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>
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>
Labels: safe trailer towing, towing, trailer jack, trailer towing
posted by Greg Chapman at
5:54 PM
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