrailer.com/blog/towing-capacity-and-payload-explained/ https://oriontrailer.com/blog/towing-capacity-and-payload-explained/ Mon, 27 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400 GVWR, GCWR, payload, towing capacity, and tongue weight in plain English, with a step-by-step example to see if your truck can tow your load. https://oriontrailer.com/blog/tie-downs-straps-chains-working-load-limit/ https://oriontrailer.com/blog/tie-downs-straps-chains-working-load-limit/ Mon, 20 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400 Working load limit vs break strength, how many tie-downs you need, when to use straps or chains, and how to keep cargo from shifting. https://oriontrailer.com/blog/trailer-tires-summer-heat/ https://oriontrailer.com/blog/trailer-tires-summer-heat/ Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400 Hot pavement is tough on trailer tires. Learn how to check pressure, read a tire's age and speed rating, spot warning signs, and avoid blowouts on summer trips. https://oriontrailer.com/blog/hauling-atvs-and-side-by-sides/ https://oriontrailer.com/blog/hauling-atvs-and-side-by-sides/ Mon, 06 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400 Taking ATVs or a side-by-side up north? How to pick a trailer, load machines straight, strap them at the wheels, and handle a long drive. https://oriontrailer.com/blog/pre-trip-trailer-checklist/ https://oriontrailer.com/blog/pre-trip-trailer-checklist/ Mon, 29 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400 A 10-minute walk-around to run before every tow: hitch, safety chains, lights, tires, brakes, load, and ramps, so every trip starts safe. https://oriontrailer.com/blog/tongue-weight-how-to-load-a-trailer/ https://oriontrailer.com/blog/tongue-weight-how-to-load-a-trailer/ Mon, 22 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400 What tongue weight is, why about 10-15% of trailer weight should sit on the hitch, and how to place your load so the trailer tows straight. https://oriontrailer.com/blog/choosing-a-trailer-for-landscaping/ https://oriontrailer.com/blog/choosing-a-trailer-for-landscaping/ Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400 Picking a trailer for mowers, mulch, pavers, or a skid steer? A plain-English guide to deck length, GVWR, ramps, and tow vehicle fit for landscaping.