Tow the Line: 5 Tips for Towing Your First Trailer
Posted on: 3 January 2017
Towing a trailer for the first time can be nervewracking, but it need not be. Following a few simple safety and maintenance tips will help to ensure that you are doing all you can to avoid an accident or vehicle malfunction as you are hurdling down the freeway at 65 miles per hour. The safer you can keep your trailer, the better. These tips will help you get started for the first time.
1. Take a look at your truck's gross combined weight rating.
This number reflects the amount your truck can weigh, including its passengers and cargo. Having more passengers in the truck means that you will not be able to tow as much, for instance. Not sure where to find this handy information? It is typically found inside the driver's door on a sticker. The government requires all trucks to have this information printed to prevent accidents and poor functioning as you travel.
2. Apply safety chains in the shape of the letter X.
Crossing your safety chains from one side to the other to create an "X" shape is the safest way to apply them. Should your hitch let go, the tongue of the trailer will drop into the chain—not on the street. In the meantime, this puts you more in control. You suffer less damage to your truck in the process. Plus, this allows you to turn tightly.
3. Never try to use the wrong hitch ball on your trailer.
It is common that people try to use a hitch ball that is a bit too small for the trailer. Even "close enough" does not work. You certainly do not want your trailer to pop off of the hitch; this could lead to more damage. Your latch should feel smooth and natural, not like something that you have to fight.
4. Save gas money by checking your tire pressure.
When your tire pressure is on track, your truck and trailer will use up less gas. Plus, you experience less risk of one of your tires popping if you hit something sharp. Blowing a tire on the highway is definitely not something you want to experience, even without a trailer in tow.
5. Don't follow others too closely.
It is never a good idea to follow the car in front of you too closely, but this is an especially bad idea when you are carrying the extra weight of a trailer. It takes longer to brake if something happens. It will also take more time for you to turn, and you will need to turn later than you would with a car to prevent clipping the curb or a structure.
Towing your first trailer can be simple when you know what to expect. Avoid the potential fear and stress of hauling a trailer by following this advice and asking a professional for answers when you need towing advice.
Talk to a company such as Wild Bills to learn more.
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