Learning To Tow Safely

Accidents happen more frequently with inexperienced drivers who are towing trailers than drivers not towing trailers. Why does this happen? The most common reason is due to the fact motorists are not required to obtain a special license or having training to tow. This fact combined with the fact that many people think they can drive the way they normally do with the trailer attached to the rear of their vehicle is certainly an accident waiting to happen.

If you are an experienced driver wanting to tow a trailer, here is some towing information that may help you.

1. Because trailer wheels are closer to the inside of a turn than the wheels of the tow vehicle, they are more likely to hit or ride up over curbs. Make sure to take turns wide at corners, curbs and curves.

2. Operate your vehicle at moderate speeds and avoid sudden starts, stops and turns to reduce trailer sway, allowing for adequate reaction time. The phenomenon commonly referred to as “trailer sway” occurs when a trailer being towed by a car, truck or van begins to sway or swing back and forth as it is being pulled. Severe instances of trailer sway can cause drivers to lose control. Cautious driving can help minimize trailer sway, and now new technology from truck and SUV manufacturers helps to virtually eliminate this occurrence.

3. When backing up to either a parking spot or to hitch a trailer use slight movements of the steering wheel to adjust direction. Exaggerated movements will cause excessive movement to the trailer. If you experience difficulty, pull forward and realign the tow vehicle and trailer or start again.

Automotive companies have developed some features such as a reverse camera system to help trailer, boat or RV towers get to their destination quickly.

4. Create a safety checklist before you begin any traveling with your RV, boat or trailer. Below are some pre-departure checklist items:

* Check and correct tire pressure on the tow vehicle and trailer, as low pressure hurts not only the drive of the vehicle but also the fuel economy.

* Make sure the wheel lug nuts/bolts on the tow vehicle and the trailer is tightened to the correct torque.

* Be sure the hitch, coupler, draw bar, and other equipment that connect the trailer and tow vehicle are properly secured and adjusted.

* Check that wiring is properly connected -- not touching the road, but loose enough to make turns without disconnecting or damaging the wires.

* Make sure all running lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working.

* Verify that the brakes on the tow vehicle and trailer are operating correctly.

* Check that all items are securely fastened on and in the trailer.

* Be sure the trailer jack, tongue support and any attached stabilizers are raised and locked in place.

* Check load distribution to make sure the tow vehicle and trailer are properly balanced front to back and side to side.

* Check side- and rear-view mirrors to make sure you have good visibility.

* Check routes and restrictions on bridges and tunnels.

* Make sure you have wheel chocks and a jack stand.

5. Last, make sure your hitch matches your vehicle’s towing capacity. Below are the classifications.

CLASS I - LIGHT-DUTY

* 2,000-lb. maximum weight (trailer and cargo combined)

* Folding camping trailers and trailers for small boats, motorcycles and snowmobiles

* Conventional weight-carrying hitch

CLASS II - MEDIUM-DUTY

* 2,001-3,500-lb. gross trailer weight - Single-axle, small- to medium- length (up to 18 ft.) trailers

* Almost all trucks, SUVs and some mini-vans can be equipped to tow these trailers

* Conventional weight-distributing hitch not required unless specified for a particular vehicle

CLASS III - HEAVY-DUTY

* 3,501-5,000-lb. gross trailer weight - Dual-axle or large single-axle travel trailers

* Most properly equipped trucks and SUVs can tow them. Conventional weight-distributing hitch not required unless specified for a particular vehicle

CLASS IV - EXTRA-HEAVY-DUTY

* Over 5,000-lb. gross trailer weight o Largest travel and fifth-wheel trailers made for recreation

* Most trucks and SLWs can be equipped to handle trailers in this class

* Most applications require a conventional weight-distributing or fifth-wheel hitch

About the Author: Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com>

How to Find a Quality Mechanic

When your car fails you by breaking down or not starting, the last thing you need is a bad mechanic working on it. So how do you make sure you find someone who has the right experience and is trustworthy enough to take your car to? Here are a few things to look for.


1. Is the garage and surrounding area neat? Some clutter and parts lying around is not a reason to find a different mechanic. Has the place been cleaned recently? Take a look at the cars that are in for service. If you see cars that are in good shape, then their owners take care of them, and therefore would choose a reputable mechanic.

2. Whoever takes down your information and talks to you about what you want done should be courteous and helpful. If you have a question, ask. Don't feel dumb if you think it's a stupid question, they have heard everything at least once before, and they won't laugh at you.

3. Ask for a few references. Call those references and ask them the following: Are you happy with the shop's service? Do you think they do good work for the money? Are they helpful if problems arise? How long does it take to get a service appointment?

4. Ask about the shop's policies regarding payment, hourly rates, storage charges and guarantees. This information should be properly displayed.

5. Make sure that the shop regularly services your make of vehicle. If they specialize in American cars, your European sports car will be better off somewhere else.

6. Does the shop proudly display the mechanics training certificates (ASE), Better Business Bureau membership certificate and AAA certification?

7. Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area: civic and community service awards, membership in the Better Business Bureau, AAA-Approved Auto Repair status, customer service awards.

8. Look for evidence of qualified technicians, such as trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and ASE certifications — a national standard of technician competence.

9. Most importantly, keep records of all the service that is performed on your vehicle, and make sure that all services performed are itemized on those bills.

Once you find a mechanic, you may want to consider the following:

1. Repeat business will earn you perks, such as getting bumped to the front of the line when you need emergency service. If you find a good shop, reward them by referring them to your friends.
2. If you are unsatisfied with the service you receive, speak to the manager of the garage and try to come to a resolution. A reputable garage will try to fix the problem and keep you as a satisfied customer.

3. Keep good records; keep all paperwork. This is vital to assessing the car's value when trading it in or selling it privately.

4. Reward good service with repeat business. It is mutually beneficial to you and the shop owner to establish a relationship.

5. If the service was not all you expected, don't rush to another shop. Discuss the problem with the service manager or owner. Give the business a chance to resolve the problem. Reputable shops value customer feedback and will make a sincere effort to keep your business.

6. Treat your mechanic well. Send him something for the holidays. Some people get a box of doughnuts or cookies and leave them on the passenger seat of their cars for the mechanic and his crew.

About the Author: Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com>