Whether you’re hauling a boat or taking your family to the beach, a towing system can help you get where you need to go. But before you hitch up, it’s important to know the basics of Towing.
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Whether you tow your recreational vehicle to the lake, trailer your horse to shows, or are simply helping a friend move, towing is a big responsibility that requires a great deal of knowledge. Adding a load to your car can change its driving dynamics, and mistakes can lead to severe injuries for both you and other drivers on the road.
There are many things that can go wrong when towing, but a few key safety protocols can help you avoid a lot of them. Here are some of the most common hazards you should watch out for:
Make sure that your vehicle and trailer have the right weight capacity. Taking on extra weight can make your vehicle’s transmission and suspension system overwork themselves. This can be very dangerous if you’re on a busy highway. Having a tow truck service assess your load before hitting the road can ensure that everything is safe and legal.
Always double check that your trailer’s electrical wiring system is connected to the car before you hit the road. This can be difficult to do on your own, so you should have someone with you to help. The wires should be loose enough to make turns without getting disconnected, but not so loose that they touch the road. Additionally, it’s important to verify that your trailer’s running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights are working in correlation with the towing vehicle.
If you’re towing a large load, it’s essential to use safety chains to keep the trailer in place if the hitch fails. These chains should be strong enough to hold the weight of the trailer, and they should be crisscrossed under the hitch in the shape of an X. In addition, a breakaway system can be installed on the trailer to automatically apply the brakes if it becomes detached from the towing vehicle while driving.
During an emergency, it’s best to rely on professional towing services, like Snellville Towing Services. They’re trained to handle various scenarios and can provide optimal care for your vehicle and trailer. Additionally, they’re familiar with local laws and regulations. Trusting a professional will reduce risks, ensure optimal care for your vehicle and trailer, and give you peace of mind during an already stressful situation.
Check Your Tires
The trailer tires are the only thing that is touching the road and any damage to them can lead to major issues with stability and control. It is important to check the tires before a trip to make sure they are in good shape and properly inflated. This will help to ensure the safety of both you and other drivers on the road.
First, you want to make sure your trailer is properly loaded with all the gear needed for the trip. This will ensure that the trailer isn’t overloaded and that the tires are not being overworked. Then, you will want to check the tire pressure to make sure it is set correctly. This will help to avoid blowouts and other problems on the road.
It is also important to check the tread of the tires. You should look for uneven wear which can indicate under or over inflation. Also, you should look for any damage such as cuts or leaking air that needs to be repaired. If you find any of this, it is essential to fix it before heading out for a tow.
Finally, you should check the max load rating of your trailer tires. This can be found on the tire placard inside the driver’s door jamb. It is recommended to run the tires at the maximum pressure rated on the tire placard when not towing. Then you should increase the pressure when towing to prevent over loading of the tires.
When the vehicle manufacturer specified a particular maximum pressure on the tire placard, they did so with the maximum load of the rig in mind. So, contrary to what some people claim on the internet, you shouldn’t have to increase your trailer tire pressure when towing.
Don’t Be Afraid to Take Your Time
Whether you tow your favorite offroad toys with a trailer, haul your horses to shows with a horse trailer or are heading out for a weekend camping trip in an RV, learning how to drive with a trailer is a process. There is a learning curve and the more you practice, the better your driving will become. Many people are surprised at how difficult it is to maneuver a trailer, especially when starting out. However, once you master these tips, towing will be no more difficult than driving a car or truck.
One of the most important things to remember is that a trailer adds a great deal of weight to your vehicle. This extra weight affects the way your vehicle handles, accelerates and brakes. As a result, you must be sure to reduce your speed when towing. Slower speeds will also help to extend the life of your vehicle’s brakes and prevent unnecessary wear and tear.
You should also allow for more distance when passing other vehicles on the road. This is because your towing vehicle and trailer combination will affect air flow more than a single car. This can lead to a loss of control if you are not careful.
Always keep your trailer’s height in mind when approaching gas stations or passing under low bridges. The last thing you want is to get stuck and have to call a towing company for assistance.
If you are new to towing, a large empty parking lot after hours is an excellent place to practice the maneuvers needed to safely drive with a trailer. It will be easier to get the feel of your trailer in an empty lot than in front of other drivers on a busy road.
You can also try practicing backing up in this area. Remember to make wide turns at corners and curves to allow the trailer wheels to fit inside of a turn without hitting other vehicles or stationary objects on the side of the road. It is also a good idea to have a friend spot you while performing these maneuvers. This will remove the stress of interacting with other motorists while you are still on the learning curve and avoid any mistakes that could be dangerous or costly.
Stay in Your Lane
Whether you’re towing a horse trailer on the way to a show or taking your camper out on the road, there is a certain amount of responsibility that goes with driving at higher speeds. The exact speed that is safe will vary depending on the size of your trailer, your towing vehicle, and the road conditions. Keeping in mind these tips can help you be a safer towing driver.
One of the most important factors in towing safety is staying in your lane. Your vehicle has to work much harder when towing a load, so it’s essential that you stay within your lane and don’t attempt any sudden movements. This will also help you to avoid any accidents or other situations that could occur if you suddenly change lanes.
On a two-lane road, it is not safe to pass when towing a trailer, so be sure to drive in the extreme right lane or slow moving lane. In fact, some bridges even require you to drive in the far right lane. This is due to the increased stopping distance that comes with towing a trailer.
In addition, you should never try to pass on an incline or steep descent. This can be dangerous for both you and the vehicles behind you. Instead, you should try to pass only when the road is completely flat and safe to do so.
If you do need to pass a slower vehicle, it’s recommended that you signal early and give yourself plenty of room. This will alert other drivers to your intent, and they will be able to prepare accordingly. Also, don’t forget to check that your trailer lights are working properly and that they are visible from the road.
Towing can be a great way to save money on your travels, or to enjoy a new hobby. Just be sure to follow these basic safety tips, and your journeys will be much more enjoyable! Have you ever driven while towing a trailer? What did you think about the experience? Let us know in the comments below!