5 Top Tips for Safer Towing

When you set out on a trip with your trailer in tow, keep in mind a few helpful tips so your journey is safe and stress-free.

Get a Little Practice

If you are learning how to pull a trailer, or if it has been a while since you did and you need to brush the rust off, find a vacant parking lot and take a moment to get a feel for the trailer before setting out. Accelerate, apply the brakes, and put the vehicle in reverse in order to have some familiarity with how the tow vehicle and trailer handle before hitting rush hour traffic or find yourself faced with a tricky maneuver in a tight spot.

Work on Trailer Time

When you hook up the trailer and head out on a trip, it is important to think of yourself as on “trailer time.” Give yourself a little longer to do everything. With a trailer in tow, your vehicle will take more time to slow down, additional time to speed up, and it requires increased space for maneuvers such as lane changes. When pulling a trailer, you need additional time to deal with situations such as a sudden traffic jam. By reducing speed you gain time. Leave more space between your vehicle and the one you are following than you would when driving without the additional mass of a trailer. Patience is required when pulling out into traffic, or finding a parking spot.

Know Your Vehicle’s Limits

Understanding the capabilities of your vehicle and equipment is critical prior to hitching up and setting off. Check the owner’s manual, with a dealership, or find the vehicle’s ratings on a plate on the side of the driver’s door to confirm the weight of your trailer does not exceed the vehicle’s maximum allowable trailer weight. Damage to the vehicle’s engine and suspension, and danger to people and property can occur when your vehicle attempts to haul a load beyond its ratings.

Take Advantage of Technology

Many vehicles that can expect to see towing duty incorporate new technology to assist drivers. Tow/haul modes change shift points and power delivery while integrated brake controls assist when using a trailer equipped with brakes. Back-up assist technology takes over some of the work involved in keeping a trailer on course while reversing, while cameras help provide 360-degree views and provide guidance while hitching up. Using this technology can increase trailering safety.

Be Aware of the Law

Each state sets its own laws regarding towing a trailer. Some pertain to maximum weight or length, others to speed and weight restrictions. Check with your state’s transportation authorities to confirm your compliance, and check into ordinances along the route you intend to take on longer trips. Be prepared to take an unplanned exit and circle back or find alternate parking rather than break laws, take risks, and put yourself and others in harm’s way.

By slowing down, keeping your skills sharp, taking advantage of available technological aids, and cultivating good trailer hauling habits you can tow in confidence and safety.