3 Tips for Proper Trailer Towing
Posted on: February 8, 2018
Spring is going to be here before we know it, and with it comes family vacations and fishing trips to Buffalo Springs Lake and Lake Alan Henry. If you’re looking to take a fun road trip with a travel trailer or haul your boat to the lake to wet some lines, you’ll want to make sure your towing know-how is refreshed before you hit the road. You’ll definitely want to check your owner’s manual before you hitch up, but here are some of our favorite tips to consider:
- Keep your vehicle’s towing capacity in mind. While this may seem elementary, the fact is that we all know better than to strain our back trying to lift a heavy box — but people do it every day. If you attempt to load your vehicle with too much weight, or ask it to tow something it’s not capable of towing, you risk damaging your transmission, engine, axles, brakes and wheel bearings.
- Check your equipment, and then do it again. Twice. Typically, towing involves four elements that work together to keep your vehicle and trailer united as you roll down the road: the hitch, the hitch receiver, a drawbar and a hitch ball. It’s essential that you make sure that you reference the towing guide, along with your owner’s manual, to ensure that you choose towing equipment that can handle the load.
- Make sure to take safety precautions. Since other drivers can’t see your tail lights or turn signals when you’re towing something, you’ll want to hook up your trailer lights. It’s also a sound idea to double-cross a set of chains under the hitch, forming an X, to add another layer of security to the hitch setup. You’ll want to make sure your tires are properly inflated, and it’s advisable that you drive slower than you’re used to since you’re hauling a heavier-than-normal load.
To speak with one of our knowledgeable team members and learn more about our selection of trailer hitches from Curt and B&W Trailer Hitches, contact Gene Messer Accessories at your convenience.
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