Trailers come in handy for moving, heavy-work jobs, and leisure activities that require towing a boat, recreational gear, ATVs, bikes, or even a second vehicle. Towing a trailer takes practice, but luckily, part of it boils down to simple mathematical calculations and a few basic safety steps. While some aspects of towing may take trial and error to master, such as backing up and making a turn, others such as finding the right weight and hitch for your vehicle, as well as placing and securing the load strategically, will help avoid some of the most common problems on the road.
Finding the Right Weight and Hitch
Your vehicle’s towing capacity can be found in the owner’s manual. You will need to identify two different weight specifications for your vehicle:
- GTW (gross trailer weight): how much trailer weight your vehicle can tow, including the weight of the trailer’s contents when loaded.
- Tongue weight: the amount of stability provided in the hitch, which determines the class of hitch to be installed on the vehicle, as well as where the center of gravity in your trailer will lie. Swaying trailers result from insufficient tongue weight.
After you position and secure your load will be the best time to check your trailer’s weight using the nearest truck scale or gravel lot.
Positioning and Securing Load
Distribute the load evenly throughout the trailer so that it stays balanced, with a stable center of gravity. Fasten every object down, using tarps, bungee cords, and ties. Don’t forget moveable items like drawers. Even if you don’t think it will move, in all likelihood, it can, whether due to shifts in weight, wind, or stops. If an object flies from the trailer and causes damage to another vehicle, you can be held responsible.
Brake Light and Tire Checks
Check your trailer’s brake lights and tires before you drive, and whenever you make stops. An underinflated trailer tire quickly builds up too much heat. Turn on your vehicle’s emergency flashers and walk to the back of the trailer to make sure the brake lights are working.
Maneuvering in Traffic
Making turns, parking, changing lanes, and backing up all become more challenging with the extra weight and length of the trailer in tow. Practicing in an empty parking lot before towing the trailer in traffic can help you handle the vehicle better the first time on the road. Stay calm if you make too narrow of a turn, and have a passenger who can get out and spot you during backups and tight turns. For more trailer driving tips, visit here.
Conveniently located on E. Main St/Highway 9, Terry's Autobody has been selling and servicing vehicles and trailers since 1986 in Riceville, Iowa. Please visit our site or call (641) 985-2536 to learn more about us!
