Towing without the proper equipment and knowledge can be dangerous. Cautious drivers will prepare in advance to minimize risks and make the towing experience much less stressful. Following are some of the risks that drivers should watch out for, and how to avoid them.
Plan Your Way
Being able to move through low clearance passage or narrow roads depends on the size of the load you are towing. Thus it is essential to plan the route you will be driving through, and prepare for an alternative way if the main route cannot get through. The most convenient way is to obtain a navigation system or navigation software which can do the job for you. There are many navigation apps which are widely available in the market.
Inspect the Vehicle
Before starting out for the trip, inspect the vehicle and check the towing equipment for the trip. Check the tow bar and connect it properly, make sure it is parallel to the ground for maximum stability.
Check the tires and make sure they are properly inflated and in good condition. Towing the trailer at awkward angles can lead to accidents. Most importantly, check the braking system for both the trailer and the vehicle and make sure they are functioning well.
Visibility on the Road
When pulling a trailer behind your vehicle, the visibility can be compromised. This issues can be solved by installing a rear view camera. However, if this is not possible, the side mirror extensions can also help in enhancing the visibility on the road. Making turns, changing lanes or backing up requires good visibility, thus be sure to keep the views in check before embarking on the road.
Driving the Vehicle
Practice some of the basic maneuvers; backing up, driving uphill, braking and making turns before leaving for the trip. Make sure you are moving properly so that you can be more confident when out in the open road. You will want to watch the speed when passing other drivers on the road. Follow the state laws and adjust your speed for your own safety. Consider the length of your vehicle and load when passing other vehicles.
Overloading
Whether you are using a medium-duty truck or SUV, make sure to keep in the right weight limit and not to overload the vehicle. Look up on the owner’s manual of the vehicle and find out about the allowed weight of that vehicle. Do a bit of math, and calculate the total weight, taking into account the weight of passengers. In this way, you can prevent possible hazards or accidents.
Swaying
Trailers will sway when there is incorrect tire inflation, towing at an awkward angle, poor trailer design, poor weight distribution, overloading, strong crosswinds or traveling at high speeds. Keep a look out for these issues as it will endanger other drivers on the road.
Cheap Towing – 24/7 Tow Truck & Roadside Assistance – Tel: (424) 230-3316
