5 Towing Tips

Ever see a truck hauling down the highway with a trailer attached in the back? It may look simple to do, but there are many factors that go into using a trailer. The ability to haul a trailer is a driving skill that can prove to be useful in a variety of situations. There are many reasons to use a trailer such as moving furniture, transporting lawnmowers, ATVs, quads, snowmobiles, or even hauling a boat or RV. Being able to successfully hitch a trailer to the back of your vehicle is only the first step, and perhaps one of the most important. However, there are several other tips you need to know. Here are 5 towing tips curtesy of Performance Trailers.

1. Consult Your Owner’s Manual on Weight Limitations

The best and fastest way to find out how much weight your vehicle can haul will be in your owner’s manual. Before you do anything else, you must be sure of the weight limitations. Surprisingly, some regular sized sedans can haul up to two thousand pounds! Also, large SUVs and trucks can hold more weight. However, never overload your vehicle. By overloading a vehicle’s weight limitations, your vehicle will become very difficult to handle and eventually result in a crash.

2. Learn to Drive in Reverse with a Trailer

Most drivers only reverse their vehicles when leaving a parking spot or their driveways. Now imagine doing that with a large trailer attached to the back. Driving in reverse while pulling a trailer is an acquired skill that takes quite a bit of practice. If you turn too sharp the trailer will jackknife. Before taking your trailer out on the road, you must master this skill among others to be able to safely navigate the road. Expect to make several adjustments to your vehicle and trailer when practicing moving in reverse.

3. Master Parking in Any Situation

Parking will prove to be difficult with a trailer attached to the back of your vehicle. Furthermore, small parking lots are pretty much impossible. When parking with a trailer attached, there are other factors to consider such as will everything fit and if you can comfortably get back out. If you do end up maneuvering your load into one or several parking spaces, be sure to park away from everyone else. This will ease the mind and allow for minimal opportunities for a crash.

4. Make Sure “Everything Lights Up”

Before you take your trailer out on the main roads, there is a legal requirement to have built-in lights on the back of your trailer. This includes working tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals working in tandem with your vehicle. By making sure your lights are up to snuff, this will save you from getting pulled over by law enforcement and it’ll help you communicate your actions to other drivers!

5. Drive Mindfully

Piloting any automobile with a big payload on your hitch requires extra attention when navigating the road. Coming to a stop will take more time than usual, so be sure to give yourself enough time and space to do so. Therefore, do everything else slower than usual, too. Such as making turns, changing lanes, and making sure there is enough general space around you. Lastly, hills can be tricky. Climbing steep inclines will be difficult so pull over, put your hazards on, and don’t forget to take it slow while you get up the hill.

Need a new trailer? Or is it your first time looking into it? With Performance Trailers expert team and surplus of products and brands, we are here to help. Contact us today at 973-347-3472 or stop by our Northern New Jersey facility!