3 Tips for Towing in the Winter

Winter is a beautiful time of year with fresh powder of snow, Christmas songs, hot chocolate, and heated seats in your car to keep you cozy while driving. Enjoying long winter drives and seeing trees covered in snow can be beautiful but can turn dangerous with icy roads or heavy snow hitting your windshield. If you are traveling far with a trailer this winter, keep you and your family safe with some planning and preparation. These winter towing tips will help you and your trailer arrive safe and on time at your destination.

Regular Maintenance Check

Before you begin your long drive, it’s important to make sure your trailer is up-to-date on its maintenance checks. Part of maintenance checks should be checking the battery. Cold temperatures may cause old batteries to die. If your battery is a few years old, consider replacing it. Terry's Auto Body & Trailer Sales offers brake repairs, new wheel and tire replacements, bearing and seal replacements and more. By having a regular maintenance check, it’s an efficient way to ensure breakdowns won’t happen and you remain safe on your drive.

Install Trailer Brakes

Towing in snow can be extremely dangerous if you are not equipped with the right equipment. If your trailer is equipped with a trailer brake controller, adjust it to provide less braking power in the snow. By doing so, it will help prevent the trailer tires from locking up, sliding, and potentially jackknifing. If your trailer is not equipped with trailer brake controllers, Terry's Auto Body & Trailer Sales can install a set of trailer brakes. By installing brakes, it helps distribute brake force between your vehicle and the trailer and you are less likely to fishtail or slide.

Avoid Cruise Control

Cruise control is wonderful when driving long distance but avoid using cruise control while towing in the winter. When allowing your vehicle to control the throttle, you become less engaged with driving and less likely to react quickly and safely when a dangerous situation arises. The cruise control system also isn’t able to detect when the weather gets bad and how snow covered the road is which may result in accelerating or downshifting at the wrong time and potentially destabilizing the trailer.

If you are driving a trailer this winter in the snow, contact Terry's Auto Body & Trailer Sales for all your trailer needs, repairs, and maintenance. Avoid disaster and keep your family safe while driving. Call 641-985-2536 or visit our website at www.ricevilletrailers.com.

How to Teach Someone How To Tow a Trailer

When you imagine learning how to drive, we would have to assume that a nervous teenager who has no experience behind the wheel instantly comes to mind. Things that seem so routine and mundane to you, such as using the turn signal or changing lanes, seem like insurmountable tasks to a new driver. But after careful instruction and testing, soon, that timid teenager understands the rules of the road and can safely and seamlessly operate a vehicle.

Mastering the art of driving a typical automobile is one thing. Driving that automobile with a trailer towed behind it is an entirely different situation. Whether you are dealing a 16-year-old who just got their driver's license, or a lifelong friend who has plenty of years experience behind the wheel, here are a few things to keep in mind when teaching someone how to tow a trailer:

Do Your Research

Before you and your student get behind the wheel with a trailer in tow, you’ll want to consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual. This will have information on how much weight the given car can successfully haul. While some regularly sized sedans can haul up to 2,000 pounds, large trucks and SUVs can tow considerably more weight.  

Understand the Difficulty

Emphasize to your student that driving with a trailer is very difficult and is a task that should always be taken seriously. Safety should never be compromised. A new driver should practice pulling in and out of a driveway and navigating quiet back roads before attempting to drive in heavy traffic while pulling a trailer.

Check the Equipment

Make sure that the trailer is properly attached before hitting the road. Check the safety chains, lights, and license plate.

Know how to Navigate the Road

Because your vehicle is now close to double its regular length, you will have to take turns significantly wider to avoid hitting curbs, other cars, or running off of the road. It’s also best to keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you when towing a trailer.

Terry’s Auto Body and Trailer Sales prides itself on providing exemplary customer services, we take every measure to ensure you are satisfied with all your trailer needs and will do whatever it takes to earn your business and remain lifelong clients. Terry’s Auto Body has been serving the  Riceville and McIntire area for over 30-years. We pride ourselves on being large enough to provide professionalism and reliability, yet small enough to provide personalized service. To discover more about how we can serve your needs please visit our website or call us at 641-985-2536 today. Like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on current events, tips, and specials.  

Why You Should Cover Your Trailer or RV

As the cooler weather gets closer and closer, it also is a sign that RV and trailer season is sadly coming to an end. With rain, snow, and often sleet on their way, you should think about how you’re going to protect your RV or trailer over the winter season. Here are a few reasons you need to cover your trailer this winter.

UV Rays

If you don’t cover your trailer or RV, you’re going to notice UV damage in certain spots on your trailer. These rays beat down on your the exterior of your RV, and the heat buildup that accumulates on the surface can cause seal damage. Not only can the sun damage the seals on your trailer, but they can also fade the paint and graphics, and will also cause your trim to deteriorate and crack. This damage will cause annoying setbacks, and delay your summer trips due to repairs that could have easily been prevented.

Leaks

Cold winter weather is one of the biggest causes of leaks and water damage inside your trailer. In most cases, a leak in your RV or trailer can be worse than a leak in your home, mainly because leaks can go weeks and even months without being detected. If a leak isn’t detected quickly, you can end up with rotted wood trusses and frames, and you’ll also see mold and bacteria flourishing in the dark and damp places you can’t see. Leaks can cause a real dent in your wallet because many different aspects of your trailer, such as the floor or roof, are much harder and more expensive to fix than those that are in your home.

Interior Temperatures

Covering your trailer is one way to keep the interior temperatures of your trailer cooler. If you’re not doing this, temps can rise and cause real damage, especially if it’s humid. The water vapor in the air can cling to the floor, windows, and even seeps further into your camper between joints. This can cause structural damage and a real headache for you and your family.

If you want to start covering your trailer, but aren’t sure where to start, stop by Terry’s Auto Body & Trailer Sales. We sell tarp kits that can help protect your trailer or RV even in the worst weather conditions. Give us a call at 641-985-2536, or visit our website to learn more about the services and products we offer.

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References

https://www.tripsavvy.com/covering-your-camper-trailer-2912595

https://www.campingworld.com/blog/rv-basics/why-should-you-cover-your-rv/

https://www.heavydutytarps.net/travel-trailer-covers

https://www.coltonrv.com/rv-humidity-problems-serious-damage/

Everything You Need to Know About Trailer Tires

There’s nothing worse than heading out for a long weekend trip, and all of a sudden running into problems with your trailer tires. If you’re new to using a trailer, figuring out how to deal with tire problems can be confusing. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be! Here are some important things to keep in mind the next time you break out your trailer.

Passenger Tires vs. Special Trailer Tires

Many people out there will tell you that passenger tires will work just fine for your trailer. The truth is, they won’t. We see too many people pulling trailers on the side of the road with a flat trailer tire because they aren’t using the right ones, or they haven’t replaced it in the recommended time-frame. Special trailer tires, just like snow tires, are designed for a specific job in mind. These special tires are designed to handle the load of whatever you’re carrying around turns and corners at highway speeds. A normal passenger tire is NOT designed to do this. According to Goodyear Tire Company, “Trailer tires are designed for heavy-duty, free-rolling applications with emphasis on tread wear, rolling resistance, stability, and ease of towing.” In addition, they also have a heavier construction to meet the additional load carrying requirements of trailers.

Watch for Oxidation

Your true mark for knowing when to get new trailer tires is how much oxidation there is, not how much the tread has worn. You don’t wear down your trailer tires by driving as much as you do by letting them sit still through winters or different seasons because of bad weather. Because the rubber on the tire oxidizes, it’s recommended that you swap out your trailer tires every 3-5 years and replace them with new ones.

Under-inflation

One of the biggest causes of flat tires on trailers is because of under-inflation. A good rule of thumb is to check your tire pressure often, especially because trailer tires won’t show the same signs of low pressure that normal car tires will. Just remember to know exactly what PSI your trailer tires need to be at and always check them with a quality gauge.

If you have questions about the right tires for your trailer, give the professionals at Terry’s auto Body & Trailer Sales a call at 641-985-2536. We can help you find the best replacement tires for your trailer and would love to answer any additional questions you may have.

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References

https://www.westmarine.com/WestAdvisor/Trailer-Tire-Basics

http://www.boatus.com/magazine/trailering/archives/what-to-know-about-trailer-tires.asp

http://bestride.com/research/towing-choosing-the-best-pickup-for-the-job

Common Towing Issues

When towing a trailer, there are ample opportunities for problems to arise. It’s best to do your homework and know about the many problems that may pop-up before you head out, and how you can go about fixing them.

Trailer Sway

Trailer sway can be dangerous for many reasons, and it’s important to know how to deal with it if it happens to you. The most important thing to remember is to not brake, as this could make the swaying worse and harder to control. Instead, take your foot off the accelerator and let your vehicle slow down naturally. Try to steer your vehicle in a straight line, and if possible, pull off to the side of the road and see if you can figure out the source of the swaying.

Level Towing

Making sure you’re towing a level trailer to ensure both your towing vehicle and trailer are stable. If you happen to have a load that isn’t level, you could throw off the center of gravity of your load, and this can result in rollovers if you’re not careful. Make sure your trailer is level, including everything in it, before you start on your journey, and check on it every time you make a pit stop.

Balance Your Load

We can’t stress the importance of this enough. A balanced load can eliminate any stressful swaying or pitching during your trip while keeping others on the road safe as well. When packing your trailer, make sure you’re distributing the objects inside evenly throughout the trailer. It’s also important to not overload the trailer. Pack everything in tightly and make sure it can’t slide around as this can lead to pitching and uneven towing.

Troubleshoot

Before even starting your trip, double check that all lights on your trailer work. This includes brakes, blinkers, and hazards. Check the tire pressure in each tire to make sure they’re at the right pressure, and double check you have everything you need should you need to replace it along the way.

If you notice something wrong with your trailer before a trip and need some things repaired, contact Terry’s Auto Body & Trailer Sales at 641-985-2536 to set up an appointment today. We can help you with brakes, wiring and lighting, welding, hitch replacements and installations, and bearing and seal replacement. If you’re looking for a new trailer, visit our website to browse our selection.

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References

http://www.trailersauce.com/information/trailer-towing-problems/

http://blueoxstudio.com/2016/05/31/troubleshooting-some-common-problems-with-a-trailer/

What to Consider when Buying a Car that Requires Towing Capabilities

When in the market for a new vehicle, there are plenty of criteria that often appear on people’s wish lists. Good gas mileage? That’s an absolute must (especially with today’s rising gas prices). A comfortable yet stylish interior? That goes without saying. A quality sound system that can play all of your favorite songs? You need that without question. But one important component that may not immediately come to mind for many people is whether or not that car will have appropriate towing capabilities.

The summer season is the perfect time to buy a vehicle; after all, it is the ideal time of year for road trips and weekend getaways. But planning that weekend getaway becomes easier when you have a car that can easily carry all your vacation gear.

Here is what you need to keep in mind when purchasing a car that requires towing capabilities:

Know the Tow Capacity

This is what the manufacturer sets as the maximum amount a weight a vehicle can comfortably and safely tow. If the car you are considering purchasing cannot handle the potential weight, then it’s time to cross that car off your wish list.

Pay attention to the Curb Weight

The curb weight is the weight of a tow vehicle when it is not carrying passengers or cargo, but has a full tank of fuel. Don’t let a low curb weight throw you off--vehicles are built lighter today and more fuel efficient, so a lower curb weight can still mean that car is strong enough to tow heavier trailers.

Look at the Drive System

Be sure the car you are considering purchasing has the option for rear-wheel drive; this is so that when you are towing, the engine’s power is directed to the axle that bears the most weight. Avoid cars that only have a front-wheel drive for this exact reason.

When looking for your new vehicle this summer, make sure that your criteria include towing capabilities. It is a practical feature that can easily and safely transfer equipment and gear both this season and beyond. For more information on what kinds of a vehicle can best handle a tow, talk to your trusted team at Terry’s Auto Body and Trailer Sales. Call us at 641-985-2536 or visit our location on Highway 9 in Riceville.

Sources:

https://www.transwest.com/kansas-city/7-features-you-should-look-for-when-shopping-for-a-towing-vehicle
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/how-much-towing-capacity-do-i-really-need

What to Remember When Towing Your Trailer

If you have ever gone through the process of towing your trailer before, you’ll know it’s not as simple as it might initially sound. If this is something that you have never done before, then this may seem like an intimidating task to accomplish. Whether this is your first time or your 100th time towing your trailer, it always helps to have a firm understanding of the steps involved to get you and your equipment to your destination safely. Failing to comprehend the risks associated with taking these best practices seriously could mean disastrous consequences for you and others on the road.

Here are a few crucial safety tips you must keep in mind when towing your trailer:

Prepare Properly, Buy Carefully

The key to safely towing your trailer starts when you purchase it; make sure your tow vehicle can properly and safely haul your loads. This means you have to know the trailer-towing weight ability of your vehicle and the gross combined weight rating (incorporating the tow vehicle, passengers, cargo, and the trailer).

Pick the Correct Hitch

Looking at the gross trailer weight and the trailer’s overall weight is the best way to choose from either a fifth-wheel hitch or a tongue hitch. While the fifth-wheel hitch mounts in the pickup bed, the tongue trailer is less prone to sway problems.

Buy Proper Trailer Brakes

This is a separate braking system for trailers that weigh more than 1,500 pounds when loaded. Get to know the two types of trailer brakes and choose which one is best suited for your needs. Electronically controlled brakes provide both automatic and manual control for trailer brakes, while surge brakes automatically applied when you slow the tow vehicle.

If you are a beginner or at towing trailers or if you need a refresher in the mechanics, following these safety tips is the best way to get the job done in a secure and timely manner. For more information on how to properly tow a trailer, trust your friends and experts at Terry’s Auto Body and Trailer Sales -we’d be honored to assist you however we can. Call us at 641-985-2536 or visit our location on Highway 9 in Riceville.

When Should a Paintless Dent Repair be Used?

It goes without saying that when it comes to vehicle repairs, some issues are far easier (and more budget-friendly) to repair than others. Replacing your windshield wipers, for example, is substantially less severe than, of course, needing a new set of brakes. Need a new battery? While an initial investment on your part, this is still significantly more tolerable then removing and replacing your vehicle’s brake pads.

Thankfully, another common car issue on the less-extreme side of things are dents; while this is a problem that can cause severe damage to your vehicle (especially if left unchecked), the initial repair is a relatively quick and painless process, both for you and your car. This is especially the case when it comes to paintless dent repair.

What is Paintless Dent Repair?

Depending on the type of dent that is present on your car, your mechanic may choose to repair the dent using a paintless dent repair rather than a traditional dent repair. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that paintless dent removal, just like its name suggests, removes dents that massage the dent out of the vehicle without compromising the paint. Some of the best use cases for paintless dent removal will vary, depending on the kind of car you have, but in most cases, paintless dent removal is an excellent solution to remove bodyline damage, door dings, hail damage, and minor creases. This is an effective repair method for steel and aluminum parts and is also a budget-friendly repair solution. That’s because, with paintless dent repair, you maintain the original factory paint because no fillers are painted and used during the restoration process.

Now, before you get too excited, keep in mind that a qualified mechanic may not recommend paintless dent removal as the best method for repairing your car. It all depends on the extent of the damage to your vehicle. For example, if the metal was stretched upon impact too much, a traditional dent repair may be the only way to restore your car to its proper condition.

A paintless dent repair is an effective method that keeps your car looking and operating its best. If your vehicle is currently inflicted with dents, don’t wait another minute to get it back to its best possible quality. Trust your friends and experts at Terry’s Auto Body and Trailer Sales—we’d be honored to assist you however we can. Call us at 641-985-2536 or visit our location on Highway 9 in Riceville.

Let our Trailers do all the Heavy Lifting

Dump Trailers an Ideal Choice for any Job

Dump trailers are ideal for building contractors, landscapers and farmers, and a great way to transport materials like sand, dirt, gravel, mulch, roofing shingles, concrete and more with a 12-Volt hydraulic system used to dump material. These trailers can be used as equipment trailers with loading ramps, with enough strength to haul tractors, attachments, skid steers, bobcats, and lawn equipment.

Whether you are looking for a small dump trailer on a farm or a massive clean-up trailer for your commercial cleanup company, dump trailers are designed to handle whatever load you wish to place on them. Features are easy to use, most trailers include an Interstate Battery, a 5 amp, a charging plug, a lockable battery box, and three way combo gates on many of our heavy duty dumps.

Trailers we admire in particular are any of the PJ Dump Trailers. PJ Dump Trailers are loaded with great standard features and benefits. The following are just some of those benefits:

• 3 Year Frame/1 Year Limited Warranty. The industry standard frame warranty for a dump trailer is one (1) year. PJ Trailers is so convinced of their frame strength, they offer a 3 year frame warranty.  
• Heavy Duty 10 Gauge Sides and Floors. Other companies can cut corners by using lighter gauge materials for the sides and floors. We know that lighter, less quality materials can lead to lighter floor and sides, leading to waring and deformation of the bed. It’s important to use heavy gauge floor materials for loading equipments into dump trailers due to the higher weight concentrations between cross-members. PJ Trailers uses 10 gauge smooth plate.
• Two Way Gates Standard. Most dump trailers feature a two way barn door and spreader gate standard. The spreader allows you to dump your material evenly when the bed is raised. Great for sand, gravel, and other even flowing loads.

Since 1986, Terry's Auto Body & Trailer Sales has been servicing vehicles and trailers in the Riceville and McIntire area. Among our many services, we do brake repair, wiring and light repair, welding, and new tire and wheel replacement. Call us: (641) 985-2536

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Sources:

https://www.pjtrailers.com/comparisons/dump-trailers/

http://www.bigtextrailers.com/dump-trailers/

Hauling Multiple Motorcycles: Finding The Right Trailer Option For You

Whether you’re hauling multiple motorcycles cross-country or just across town, using the right trailer ensures your precious cargo will arrive safely. So when looking for a trailer, consider the following factors.

Trailer Size

Trailer size depends on how many motorcycles you will be towing. It might be tempting to load as many bikes that will physically fit on a trailer, but there needs to be plenty of space left to securely strap them down. If there isn’t enough room for you to reach a strap, you will need a bigger trailer.

Loading motorcycles too close together could result in damage if they sway on the trailer. Luckily, there are a variety of trailer sizes and styles to choose from.

Trailer Styles

Dedicated motorcycle trailers are a great choice because they’re designed specifically to safely carry your bikes. They come in one, two, and three place configurations, and are easy to load. The drawbacks are that your motorcycles are exposed to the elements and the trailer isn’t useful for towing other equipment.

If you’re looking for versatility, check out a utility trailer. These come in a wide range of sizes and can be outfitted with E-Track for extra assurance that your bike is strapped down securely. Larger utility trailers are a great choice for hauling multiple motorcycles, three-wheel motorcycles, or motorcycles with sidecars. Utility trailers can also be used for other things besides hauling motorcycles, but they’re still open-air.

For the ultimate in security, an enclosed cargo trailer is the best way to transport your motorcycles. Like utility trailers, enclosed trailers come in a range of sizes to fit your needs, but have the added benefits of keeping your motorcycles covered from the weather and prying eyes. If you’re towing your bikes a long distance, enclosed trailers are your best option.

Weight

To avoid damaging your tow vehicle, you’ll also have to keep the trailer’s weight in mind. The lightest option is a motorcycle trailer, which is perfect for towing behind a car or smaller SUV. Utility trailer weight depends on size, so don’t go too large unless you’ve got a big enough truck. Enclosed trailers are the most aerodynamic option, but also the heaviest so make sure your vehicle can handle the weight.

Ultimately, the best way to haul multiple motorcycles depends on the number of bikes you’re transporting, the style you prefer, and the towing capacity of your vehicle. Regardless of which choice you make, Terry’s Autobody and Trailer Sales has the perfect trailer for you. Search our brand selection at ricevilletrailers.com or call 641-985-2536 to speak with our helpful staff.