Towing is an integral part of the day to day life for many people. Whether you own a personal vehicle for easy mobility or for commercial purposes, chances are, at one point in your life, you will need trailer towing services. You don’t want to end up on the side of the road with a broken-down trailer. To avoid this, it’s essential to make sure you are prepared for any situation before you head out on your next trip. Here are seven tips for safe trailer towing;
-
Check for proper weight distribution
Your trailer should be evenly loaded from front to back, as well as side to side. If you place heavy objects on one end of the trailer, it makes it harder for you and your car to handle when turning or braking.
If a strap breaks while going down the road at 70 mph, that can lead to some very dangerous situations. Make sure all of your equipment is intact before every trip. You do not want any more objects flying off the back of your trailer while you are on the road. Check inside your vehicle before each drive to make sure nothing has come loose during transport or if something fell off while on the route.
-
Check the towing vehicle’s capacity
This one is pretty obvious. You can’t tow something if your car or truck isn’t equipped to do so. Check the manual for what kind of trailer weight it says you can pull and make sure that this doesn’t exceed your vehicle’s capacity. Otherwise, it can lead to some severe problems and danger.
-
Check the trailer’s equipment
It is only prudent to ensure that all vehicle components are functioning correctly before you take off. Ensure that all safety chains and brakes are intact so as not to create driving hazards for other drivers or yourself. Check your lights before heading out so that other drivers can see you on the road if it’s dark outside or foggy.
When you are towing a trailer, don’t try and push it. Maintain the speed limit and be patient. This is especially important in high-density traffic areas so as to not cause any dangerous driving situations or accidents. Don’t follow too closely behind other vehicles, particularly big trucks.
Check tire pressure prior to each long-distance ride so there are no surprises with poorly inflated tires which will affect handling capabilities. Also, keep in mind that underinflated tires cause more wear and tear on your vehicle and trailer wheels resulting in earlier replacement costs. Get an automatic tire inflation system installed.
Mirrors are a significant part of driving, and they are vital when you’re towing a trailer. So make sure that your mirrors are clean to increase the visibility of what’s behind you at all times. Ensure you can see the lane you want to be in and make any necessary lane changes early.
Don’t forget the basics. Make sure every person is buckled up at all times. Keep these tips in mind in your next trailer towing. It will help ensure that your next trip is safe and efficient.
Check for proper weight distribution
Your trailer should be evenly loaded from front to back, as well as side to side. If you place heavy objects on one end of the trailer, it makes it harder for you and your car to handle when turning or braking.
Check chains/straps
If a strap breaks while going down the road at 70 mph, that can lead to some very dangerous situations. Make sure all of your equipment is intact before every trip. You do not want any more objects flying off the back of your trailer while you are on the road. Check inside your vehicle before each drive to make sure nothing has come loose during transport or if something fell off while on the route.
Check the towing vehicle’s capacity
This one is pretty obvious. You can’t tow something if your car or truck isn’t equipped to do so. Check the manual for what kind of trailer weight it says you can pull and make sure that this doesn’t exceed your vehicle’s capacity. Otherwise, it can lead to some severe problems and danger.
Check the trailer’s equipment
It is only prudent to ensure that all vehicle components are functioning correctly before you take off. Ensure that all safety chains and brakes are intact so as not to create driving hazards for other drivers or yourself. Check your lights before heading out so that other drivers can see you on the road if it’s dark outside or foggy.
Don’t be in a hurry
When you are towing a trailer, don’t try and push it. Maintain the speed limit and be patient. This is especially important in high-density traffic areas so as to not cause any dangerous driving situations or accidents. Don’t follow too closely behind other vehicles, particularly big trucks.
Tire pressure
Check tire pressure prior to each long-distance ride so there are no surprises with poorly inflated tires which will affect handling capabilities. Also, keep in mind that underinflated tires cause more wear and tear on your vehicle and trailer wheels resulting in earlier replacement costs. Get an automatic tire inflation system installed.
Check the mirrors
Mirrors are a significant part of driving, and they are vital when you’re towing a trailer. So make sure that your mirrors are clean to increase the visibility of what’s behind you at all times. Ensure you can see the lane you want to be in and make any necessary lane changes early.
Don’t forget the basics. Make sure every person is buckled up at all times. Keep these tips in mind in your next trailer towing. It will help ensure that your next trip is safe and efficient.
admin