Thursday, October 3, 2013

Simple Tips For Towing Safety

By Randy Craft


There are several situations when it may become necessary to pull another object or vehicle behind one's car or truck. Perhaps someone is moving and would like to transport their own belongings rather than hire a company, or they're going camping, or perhaps maybe they just need to get their boat out to the water. For those occasions, it is important to have a grasp of towing safety.

Pulling another object behind one's vehicle is very convenient but it can also be quite hazardous if not done correctly. Anyone who is going to undertake this task should know the very basics of parking, passing, breaking, turning and weight distribution under these circumstances. Knowing and observing these tips will make the road safer for everyone.

Weight distribution is of the utmost importance. Regardless of what or who is being towed in the box trailers, it is imperative that it not get too heavy on one side or over a single axle because it makes things unbalanced. Follow the restrictions that came with the hitch to make sure it can handle the pressure that one is planning to place on it.

Parking is much easier when two work together. One stays inside with the brake held firmly while the other places stops either in front of or behind the wheels of the trailer, depending on whether or not they are on an up or downgrade. In an automatic, the vehicle should be put in park before releasing the brake, and in either reverse or first in a manual.

Passing or changing lanes is only slightly different than in a vehicle alone in that one should give the intention signal well in advance and leave enough extra room for the trailer before moving back to the right lane. This should also never be done on steep grades, neither up nor down. Since stopping with a tow requires extra time, try to leave one full length of the two parts for every 10 mph between front bumper and the car in front.

The chances of jackknifing or actually tipping over are highest during turns. Emergency braking and sudden jerks on the steering wheel are more hazardous because they cause sudden weight shifts. Corners should be taken with caution and allowing extra curb space on the inside to avoid running the wheels up on it.

Towing safety is a lot of common sense. One needs to be constantly aware of the extended length and extra weight trailing behind the vehicle to keep control. Minding and obeying the speed limits are important, especially in inclement weather.




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