5 Trailer Towing Safety Tips
Towing a trailer can be dangerous, not only for you but for those on the road around you. You up the ante when your trailer is heavily loaded as well. This article will help you maintain utmost safety while on the road to keep you and others from getting injured or worse.
1. Do not exceed your towing limits
You should be well aware of the limits of both your trailer and towing vehicle. Things you should be keeping in mind: GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating), your trailer capacity, how much your trailer axles can support, and tongue weight. Not all vehicles and trailers are built the same. Exceeding your limits will put undue stress on both your vehicle from a mechanical standpoint but also your brakes.
2. Make sure all of your cargo is secured properly
Use any appropriate straps required in order to secure your cargo properly. Having shifting cargo not only makes it harder on your axles but could result in loose cargo flying off your trailer and causing serious injury or death to another person on the road.
3. Inspect your brakes and tires
Having faulty brakes or tires could pose a massive safety concern. Brakes that don't work or trailer brakes that are faulty could cause your vehicle to come to a stop much slower than expected and cause you to rear-end someone. Having properly inflated and treaded tires will ensure that you have full control over your vehicle and trailer at all times.
4. Check your trailer lights
Make sure that your trailer lights are fully functioning. When towing a trailer most other motorists cannot see your turn signals or brake lights so it is important that these lights on your trailer are fully functioning in order to let others know if you will be turning or coming to a stop/slow down.
5. Adjust your mirrors
Something that is often overlooked when towing a trailer is your mirrors. Your blind spots will be different while towing a trailer, and you'll want to be able to see most if not the entire length of your trailer while towing. This is especially important while switching lanes on the internet or parking your vehicle in a crowded parking lot. If you can't see, adjustments need to be made. Do not drive with your mirrors in the same position as they were during times in which you were not towing a trailer.
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