Some Important Things Associated With Car Trailering

Automotive & Transport

Dec 8, 2015

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Most people believe that attaching the ball hitch of a trailer to the tow vehicle is the only important thing which needs to be taken care of. After that, the trailer is all ready and set for hauling everything and anything. But there are many other things that an individual needs to consider before setting off on the journey. For instance, every car, truck, minivan, SUV, etc., has its own specific tow rating as per its manufacturer. Hauling loads weighing more than that rating can significantly increase the risks of disastrous mishaps.

In order to ensure the maximum safety and keep accidents off the road, there are some important things which every trailer user must know.

Given below are some of them:

Towing Capacity :

This signifies the weight you can actually haul using your tow vehicle without damaging the engine, transmission, cooling systems or frame. One can generally determine the towing capacity of a vehicle by checking its user manual or manufacturer’s website.

Payload Rating :

This term is generally used for pick-up trucks and states how much cargo can be placed in a pickup bed before the rear end starts sagging perilously near the back tires. Payload rating can be increased using aftermarket parts, which is a prudent thing to do if heavy loads are going to be hauled with the truck.

Signal Wiring :

When the hitch of any trailer, be it a 5 or 4 car hauler, is attached behind the tow vehicle, the electrical plugs connected to the vehicle must be plugged into the trailer. This allows the driver to signal other drivers on the road while braking or taking turns. It is very important to make sure that the signal wiring is properly set up before embarking on the journey.

Anti-Sway Control :

Anti-sway control is essentially a function associated with the stability control systems. Generally, it makes use of several electronic sensors for detecting whether a trailer is swaying behind the tow vehicle. In case there is any yawing, the control applies brake pressure only on a single wheel for bringing it back in line.

Brake Control :

This is one of the most advanced systems of a trailer. It helps to enhance stability and control by allowing to control the brakes of the trailer by simply hitting the pedal of the tow vehicle. Thus, the driver can have control over the brakes of both the trailer and the tow vehicle at the same time.

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