Whether it’s your first time towing a trailer, or you’re a seasoned veteran, common sense is necessary to prevent dangerous and potentially deadly accidents. Driver error is the leading cause of trailer towing accidents. Learn how you can avoid these common problems, ensuring safe towing with the right equipment, proper connections, attention to detail, and practice.
Prevent Roadway Incidents & Ensure a Safe Trip with these 10 Trailer Towing Tips
- Choose the right equipment.
Without the right tools for the towing job, you’re destined for failure, putting yourselves and others in danger. Be sure to purchase the right equipment for the weight capacity of your vehicle and cargo load, ensuring all components are compatible. Learn the basics in our Trailer Hitch Clinic. - Hitch your trailer to your tow vehicle correctly.
Learn how to connect your tow vehicle to your trailer correctly. Before each trip, double-check all connections, including the coupler, safety chains, and wiring. Our fleet maintenance team repairs a lot of damage resulting from haphazard hitching. - Give yourself ample stopping distance.
It takes longer to stop when you’re hauling the weight of a trailer and cargo. Practice braking before you go, moving no more than 10mph to practice stops. Never slam on your brakes or ride them on downhill grades. - Stop gradually.
The weight of a trailer and cargo puts added pressure on brakes. Abrupt starts/stops cause your tow vehicle and trailer to wear prematurely. Prolong the life of your vehicles and brakes by braking lightly, and sooner than normal. Keep your brakes in top shape with regular maintenance, including controller adjustment. - Remain alert, planning for problems ahead.
It takes longer to start, stop, change lanes, and turn when towing a trailer. Be vigilant, ensuring you can react if/when needed. - Watch your speed.
Excessive speed is a leading factor in trailer sway. Remain at/below 55mph. Be extra-cautious downhill and in high winds. Consider a sway control unit to address this issue. If you experience sway, remove your foot from the gas, manually applying trailer brakes via the brake controller to align your vehicles. - Use extreme caution when changing lanes.
You have more blind spots when towing and require more space to change lanes. Do so slowly, or you’ll need more than mobile trailer repairs. - Think carefully about passing.
It takes more distance and time to pass other vehicles when towing. If you must pass, be sure you have ample time and space. No matter the situation, avoid passing on two-lane roads. - Choose parking spaces carefully.
Choosing pull-through parking with ample space to turn around, or parking farther away can help you avoid complicated backup maneuvers or getting blocked in. - Thwart theft.
Always use a coupler lock. This prevents unattended trailers from being quickly uncoupled and stolen, and offers added security while driving.
Trailer towing incident? Ainsworth Trailer Repair has you covered, from trailer body and frame repair to simple maintenance issues. Learn why our customers love our trustworthy, A+ BBB accredited services. Contact us to get a competitive quote today.
