Towing Tips For The New and Experienced
You bought yourself a new boat or maybe a camper trailer - or it is possible you have owned one and are finally getting some vacation time to take either of these out. Whatever the case, if you haven't towed anything behind your vehicle in a while or ever, you might want to consider a few of these tips.
1. Is Your Vehicle Heavy Enough? - To determine your vehicle's towing capacity check first with your owner's manual where there will be weight ratings for towing. Many automakers put the numbers inside the driver's doorsill. In checking your towing capacity, first note the maximum gross trailer weight, then note your vehicle's maximum gross vehicle weight rating (or GVWR). Next, to get an idea of how much weight your vehicle can carry safely, in terms of occupants and cargo, subtract the curb weight from the gross weight. Newer vehicles will more clearly state in the doorsill the maximum combined weight of cargo and passengers. If you discover that your item to be towed is well within the tow limit of your vehicle, don't forget to add the tongue weight (the downward force on the hitch), which is usually roughly ten percent of the total weight of the trailer. Never exceed that capacity, no matter what.
2. Load Weight Properly - Don't place all of your heaviest cargo items at the back of your vehicle nor should you load the heaviest items at either end of the trailer. Ideally, the heaviest things in the trailer you're towing should be just in front of the axle and about 60 percent of the trailer's weight should be ahead of the axle. If too much weight is at the back of the trailer it can produce a negative load at the tongue, effectively lifting up at the hitch and creating dangerous "sway" conditions. At too-fast highway speeds, sway can very quickly lead to a sideways whip of the trailer that can pull the tow vehicle out of control.
3. Watch The Brakes - Have your brakes check a few days before your towing trip. Brakes are extremely taxed when towing. In addition, while you're driving, don't ride the brakes; dab them instead in gentle pulses to help keep them from overheating. Downshift going down hills as well as up, and make sure you start a steep downgrade at a slow, responsible speed.
4. Remember A Spare - If what you're towing has been sitting a while, it is most likely the tires have become old and cracked. Visually check your tire's tread before and during the trip, and think about getting a spare tire along with a spare wheel and wheel hub for the trailer.
5. Don't Try To Fix It Yourself - If anything goes wrong, whether it's a flat, a wheel bearing, or something more serious, don't try to fix it. Get some expert help from roadside assistance—and before the trip, make sure you're covered. Because of the additional strain on the tow vehicle, if it's not a complete fix you run the risk of doing even more damage or causing an accident. Never try to disconnect the trailer yourself on the side of a busy highway.
6. Stay Visible - Visibility is one of the biggest hurdles while towing. Not only can you not always fully see the vehicles behind you, others might not be able to see you. That's where the brake lights and turn signals on the trailer come into play, but it helps if you have a better, wider rearward view. Consider getting some towing mirrors, or even some wide-angle clip-ons.
7. Take a Test Run - Go out on a test run to make sure you aren’t having issues with sway. Set out carefully, on a familiar road (remember to swing wide for those corners), and make sure the handling and braking feel safe. Look rearward when you can for any bouncing or swaying. Safety chains or breakaway kits need to be installed, even for a short trip, so get them adjusted and make sure they have enough give in corners. If anything doesn't sound or feel right, take it to an expert and have them check over the entire setup.
8. Practice Backing Up - Backing up is intimidating, even to more experienced towers. Once the trailer's installed, practice backing up at home or in an empty parking lot. First, steer with the bottom of the steering wheel, in the direction you want to go, then when the trailer starts angling in the right direction, steer from the top of the steering wheel, gently, in the proper direction.
By practicing these few simple steps, you can have a safer and more enjoyable vacation, no matter what it is you are towing.
Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.
1. Is Your Vehicle Heavy Enough? - To determine your vehicle's towing capacity check first with your owner's manual where there will be weight ratings for towing. Many automakers put the numbers inside the driver's doorsill. In checking your towing capacity, first note the maximum gross trailer weight, then note your vehicle's maximum gross vehicle weight rating (or GVWR). Next, to get an idea of how much weight your vehicle can carry safely, in terms of occupants and cargo, subtract the curb weight from the gross weight. Newer vehicles will more clearly state in the doorsill the maximum combined weight of cargo and passengers. If you discover that your item to be towed is well within the tow limit of your vehicle, don't forget to add the tongue weight (the downward force on the hitch), which is usually roughly ten percent of the total weight of the trailer. Never exceed that capacity, no matter what.
2. Load Weight Properly - Don't place all of your heaviest cargo items at the back of your vehicle nor should you load the heaviest items at either end of the trailer. Ideally, the heaviest things in the trailer you're towing should be just in front of the axle and about 60 percent of the trailer's weight should be ahead of the axle. If too much weight is at the back of the trailer it can produce a negative load at the tongue, effectively lifting up at the hitch and creating dangerous "sway" conditions. At too-fast highway speeds, sway can very quickly lead to a sideways whip of the trailer that can pull the tow vehicle out of control.
3. Watch The Brakes - Have your brakes check a few days before your towing trip. Brakes are extremely taxed when towing. In addition, while you're driving, don't ride the brakes; dab them instead in gentle pulses to help keep them from overheating. Downshift going down hills as well as up, and make sure you start a steep downgrade at a slow, responsible speed.
4. Remember A Spare - If what you're towing has been sitting a while, it is most likely the tires have become old and cracked. Visually check your tire's tread before and during the trip, and think about getting a spare tire along with a spare wheel and wheel hub for the trailer.
5. Don't Try To Fix It Yourself - If anything goes wrong, whether it's a flat, a wheel bearing, or something more serious, don't try to fix it. Get some expert help from roadside assistance—and before the trip, make sure you're covered. Because of the additional strain on the tow vehicle, if it's not a complete fix you run the risk of doing even more damage or causing an accident. Never try to disconnect the trailer yourself on the side of a busy highway.
6. Stay Visible - Visibility is one of the biggest hurdles while towing. Not only can you not always fully see the vehicles behind you, others might not be able to see you. That's where the brake lights and turn signals on the trailer come into play, but it helps if you have a better, wider rearward view. Consider getting some towing mirrors, or even some wide-angle clip-ons.
7. Take a Test Run - Go out on a test run to make sure you aren’t having issues with sway. Set out carefully, on a familiar road (remember to swing wide for those corners), and make sure the handling and braking feel safe. Look rearward when you can for any bouncing or swaying. Safety chains or breakaway kits need to be installed, even for a short trip, so get them adjusted and make sure they have enough give in corners. If anything doesn't sound or feel right, take it to an expert and have them check over the entire setup.
8. Practice Backing Up - Backing up is intimidating, even to more experienced towers. Once the trailer's installed, practice backing up at home or in an empty parking lot. First, steer with the bottom of the steering wheel, in the direction you want to go, then when the trailer starts angling in the right direction, steer from the top of the steering wheel, gently, in the proper direction.
By practicing these few simple steps, you can have a safer and more enjoyable vacation, no matter what it is you are towing.
Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.
Labels: towing tips, towing trailers, vehicle towing
posted by Greg Chapman Motors at
5:53 PM
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