Tips For Towing A Car Trailer Safely

As per yearly average statistics, about sixty thousand motorists in USA are involved in different types of towing-related accidents every year. Although towing a car trailer may seem quite easy, there are a wide range of loading techniques and safety practices that must be followed by trailer haulers so as to drive properly without putting any other vehicle or people in danger.

The foremost step towards driving car trailers in Texas safely is to ensure that they are rated properly for the weight they can actually carry, along with the towing vehicle. The best thing to do would be to buy a truck that can meet with new requirements of towing without creating the necessity of a new truck.

Next in importance stand the receiver and the hitch. The minimum requirement to tow a single vehicle is a Class III hitch and receiver, which can carry a weight of 6000 or 10000 pounds with a weight carrying hitch and a weight distributing hitch respectively. Class IV hitch and receiver is capable of towing about 14,000 pounds of weight along with a setup of weight distributing hitch. Beyond it lies the Class V hitch and receiver, rated for being able to pull about 17,000 pounds of weight, and are generally used for heavy-duty pickups.

For those who are beginners in the towing industry, it would be prudent to invest on an anti-sway system. Sway is one of the most dangerous risk factors involved in towing trailers, and it can be influenced by other factors like excessive speed, passing trucks, strong crosswinds and improper loading. For decreasing sway, loads must be centered right over the axles. However, this might not always be possible and a little more weight should be shifted towards the trailer’s front. But never should the bulkiest part of the load be placed on the rear of the axle, for it will increase the chances of sway.

Before a trailer is loaded, it should be given a thorough inspection, especially when it has not been used for a long time. The electrical connections must be checked for any signs of corrosion, and using dielectric grease can reduce the likelihood of future corrosions. Wiggling the wheels from side to side can reveal any worn out bearings, and packing some non-sealed bearings along with grease annually might not be a bad idea. The wood deck planking should also be checked for signs of rot, if any.

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