Towing should not consider a lightweight job to do, whether you’ve been towing large trailers for years or are preparing to take your first family vacation with a modest travel trailer. A driver must learn an entirely new set of techniques in order to tow a trailer behind another vehicle. Even the simple act of hitching and unhitching a trailer from a tow vehicle needs skill and a number of processes, and safety could be jeopardized if even one is overlooked.
While many people check the tire pressure on their pickup truck, they frequently overlook the trailer’s tires. Also, look for dry rot and cracking in the trailer tires, especially if the trailer is kept outside and hasn’t been used for a while. The tires can fail even though they seem to have plenty of treads because they age over time. Additionally, according to the owner’s manual, the tires on your tow vehicle might need to be inflated to a higher level for towing. Remember to tighten the wheel lug nuts on the trailer and the tow vehicle to the recommended torque.
Before venturing on a towing road trip, ensure your truck has recently had an oil and filter change, the brake pads have plenty of life left, the engine coolant is filled to the correct level in the reservoir, and the transmission fluid is topped off. Towing places additional stress on the tow vehicle. Additionally, it’s a good idea to maintain the wheel bearings oiled and have the brakes on your trailer examined and adjusted if it has them.
Be sure the ball on your tow hitch is the same size as the coupler on your trailer. The most common reason for trailer accidents is improperly sized hitch balls. There are three standard sizes for hitch balls: 17 8 inches, 2 inches, and 2 5/16 inches.
Having a spare tire for your trailer is always a good idea. In case you need to change a flat tire on the side of the road, he adds, you’ll also need a lug nut wrench unique to your trailer’s wheels and a jack that is compatible with your trailer.
Every trailer needs safety chains that attach to the hitch and advises against simply running the trailer’s safety chains in a straight line. “The crossed chains will provide a ‘cradle’ for the tongue of the trailer to fall down onto, instead of digging into the pavement. If something happened and the trailer was disconnected from the tow vehicle.” While not dragging on the road, the chains should have just enough slack to allow for abrupt turns.
Make sure the electrical wiring system of the trailer is securely attached to the tow vehicle before you get on the road. Ensure that wires have enough slack turns without becoming separated from the towing vehicle, but not so loose that they contact the road. Check the wires by hand. Verify that the trailer’s running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and danger lights are all functioning in coordination with the towing vehicle with a partner to confirm visually.
Finding the correct hitch is crucial for vehicles without factory-installed tow hitches. Go to your nearby trailer rental business and describe what you plan to tow. You can receive the right advice from an expert there. Additionally, trailer hitches should be attached to the tow vehicle’s frame rather than its bumper.
Consider installing factory or wider aftermarket tow mirrors if your trailer is wider than your tow vehicle to assist you to notice the trailer’s blind zones while driving and improving rear sight when backing up. Towing a trailer requires as much mirror width as possible. Blind spot warning systems are an option on many recent pickup trucks and SUVs, and they not only aid with the truck’s blind spots but also provide alerts for the whole length of the trailer.
If you intend to haul a lot, ordering a full-sized pickup with an extra-large fuel tank is an excellent option. You usually consume more fuel while towing, and stopping at small, remote gas stations is not always straightforward when pulling an extended, tall trailer. Use wheel chocks. To avoid rolling away from the trailer when it is released from the tow vehicle, place wheel chocks—sturdy blocks in the shape of a wedge—in front of and behind the trailer’s tires.
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