3 Tips for Towing a Trailer Safely
Knowing how to handle a trailer is important if you’re one of the many Americans that loves spending time outdoors. Heavy equipment like ATVs and jet skis need a secure way to get to the intended destination, and trailers provide a perfect solution.
Towing a trailer of any size requires a delicate touch to stay safe. A little precaution beforehand saves you from big trouble on the road.
Whether you’re out for an adventure or helping your friends move with your trailer, it’s important to understand the size and requirements of your trailer before hitching it to your vehicle. Also, know the in’s and out’s of GVWR.
Ready to learn how to keep you and your vehicle safe to tow a trailer?
Here are three tips when asking how to tow a trailer safely:
1. Balance Load Weight
When it comes time to load up the trailer, keep everything in good balance. If you have one heavy object at the front end, put the next heavy object at the back. Here’s more help on loading a car into an enclosed trailer.
Without this kind of balancing act, you’re putting too much weight in one area that tips the trailer in that direction. This messes with your vehicle’s ability to function in the way it needs to.
For instance, the wheels might lift up or press down too much depending on the weight distribution. It’s a sure way to lose control of the car and get into an accident.
Don’t forget to secure the items down before driving so that they don’t shift around.
2. Don’t Exceed Weight Limit
Before attaching the trailer to a vehicle, make sure that its towing capacity matches with the load weight. You don’t want the vehicle to break down while carrying a far too heavy load behind it.
Look in your vehicle’s manual to find out the exact measurement of weight it’s capable of pulling. Trailer safety starts with knowledge. You don’t want to play a guessing game when it comes to your own safety.
Also, remember to include the weight of the trailer itself into your calculations.
3. Drive Slower and Safer
Once you’re certain that your vehicle has enough power to pull the trailer, it’s time to get on the road. Whether you’re new to this or you’ve driven several trailers before, always go slower than your normal speeds.
You’re carrying a heavy load with you and that gives you less time to react to your surroundings. Give yourself more time to slow down for red lights and take extra care when turning corners.
This kind of precaution might seem a little excessive, but it’s one of the best tips for pulling a trailer. Resist that urge to go fast and you’ll reach your destination without any troubles at all.
Always Practice Towing a Trailer Before Going into Traffic
Practicing is an important step for new skills. In this case, practicing is the difference between a safe journey and an accident.
It doesn’t take much to practice towing a trailer. Drive around your neighborhood. Get used to going into and out of driveways.
You don’t want inexperience slowing you down and messing you up when you’re in the middle of a busy street. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be a trailer safety pro in no time.
If you’re looking for more information, contact us and we’ll help you out!
Related Reading: Safety Tips For Hauling a Trailer
