How to Load & Secure a Spool Safely on a Reel Trailer

Properly loading and securing a spool on a cable reel trailer is essential for ensuring safety, preventing damage, and complying with transportation regulations. Whether you’re hauling electrical cable, fiber optics, or other spool-mounted materials, using the correct techniques can help you avoid costly delays and accidents. In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step best practices for safely loading, securing, and transporting a spool on a reel trailer.

NOTICE: This operating instructions apply to Wheeler Reeler single reel trailers only

This video or article is for educational purposes only and does NOT replace reading and understanding your trailer’s operational manual and safety instructions. Always consult your operator’s manual for model-specific guidelines. Failure to follow safety procedures can result in serious injury or death.

LOADING:

1) Prior to loading, the trailer must be parked on stable, flat ground and attached to the tow vehicle at all times.

2) Attach the hitch, safety chains, breakaway kit and electrical connector to the towing vehicle.

3) Remove the PTO pins which secure the safety bars.

4) Raise the safety bars and secure using the PTO pins.

5) Using the hydraulic manual pump or hydraulic electric pump, raise the slide lifts until they reach their maximum allowable height (fully raised position), this will relieve pressure off the transport lock pins.

6) Once pressure is off the transport lock pins, remove the PTO pins that secure the transport lock pins and pull back on the transport lock pins to unlock. Cock both pins against the frame of the slide lift.

7) Slides should now lower by turning the release valve on the hydraulic manual pump no more than one full turn (if electric pump, use down button). When the slide lifts have lowered fully, close the release valve.

8) Loosen the bolts on both spool bar clamps using a 3/4” wrench. Remove the left and right spool bar pins from the spool bar.

9) Remove the end collar and the spool bar clamp closest to the open end of the spool bar (leave the other spool bar clamp on the spool bar).

10) Remove the spool bar from the trailer and insert the open end of the spool bar through the spool hole. Center the spool on the spool bar so an equal amount of spool bar is visible on each side of the spool.

11) Once spool is centered, position one spool bar clamp against each side of the spool and tighten the bolts on both clamps to secure. Place the spool into the opening of the trailer and position the spool so the spool bar can fit into the highest matching lifting slots on the slide lift.

12) With spool and bar in position on the slide lift, lower the safety bars by removing the PTO pins and secure with the PTO pins.

13) Using the hydraulic pump, raise the spool bar/slides until they reach their maximum allowable height. Uncock the left and right transport lock pins from the frame and lock both into the slide lift.

14) With both transport lock pins securely locked into the slide lift and PTO pins secured, slowly open the hydraulic release valve (down arrow button on electric pump). This will allow the slide lifts to lower and transfer the weight of the spool from the hydraulic cylinders to the transport lock pins.

15) Once the weight has been transferred to the transport lock pins, close the release valve on the hand pump. With slide lifts locked into position, visually check to ensure the spool has adequate ground clearance prior to movement of the tow vehicle.

UNLOADING

Prior to unloading, the trailer must be parked on stable, flat ground and attached to the tow vehicle at all times. Remove the PTO pins which secure the safety bars. Raise the safety bars and secure using the PTO pins. Using the hydraulic manual/electric pump, raise the slide lifts to their maximum allowable height. Once pressure is off the transport lock pins, remove the PTO pins that secure the transport lock pins and pull back on the transport lock pins to unlock. Cock both pins against the frame of the slide lift. Lower the slide lifts by turning the release valve on the hydraulic manual pump no more than one full turn (if electric pump, use down button). When the slide lifts have lowered fully, close the release valve. Remove the left and right spool bar pins from the spool bar. Remove spool from trailer. Once spool is safely placed to the ground, remove the end collar and loosen the bolts on both spool bar clamps. Remove spool bar clamp closest to the open end of spool bar (leave the other spool bar clamp on the spool bar). Remove the spool bar from the spool.