Top Tips For Safe Trailering
If you are going to haul a loaded trailer bed behind a tow truck for the first time ever, it is important that you practice effectively prior to hitting the main roads. Make sure you double-check routes as well as restrictions on tunnels & bridges. And whether you are towing a 4 car trailer or a 5 car one, follow these vital safety tips every time that you take your loaded equipment outside.
Handling & Braking:
- Make use of the driving gear that has been recommended by the manufacturer for towing. Always keep your speed moderate to avoid putting strain on the equipment and swaying.
- Don’t start, stop or steer suddenly, or it may lead to jackknifing, sliding, skidding, swaying or even create undue side force.
- Slow down gradually while proceeding & travelling over ditches, railroad crossings and bumpy roads.
- Take wide turns around corners & curves, and control swaying due to wind buffeting by releasing the accelerator & maintaining a strong grip on steering wheel.
- Allow substantially more distance prior to stopping and shift to lower gear for reducing speed, while lightly pressing the brakes.
- If swaying occurs from an electric brake controller, activate the controller manually.
Passing & Acceleration:
- When changing lanes or passing a vehicle slower than yours, signal beforehand and provide extra distance for clearing the vehicle.
- Downshift to enhance speed maintenance or acceleration, if needed.
- Don’t go over a soft shoulder on a narrow road, to avoid jackknifing or swaying
- Steer clear of steep downgrades and upgrades
Parking:
- It is better to not park on a grade. Make sure there is someone outside for guiding you while you are parking.
- At the time of uncoupling the trailer, keep one or more blocks at the rear & front of its tires to prevent the equipment from rolling away.
- For further safety against sudden rotation of the tongue from unbalanced load, jam the trailer’s rear to nullify any risk of injury.
Backing Up:
- Hold the bottom part of steering wheel and slowly back up the entire setup.
- Move the steering wheel slightly for adjusting the direction. Avoid exaggerated movements, as they might induce extreme movement of your trailer.
So these are practically the basics of ensuring safety when manoeuvring a trailer for the first time. Make sure you take every step carefully and don’t ever try to hasten anything because it would only create problems for you. And always remember, “safe drive, save life”.
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