Towing Tips You Need to Know to be Safe!
1. Types of Hitches
There are two types of hitches:
1) Weight-carrying hitches
2) Weight distributing hitches
Weight carrying hitches are the most popular and carry all the trailer tongue weight directly on the rear of the vehicle. These are commonly used to tow small and medium-sized trailers.
Weight distributing hitches are usually recommended for heavier trailers because they even out the trailer load between the wheels of the tow vehicle and the wheels of the trailer, thus improving steering and brake control. Two parts are required: the receiver, which bolts to the vehicle, and the spring bar assembly.
Important:
The total weight of your trailer when loaded must not exceed the load capacity of the hitch. The capacity is stamped on the hitch itself or is on a non-removable sticker.
The trailer should be in a level position when hitched to the tow vehicle.
Be sure the hitch ball is sized to fit the coupler on your trailer. the coupler is marked with the correct ball diameter either 1-7/8", 2" or 2-5/16", and weight capacity.
Be sure you close the coupler trigger tightly on the ball, and use the locking device to ensure trigger does not lift.
2. Hitching Up
Hitching a trailer to your tow vehicle is usually a one-person job, but it is easier if someone helps. Here are some basic steps:
1)Back your tow vehicle as close as possible to the trailer; it's easier and safer to do this than to pull the trailer to your car or truck.
2)Release the coupler locking device.
3)Raise the front end of the trailer coupler directly over the hitch ball; then lower it until it is seated on the hitch ball, covering it completely.
4)Check under the coupling to be sure the ball clamp is below the ball and not riding on top of it.
5)Latch the coupler to the hitch ball. Make sure it is locked in place by lifting up the trailer tongue. If the coupler comes loose from the ball, unlatch it and go back to step 3.
6)Make sure your jack is fully raised.
7)If you have a weight-distributing hitch with spring bars, follow the the above procedures, then attach the spring bar chain to the trailer and tighten it until your trailer and car are in a normal level position.
8)If your trailer has a surge brake, breakaway cable, or chain, attach the cable or chain to your tow vehicle, allowing enough slack for you to make tight turns.
9)Attach the safety chains (as described in the safety chains section).
10)Connect the trailer wiring harness to the lighting system of your tow vehicle and check its operation (see the "Pre-Trip Checklist").
|
Trailer Class |
Trailer Weight | Safety Chain Minimum Breaking Strength |
| Class I | 2000 lb. GVWR | 2000 lbs. |
| Class II | 2000-3500 lbs. GVWR | 3500 lbs. |
| Class III | 3500-5000 lbs. GVWR | 5000 lbs. |
| Class IV | 5000-10,000 lbs. GVWR | The GVWR of the trailer |
Trailering Tactics. With a trailer in tow, you're operating a vehicle combination that's longer, heavier and sometimes wider and taller than you're used to. So you'll have to make some compensating adjustments in your driving practices.
Take a "Shakedown Cruise". At least one short trial run before your first trip will help familiarize you with your trailer's operating characteristics. It will also let you know that the lights, brakes, hitch, etc., are working properly.
Slow Down. Moderate to slow speeds put less strain on your car and trailer.
Allow Extra Time and Space. You'll need both when passing and stopping, especially if your trailer has no brakes.
Check rear view mirrors. Doing this frequently will let you know that your trailer is riding properly. We recommend outside rear view mirrors on both sides of your vehicle.
Swing Wider. You need to make wider swings at curves and corners because your trailer's wheels are closer to the inside of a turn than the wheels of your car or truck.
Pass with extra care. It takes more time and distance to get around a slower vehicle and return to the right lane when you've got a trailer in tow.
Watch the wind. To avoid swaying, be prepared for sudden changes in air pressure and wind buffeting when larger vehicles pass from either direction. slow down a bit and keep a firm hold on your steering wheel. Aim straight down your lane.
Conserve fuel. You'll go farther on a tank of a gas at moderate speeds. Higher speeds increase wind resistance against the trailer and reduce your gas mileage significantly.
Avoid Sudden Starts and Stops. This can cause skidding, sliding, or jackknifing, even if your trailer has brakes. Avoid quick stops while turning. Smooth, gradual starts and stops will improve your gas mileage.
Signal Your Intentions. Let surrounding vehicles know what you intend to do before you stop, turn, change lanes or pass.
Shift to a Lower Gear. A lower gear will help ease the load on the transmission and engine when going over steep hills, sand, gravel, or dirt roads. If your tow vehicle has an "overdrive" gear, shifting out of overdrive to a lower gear may improve your gas mileage.
Always be Courteous. Make it as easy as possible for faster-moving vehicles to pass you. Keep to the right of the road and prepare to slow down if passing vehicles need extra time to their proper lane.
Don't Tailgate. Allow at least one car and trailer length between you and the vehicle in front for each 10 mph on your speedometer.
If a Problem Occurs. Don't panic. Stay cool. Say you experience a sudden bumping or fish-tailing. It may indicate a flat tire. Don't slam on the brakes or the accelerator to attempt to drive out of it. Instead, come to a stop slowly as you keep driving in as straight a lane as possible. If conditions permit. coast at a very slow speed and try to avoid braking, except when your wheels are straight and your trailer and tow vehicle are in line with one another.
If your trailer begins to fish-tail as you accelerate to highway speed, back off the accelerator a bit. this should stop the fishtailing. If it begins as you increase speed, stop and check your load. It probably isn't distributed evenly from side to side, or it's too far back to put a sufficient load on the hitch. Redistribute the load as necessary before continuing.
For a printable copy of The "Pre-Trip Checklist" Click Here