Trailer Towing Tips Everyone Should Know
Towing a trailer is not something we all do regularly and it can actually be quite dangerous if you don't take the proper safety precautions. Even people experienced in towing need to be careful from the moment they load up the trailer to when it is safely unlatched at its destination. Things can and do go wrong for people every step of the way from attaching the trailer to operating your vehicle on the road.
Let's take a look at the main things you need to be aware of when dealing with trailer tow hitch:
Get The Right Trailer Tow Hitch
It's not uncommon for people to load a trailer that simply isn't built for their needs. You'd think that a trailer can usually handle what can be physically loaded onto it, but this simply isn’t the case. Always check the trailer's maximum load capacity and if you have any doubts don't take the risk.
Legality also comes into the equation here. There's a reason larger trailers need to be registered – if they aren't in a proper working order they can pose a real risk to you and the drivers around you once you're out on the road. Whether you're hiring it or own it, make sure the registration is up to date.
Sway, which can be caused due to a number of factors, is one of the main problems you need to avoid if you´re going to be safe on the road. If you have a heavily loaded trailer, it might be worth getting an AirSafe trailer tow hitch to ensure your safety and reduce that sway factor.
Load Your Trailer The Right Way
This is common sense but can be overlooked quite often. If your load is made up of various items, make sure the heaviest things are placed in the middle of the trailer side by side to ensure the weight distribution is ideal. Depending on the type of trailer you are using, you may need to tie the items down. Also, consider using a tarp if the weather is rainy to protect your belongings.
Drive Safely
Accidents that involve trailers often come about due to emergency stops and driving too fast, both of which can cause the trailer to sway and potentially make the vehicle difficult to control. There are a lot of ways you can reduce the risk of the sway factor, some of which we've already discussed. But responsible driving is arguably the most important.
Be sure to take it slow around corners, on freeways, and allowing more space between you and the car in front. Carrying a load behind you will reduce the effectiveness of your braking system, despite the fact that some trailers have brakes as well. In fact, your vehicle is likely to handle very differently to what you're used to, so if you're aren't experienced in this drive slowly first to get a feel for it.
Ultimately, common sense and patience can go a long way to keeping safe towing a trailer on the roads. One small mistake can be very costly so be sure to take the time to prepare your load and know the risks prior to hitting the road.
So engaging one capable and effective tow hitch to ensure the trailer's safety is recommended and for that, it would be prudent to take a resort to the most renowned and popular AirSafe Hitch technology, by Australia’s leading authorised distributors AirSafe Hitch Australia.