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 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.

What To Look For in a New Trailer

When you’re in the market for a new trailer, it’s important to know what you’re looking for.  You will likely have this trailer for years to come, so you want to make sure it meets your every want and need. The following is a reference guide of what to look for when buying a new trailer:

Frame

One of the most important considerations when buying a new trailer is the frame. The type of frame makes a difference in the overall integrity of the trailer. The three main shapes of steel used in the construction of a frame are Box Tubing, Channel Iron, and Angle Iron. Box Tubing is the best choice for a trailer frame, because it resists flexing and twisting better than any other frame material. It is also the most expensive. Angle Iron is the cheapest choice but will be quick to fatigue and crack due to flexing. Channel Iron is somewhere between Box Tubing and Angle Iron, so to save on money you could get a frame construction with a combination of Box Tubing and Channel Iron frame. We recommend skipping the Angle Iron frame altogether, because the upfront cost savings does not outweigh the lesser integrity of the frame.

Tires

It’s important to keep in mind that a trailer’s towing rating is different than the tire capacity. Make sure that the wheels and tires are rated at a combined capacity that is equal to or greater than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) - the maximum permissible weight of the vehicle or trailer when fully loaded for travel - of the trailer.

Tongue Length

Tongue length matters when it comes to stability. The longer the tongue, the easier time you’ll have maneuvering the trailer - including easier backing.

Tail Lights

When looking at new trailers, check out the tail lights. Ideally you’ll want LED tail lights, which are far superior to incandescent. LED tail lights are twice as bright while using half the power, are maintenance free, and generally will last the life of the trailer.

Warranty

New trailers usually come with a warranty from the manufacturer. Make sure when purchasing a new trailer that you get a written warranty.

If you are in the market for a new trailer, whether it be cargo, utility, flat deck or hauler, come to Terry’s Auto Body & Trailer Sales! We sell PJ Trailers and American Hauler trailers, as well as sell trailer parts and offer trailer services and repair. Contact us today!

What to Consider When Transporting Your Classic Vehicle

Fall is the perfect time of year to squeeze in a few more weekend getaways before the harsh, frigid conditions of winter arrive. But planning a mini-vacation doesn’t necessarily mean you have to leave everything you love behind. That includes your most prized possession: your classic vehicle.

It’s something that you are proud to own, and it shouldn’t be wasting away in your garage, even when you do go on vacation. While there’s no reason why you shouldn’t take your car with you, you do have to know that it is being transported to your final destination securely. Here are a few ways you can make sure your vehicle is properly transported on your upcoming get-away.

Decide the Best Type of Trailer for Transport

When it comes to transporting your classic vehicle, there can be a wrong choice. This is a decision that will greatly impact the condition of your car upon arriving to your destination. That’s why it’s so important that when it comes to trailers, one size does not fit all.

You’ll need to decide if your classic car is going to be carried in an open trailer or a closed one. While an open trailer transport might be the more budget-friendly option, the risk of damage on the open road is greater. On top of that, open trailers may not be properly equipped with a winch for non-running vehicles. That’s why, unless you are planning on having your car specially restored, we recommend investing in a closed trailer.

Properly Prepare for the Trip Ahead

Any well-organized trip centers around one very important element—a complete to-do list. When it comes to planning a vacation that involves transporting your classic vehicle, you must be especially prepared.

Every time you plan on using a trailer to transport your car, take a few minutes to carefully check the lights, brakes, wiring, and tires for wear and pressure on your trailer. It’s also recommended that you examine the hitch, chains, the breakaway wire, and the tightness of the lug nuts before departure. Once you are confident that those elements are secure, you are all set for your journey!

Don’t just Focus on the Dollar Sign

You may decide it is best to hire a professional service to transport your car. How you choose to transport your beloved classic vehicle should never be based solely on price. In fact, if a carrier service offers you an exceptionally low deal, that may indicate that that their service is poor or at the very least, unreliable.

Obviously, find out as much about a potential carrying service as you can before hiring them—we recommend you visit the Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website to look up a company’s insurance status and safety record. But no matter what professional carrier you decide to go with,  factor the cost out of your decision as much as possible. Keep in mind that most reputable carriers have similar cost structures.

Terry’s Auto Body and Trailer Sales cares just as much about your classic vehicle as you do. We would be proud to help you transport your beloved car as safely and conveniently as possible with our wide array of trailer options. Call us today at 641-985-2536 or visit us in person off of Hwy 9 in Riceville.

What to Know About Towing a Trailer

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! 

Tips to Use a Trailer Safely

Trailers are an excellent way to haul extra equipment if you do not have the space inside your vehicle. From utility trailers to moving units, they are a convenient solution for moving, recreation, travel or for contractors, businesses or events.  Understanding how to properly load and use a trailer is crucial to the safety of both the individuals in the hauling vehicle, and others with whom you share the road.  Here are eight tips to help you safely use a trailer: 

Weight distribution for your trailer.

•   Load Front First – Unless otherwise noted by the trailer manufacturer, load the heaviest items to the front of the trailer. This will make the unit more stable when on the road. Load 60 percent of the weight to the front of the trailer.
•   Tie down items – Regardless of whether you are using an open trailer or closed unit, it is crucial to tie down any loose items. Items can shift, causing the weight to redistribute, creating a potentially hazardous driving condition.
•   Slow down – Drive at a slower rate of speed when you are hauling a trailer.  It is also not recommended that you exceed 55 miles per hour.
•   Don’t tailgate – Towing a trailer adds extra weight to your vehicle. This increases the amount of distance you will require to come to a full and complete stop.  It recommended you leave at least 4-5 seconds of stopping distance between you and any vehicles you are following.
•   Watch braking – If the trailer starts to sway, remove your foot from the gas but do not brake or speed up. Let your vehicle slow down on its own.
•   Pass with care – Remember that the trailer will add more length to your vehicle. Be sure to allow more passing space and do so carefully.
•   Check gears – When traveling in hilly areas, use the same gear to ascend the hill as you do descending. This will help to control your speed as you start down the hill.
•   Wider turns – Turning a corner with a trailer will require a bit more room.  Pull up into the intersection a bit more and take the turn wider than you normally would to avoid hitting a curb.

Incorrect and correct way to load your trailer.

Do you have questions on how to properly use a trailer? Contact the experts at Terry’s Auto Body and Trailer Sales today! We are happy to service trailers and provide you with flat decks, dumps, car hauler and much more. Visit our website to learn more.

Trailer Wheel Bearings

Have you ever noticed a trailer stuck on the side of the road? Chances are, there was an issue with the trailer’s wheel bearings. Changing bearings is a job that is easy, but often neglected. Trailer bearings are an important component in successful towing and should be maintained for safety and functionality. Before your next trip, make sure the job is done and the bearings have been changed on your trailer.  

Bearings are essential to keep dust and water out.
Photo via ISTOCKPHOTO

Prior to taking the wheel, here’s what you should know about trailer bearings!

Importance of properly maintained wheel bearings: No parts are more critical for a trailer than the bearings. The center part of a wheel is called the hub, which works smoothly due to the bearings inside. Trailer wheel bearings ensure that your trailer performs reliably. They help provide a smooth towing ride and prevent friction from slowing you down.

How does wheel assembly and bearings work: While trailer bearings are small, they play a big role in your trailer. Bearings are made of two parts, the cup that is attached to the hub and the cone containing steel ball rollers. The steel balls allow the hub to roll around the axle instead of rubbing against it. This creates a smoother ride without rocking and rattling.

Replacing trailer bearings: Trailer bearings should be inspected or replaced every 12 months or 12,000 miles. To replace them, find the right size and type of bearings for your trailer’s wheel hub. Remove the lugs, nuts, tire, wheel hub and central spindle to access the wheel bearing. Clean the parts, reassemble with the new wheel bearing and add fresh grease to keep the trailer rolling along smoothly.

If you have any questions about your trailer or trailer parts including the bearings, contact Terry’s Auto Body & Trailer Sales. In addition to selling, replacing and repairing trailer bearings, we also provide a range of other trailer services including brake repair, wiring and light repair, welding, new tire and wheel replacement, axle replacement, seal replacement and more.

If you have a question about your trailer, please contact Terry’s Autobody and Trailer Sales at 641-985-2536.

Choosing the Right Trailer

Are you thinking of buying a trailer, but don’t know where to start? Flatdeck, dump, utility, and haulers are just some of many different kinds of trailers. Depending on what you plan to use your trailer for can help you narrow down the search. At Terry’s Autobody & Trailer Sales, we sell PJ Trailers and American Hauler trailer brands. Both are established, trusted trailer manufacturers. After choosing a manufacturer, you can narrow your search further by determining which factors suit your needs. Here are two of the most important criteria when it comes to choosing a trailer:

Open or Enclosed Trailers

Two big differences in utility and cargo trailers are whether they are open or enclosed. An open trailer is one which exposes the cargo to the outside elements. If weather isn't a factor for your cargo, then an open trailer may be the most economical choice, since they are cheaper than enclosed trailers. If you live in a climate with that sees a lot of rain, high winds, or harsh winter weather, an enclosed trailer is for you. Enclosed trailers also offer better security with the ability to lock up your cargo rather than leaving it exposed. Enclosed trailers are more expensive to purchase than open trailers, and they’re also heavier and less aerodynamic, meaning it will lessen the fuel economy of whichever vehicle is towing the trailer.

Enclosed Trailer

Open Trailer

 Single or Tandem Axle

Once you've decided on an open or enclosed trailer, it’s time to decide whether the trailer should have a single axle, dual axle, or possibly even more. Single axle trailers have just one load-bearing axle and are used on the smallest trailers. Any load exceeding 3,000 lbs should be hauled on a dual axle. Of course, dual axle trailers are more expensive than single axle trailers, but in addition to handling a heavier load, they also tend to track more accurately over varying road surfaces.

Single Axle

Tandem Axle

 If you’re still unsure which type of trailer is the right one for you, come to Terry’s Autobody & Trailer Sales! We’ll be happy to match you with the PJ Trailers or American Hauler trailer to suit your needs. Stop on by or contact us today!