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>

Safe Towing Practices

The ability to tow a trailer optimizes the utility of a vehicle, and even many types of cars can double as tow vehicles when needed. Regardless of the size and type of a tow vehicle, towing a trailer introduces new risks and calls for extra cautious driving.

First, it is important to ensure that you are using the appropriate equipment for your vehicle and the trailer you will be towing. Though many cars can tow trailers, all cars cannot, and it is not enough to hitch up the trailer, load your cargo and hit the road. Consulting with the owner’s manual for your vehicle and staying within the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) specified for your vehicle is critical to safe towing. The GCWR is the maximum allowable combined weight of the vehicle itself, passengers, trailer and cargo, and should never be exceeded. Your vehicle owner’s manual may specify a maximum trailer towing capacity, so be sure to read and follow all recommendations before you load up. Additionally, adhere to weight and speed recommendations provided in the trailer’s owner manual or by the company from which you have rented the trailer.

Once you have verified that all components of the trailer, hitch and vehicle are functioning and secure, and weight is distributed on the trailer according to manufacturer recommendations, you are ready to begin your journey. Driving with a trailer in tow requires exercising more caution when stopping, accelerating, and maneuvering on the roadways. The first rule of safe towing is to take it slowly. With the added weight and length on your vehicle, you will need to allow more space to stop, start and slow down. Accelerating and decelerating at a slow rate will give you optimal control, minimize wear and tear on the tow vehicle and reduce the risk to other drivers on the road. Avoid sudden movements to protect your vehicle and prevent cargo from shifting and affecting the weight distribution of the load.

Towing a trailer on the road demands that you be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Check mirrors frequently so that you are aware of vehicles beside and behind you, and to inspect the trailer for problems. Keep the steering wheel gripped with both hands to maintain optimal control because wind, crosswinds from passing vehicles and uneven road surfaces could cause your vehicle to jolt unexpectedly. Additionally, extra space should be allowed when making maneuvers such as turns and lane changes. If you are traveling with a trailer for an extended distance, make frequent stops to perform a safety check on the cargo, hitch and tires of both the tow vehicle and trailer.

Because of the added weight, your vehicle will not react as quickly when it has a trailer in tow. Allow plenty of time to reach your destination when traveling with a trailer to avoid the temptation to speed or skip important safety checks. Adhering to all recommendations for your vehicle and trailer and exercising utmost caution when driving with a trailer in tow will help ensure safe travel for both your passengers and other motorists on the road.

About the Author: Greg Chapman, of Greg Chapman Motors, is a leading provider of used cars in Austin. For more information please visit Greg Chapman Motors.