Towing Safety Is Prime Concern

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.

When changing lanes and passing, the rules are basically the same with some slight alterations such as giving the signal with more advance notice and making sure to allow for the extra length before merging back to the drive lane. This transaction should never be attempted on either an up or down steep grade. Leaving the full length of the total unit for every 10mph between the vehicle and the one in front will allow more stopping space.

The biggest risks of tipping or jackknifing are while taking corners. Sudden stops and quick moves are definitely things to avoid because they cause weight shifts that change the balance. Turns should be taken slowly, allowing more room on the inside so that the trailer's wheels have space to clear the curb.

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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