A large load can cause you problems while on the road

With busy holiday travel on the horizon, the Wisconsin State Patrol is providing safety tips for summer travelers, with trailers and campers in tow. “State Patrol troopers and inspectors are on the roads every day, to make sure travelers get to their destination safely,” said Wisconsin State Patrol superintendent Tim Carnahan. “Drivers have the biggest role in travel safety and should be checking load securement, trailer connections, and weight and dimension limits, when planning a trip with a trailer or camper.” The WisDOT establishes vehicle weight and width restrictions, to ensure the safety of the traveling public, while maintaining the integrity of Wisconsin roads. Maximum dimensions allowed for common recreational vehicles operating on highways in Wisconsin, are as follows: • Width – 8.5 feet • Height – 13.5 feet • Length of drivable motorhome or single vehicle– 45 feet • Length of combined truck and trailer – 70 feet • Length of towable camper – 46 feet long Motorists are also required to follow posted weight restrictions on local roads and bridges. Drivers may be eligible for an oversize-overweight permit, if these limits are exceeded. Three-vehicle trains, including combinations of camper trailers, boats and recreational vehicle trailers, do not require a permit from the WisDOT, as long as they meet operating conditions specified in state statute. When hauling a camper or trailer, the driver is responsible for ensuring it is in good mechanical condition and safely attached to the vehicle. Before traveling, make sure trailer tires, axles, bearings and lights are in proper working condition, that the ball and hitch coupling assembly are the same size, and latch securely. Also, ensure that two safety chains of proper length and strength are attached, between the vehicle and trailer, with enough slack to allow proper turning; attaching the safety chains in a crisscross pattern creates a cradle, to catch the tongue of the trailer, if an unexpected disconnection occurs. If hauling a boat, be sure it is secured to the trailer in the front and back, and that weight is properly distributed; trailers must be loaded correctly, to prevent sway and fishtailing, by placing the majority of the weight to the front of the trailer. Debris falling on the road is dangerous, and can cause a serious crash or damage to other vehicles. To properly secure the load, tie it down with rope, netting or straps; tie large objects directly to the vehicle or trailer; cover the entire load with a sturdy tarp or netting; don’t overload the vehicle or trailer; and always double check to make sure the load is secure. Shawna Linskey Strzok proudly displayed a stone for her father, Harold Linskey, May 24, at the first laying of paver stones at the Holcombe Area Veterans Memorial. There is one more ceremony planned this year, but if anyone wants to purchase more pavers to commemorate something or someone important to them, they can get on the list. “Without you, we could not have this beautiful area, to honor our veterans,” said memorial chair Jim Mataczynski. “That’s why it’s called a community project.”