Breakdowns & Emergencies

Stay calm, stay safe, get help. Keep this page open if things go wrong on the road.

Tap the scenario that matches your situation. The first two are open by default.

Trailer BreakdownFlat tyre, mechanical fault or coupling issue

1. Pull well off the road — slow down gently, don't brake hard, and get as far from traffic as you can.
2. Hazard lights on straight away. If you have a warning triangle or flares, place them well behind the trailer.
3. Stay in the vehicle if it's safe — especially on highways. If you must get out, exit on the side away from traffic.
4. Don't attempt roadside repairs to brakes, coupling or wheels on a busy road.
5. Call us with your order number and location, and we'll advise the next steps or arrange help.

JD Trailer Hire: 0408 131 442  ·  NRMA Roadside: 1300 750 633

Accident or CollisionWhat to do if you're involved in a crash

1. Check for injuries first. If anyone is hurt or in danger, call 000 before anything else.
2. Move to safety if vehicles are driveable and it's safe — off the road and out of traffic.
3. Exchange details with everyone involved: name, phone, vehicle rego and insurer.
4. Take photos of the scene, damage to all vehicles, the road position and any signs or markings.
5. Call us on 0408 131 442 to report the incident and get guidance on the trailer.
6. Report to police if required (injury, significant damage, or the other party leaves), and notify your insurer as soon as possible.

Injuries? Call 000 first.  ·  Trailer issues: 0408 131 442

Flat TyreChanging a trailer tyre safely

1. Pull well off the road onto firm, level ground and put your hazard lights on.
2. Only change it if it's safe — well clear of traffic. If in doubt, call for roadside help instead.
3. Chock the wheels and use the jack on a solid jacking point before loosening the nuts.
4. Check the spare is inflated and the wheel nuts are tight before driving on.

Not safe or not sure? NRMA Roadside: 1300 750 633

Trailer Sway / FishtailMost dangerous — do not brake hard

1. Ease off the accelerator gradually — do not brake hard or steer sharply.
2. Keep the steering wheel straight and let the trailer settle.
3. Let your speed bleed off naturally until the sway stops.
4. Pull over safely once stable and check your load and tyre pressures — sway is usually caused by load too far back or under-inflated tyres.

Trailer Comes LooseIf the coupling detaches while towing

1. Don't panic or brake hard. If a breakaway cable is fitted, it will apply the trailer brakes automatically.
2. Ease off gently and keep the steering straight.
3. Pull over as soon as it's safe and switch on your hazard lights.
4. Do not re-tow until the coupling and safety chains have been checked — call us first.

JD Trailer Hire: 0408 131 442

Severe Weather or Other EmergencyFire, flooding or storm damage

1. In a fire or life-threatening emergency, get clear and call 000.
2. Never drive through floodwater — turn around, don't risk it.
3. Pull over safely and wait it out if conditions are too dangerous to continue.
4. Call us if the trailer is damaged or you can't continue safely.

Emergency: 000  ·  JD Trailer Hire: 0408 131 442

Keep these in your tow vehicle before any trip, especially for regional runs.