Car Towing Services- Popular Myths Busted

The Internet is a great resource to find important information, particularly on a new subject about which you are not aware. However, it could also be information load at times and also wrong information at other times. Just like one can gain correct information, so also he/she might get distracted by several myths. Gathering information about towing practices is also like that. There is so much information on the Internet regarding towing, but not all of them are useful. There could be serious information and also some mythical stuff regarding cars towing in Melbourne. In this article, some of those myths will be busted.

The myths include:

•            Increase in payload- This is quite a popular myth. Upgrading suspension devised for towing or hauling cannot increase a truck’s maximum towing capacity. Having said that, the payload can be lifted more efficiently by using a suspension solution. The truck’s factory leaf springs can be stabilised and pre-activated. By doing this, its capacity to handle heavier vehicles can increase while towing. However, this can definitely help in safer towing and levelling of the truck when it is loaded.

•            GAWR and GVWR are Not Different- Again this is false. GVWR means Gross Vehicle Weight Rating which denotes the maximum weight for a particular vehicle including payload and passengers. In fact, exceeding the GVWR is always risky. While GAWR means Gross Axle Weight Rating which indicates the maximum weight that is allowed on a single axle. This weight is set by the manufacturer of the vehicle which is recommended not to exceed.

•            Upgrading Trailer Hitch- This is another myth that by upgrading the trailer’s hitch, one can increase the truck’s towing capacity. Even if one enhances the trailer’s hitch, the towing capacity of the vehicle cannot go up beating the maximum capacity. If the hitch has a patented dual receiver mechanism and is capable of directly attaching to the truck frame, then it can take the enhanced weight.

•            Tongue Weight Estimation is Safe- Again this is a myth. The primary reason for hitch failure is excess tongue weight. Installing a weight distribution system to distribute the weight of the load equally on all axles is important. This also helps in finding out the excess weight.

•            Tongue Weight is 10% of the Towing Weight consistently- The tongue weight cannot be a consistent 10% of the towing weight. It varies between 10-15% due to several variables. The distribution of the load and the position of the trailer axles have a high impact on the tongue weight. Many times, people place the major amount of weight on the hitch of the trailer which translates into too much weight on the tongue.

•           Trailer Bearings can Function without Maintenance- This is another popular myth that the trailer bearings do not need to be maintained. In fact, they need to be cleaned, inspected and also packed properly with fresh grease on frequent intervals to prevent them from rusting. If the trailer wheel remains without maintenance, it can cause roadside breakdown ruining holiday trips.

These are a couple of myths regarding towing services in Melbourne which has been busted in this article to provide a clear idea about the real situations of towing.