Trailer Towing Guides - How to Tow Safely and Securely

Apr 7

Whether you're hauling a boat or a recreational vehicle, there are several tips to tow safely and securely. From choosing the right tow vehicle to properly balancing the trailer, here's how to tow safely and securely. Once you know how to do these things, you'll be well on your way to a safe and enjoyable journey! In this article, we'll discuss some of these tips, and more.

Towing

Safety first

When towing a trailer, it's essential to follow some basic safety tips. The weight of the trailer increases your stopping distance and accelerates at a slower speed than your vehicle alone. Taking extra room between you and the other vehicles can increase your stopping distance and extend the life of your vehicle. Driver error is the number one cause of accidents. Failure to pay attention while driving, speeding, tailgating, and more can lead to a serious accident.

When passing slower vehicles, signal well in advance and allow enough room to pass without swerving. Likewise, if you're traveling on a steep grade, slow down a little. Be sure to follow the speed limits for all vehicles, including your own. Always account for the length of the trailer when passing. If the trailer is long enough to cause a collision, slow down as much as possible. Also, remember to use your turn signals and allow enough clearance in case of an emergency.

Choosing the right tow vehicle

Before choosing the right tow vehicle, consider how many passengers will be riding in the tow vehicle. Most states do not allow passengers in towed trailers. Also, make sure to consider whether you have pets. If so, the truck you choose will need to have second-row seating for your pets. To choose the right tow vehicle, it's important to know the tow vehicle's weight.

To choose the right tow vehicle, check the owner's manual of the towing vehicle. It's usually located in the glove box and lists the maximum towing capacity of your vehicle. Don't exceed the maximum towing capacity of your trailer because it may stress the vehicle's components. To determine the correct tow vehicle, weigh the load on a certified weigh scale. It should be less than 75 percent of the trailer's GVWR.

Properly balancing the trailer

To ensure the safety and stability of your trailer, it is essential to balance it properly. The tongue weight should be approximately 60% forward of the front axle. When your trailer is loaded, you should try to maintain this weight distribution. Check the trailer's maximum allowed axle weight, or GAWR, to see how much weight can be safely transported. Then, load your trailer according to the guidelines on the tongue weight calculator. Properly balancing the trailer is crucial for your safety and the safety of your cargo.

To properly balance the trailer, check the tires. They should be replaced after five or six years, and even earlier if you frequently tow. If your trailer is not balanced, it will cause damage to your cargo and will put undue stress on the suspension components. You should also check the tires regularly for a flat tire. Ideally, you should balance your trailer every time you replace a tire. However, you can also try to balance it yourself if you're unsure.

Preparing for a long journey

Traveling on a long journey can be incredibly challenging. It's not only physically demanding, but also financially draining, so it's essential to prepare your body and mind for long-term travel. Following these tips will ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible. Read on for helpful tips to prepare for long trips. Here are some things you should do before you embark on your next long journey:

Increased following distance

Proper trailer towing techniques include an increased following distance and slowing down gradually. A three-second following distance is considered safe in good conditions, but the following distance increases rapidly when you are towing a trailer. To get a better understanding of the safe following distance, consider these examples:

An increased following distance will help you to make the necessary stop-and-go maneuvers when merging with slower traffic. In addition, a large vehicle, particularly one towing a trailer, needs more space to brake, and it can block your view and fall. An increased following distance will give you more time to brake and avoid a collision. When you're towing a trailer, the following distance should be increased to a factor of 1 to three times the length of the trailer.

Finding the weight of the trailer

You can find the weight of the trailer on its VIN sticker. The GVWR of the trailer is equal to the empty weight of the vehicle plus the capacity, known as the MAX GVCC. Simply do the math to calculate the empty weight. For example, a VATB-5225's GVWR is 6175 lbs. Using this information, you can calculate how much the trailer should weigh when empty.

To determine the weight of the trailer, you first need to know its center of gravity. The center of gravity is the point in an object that will balance. The center of gravity is the midpoint of the object. We intuitively understand the center of gravity for simple, uniform objects. An empty tray can be picked up with one hand under it. We know that the empty tray will balance on the hand because our hand is under the center of gravity.

Azteca Towing

411 S 31st Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009

https://aztecatowingarizona.com/

(602)722-9589

Towing Scottsdale

Towing Glendale AZ

Towing Service Phoenix AZ

https://www.facebook.com/Azteca-Towing-104617371976173

https://www.instagram.com/aztecatowing/

https://www.google.com/maps?cid=17853883881691704729

https://www.citiwaka.com/united-states/phoenix/automotive/azteca-towing

http://www.ttbizonline.com/united-states/phoenix/sample-category/azteca-towing