How to tow a trailer safely

Leaving your home for a camping with a trailer requires to tow it to the place you want to spend time. This is a perfect idea of course, yet you need to be informed about some specific techniques and important moments of trailer towing. This article will reveal main of these.

If you are convinced that hauling your trailer is as easy as ordinary driving, you’re mistaking. You have to know first the right hooking up method, the rules of hitting the road and learn how to do basic maneuvers. Make sure you’re ready for the towing checking up the following tricks.

They will give you a clue on how to tow a trailer safely and in the proper way. Things happen on the road, so you must know more. But if you still get into hot water, there are always professionals ready to help. If you need a specialist, you can find a suitable one on HireRush.com. Leave your application here.Leave your request here

Read these useful tips and get to know how to be safe and reach your destination easily. Pulling a trailer is not that complicated with our instructions.

7 Helpful tips on how to tow your trailer safely

• Define the maximum weight

The very first thing you have to do is find out how much cargo you can tow. Every vehicle, no matter a simple motor-car or a trunk, has its own limit of weight it can tow. So, start with figuring out the exact figures. To that end, consult your auto manual.

What’s more, following the manufacturer’s directions is important because you need to properly choose the type of hitching you will use. So it’s absolutely necessary to find the owner’s manual before proceeding further. As an alternative, look for your car’s capability online or in auto shop.

Your task is to check a couple of numbers you will inevitably need to know in order to ensure a save towing. One of these is the gross trailer weight (GTW) that is the total weight of your trailer including its build-in fixtures. Another number is the maximum tongue weight. It indicates weight limit for the vehicle you will be towing the trailer with.

• Select the proper hitch

All vehicles are divided into subclasses, every of which requires the according hitch. It should be clear that cars differ in hitches. That’s why, look into your manual again to find out what class your car belongs to and hence, what type of hitch suits you.

The best option is to install a large hitch receiver. It will give you the opportunity to change the hitch sizes of different cargo weights your car is able to tow. To adjust your receiver to any load, you have to move a drawbar.

Next, is to choose the right ball to carry your trailer. The bigger the hitch drawbar ball, the more weight your vehicle will be able to pull.

• Hook up the trailer

Unlock the hitch lock before affixing. Using the tongue jack, set your trailer onto the ball and secure the hitch. After that, take care of safety on the road. For this purpose, cross chains by the hitch. This will protect your trailer from coming off the vehicle and prevent from traffic accident.

When crossing safety chains, leave a bit of loosening. But don’t overdo. The chains may also be crossed under the tongue. This won’t allow the trailer to fully disconnect on the road. At the end of attaching, make sure the ball fits the size of the tongue.

• Install wiring harness

Wiring harness is a set of connections aimed at easing of installing the connector to the vehicle you use to tow. This element is absolutely crucial for towing, as the wiring provides your trailer with all necessary lights and signals you must have when driving.

So to be a law-abiding citizen and ensure your safety, check the operation of the brake lights first. Then look at the turning signals. If your trailer has a brake battery, make sure it is charged.

• Control the tongue weight

The optimal weight of the hitch is one tenth of the overall trailer weight. It is important to keep it around this figure, as it guarantees the trailer is firm in its position when towing. So make sure the center of gravity is located on the hitch.

To measure the weight, use the bathroom scales. If they can’t show the number, put them closer to the tongue. And then, count the approximate weight taking the distance into consideration. In some cases it is reasonable to install equalizing bars. They will balance a pressure on the hitch.

Make sure you are ready to go. All these preparation steps should be done in order to prevent any damages and incidents. Nevertheless, remember about your local tow companies available.

• Hit the road

If you tow a trailer for the first time, you better have some practice before going out on a long distance. Some things need to be accustomed to. First of all, you have a taller vehicle now. So spend some time to learn how to drive, especially you need to train parking.

When you’re on the road, always be double cautious manoeuvring with the trailer behind. Increase speed and slowdown gradually. Be careful when stopping for refueling. By the way, get ready to fuel more. Always check if you need fuels beforehand.

Besides, you should frequently stop and check the attachment. Get used to double checking the traffic situation watching in car mirrors.

• Master compound manoeuvres

With a trailer hauling it’s far more difficult to steer than usually. Hence, you need to learn some basic techniques. Sometimes you will need help, especially during backpedal. If you want to park, try to find more space in order to take perpendicular position.

Another tip is to learn the snake turn. If you want to direct the trailer to the right, steer to the left. Don’t rush. Then, straighten your wheels. Always use side mirrors and don’t forget about the front.