Why Towing Safety Is Important?

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 done best when performed as a team. The driver should stay in the vehicle with a foot on the break while the helper places blocks behind the trailer wheels on an upgrade and in front on the downgrade. The pedal should be released slowly to be sure the blocks are holding before placing an automatic in park or a manual transmission in either first or reverse gear.

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 chances of jackknifing or actually tipping over are highest during turns. Emergency braking and sudden jerks on the steering wheel are more hazardous because they cause sudden weight shifts. Corners should be taken with caution and allowing extra curb space on the inside to avoid running the wheels up on it.

Towing safety is largely a matter of careful thinking. Keeping conscious thought of all the extra weight and length on the rear of the vehicle is a key factor. One should watch their speed, especially in bad conditions to avoid skidding.




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