If you’re traveling with a trailer, it’s important to keep safety in mind. According to the NHTSA, more than 50,000 road accidents each year are attributed to towing mishaps. Without the right towing safety measures in place, your trip might not go as planned. Here are a few towing safety tips to follow the next time you’re traveling with a trailer.
Always Use Brake Controllers
If you want to make your travels safer when you’re towing a trailer, be sure to have the right brake controllers for the size and weight of the trailer. You’ll enjoy a lot more control over the trailer and be better able to manage the maneuvering that’s necessary to stay safe on the roads and highways.
Install Mirror Extenders
Another great product to add to your vehicle is mirror extenders. These allow you to see all the way behind the trailer that you’re towing. These extenders are vitally necessary for lane changes and backing up. Without them, you can create a road accident or damage your trailer and someone else’s property by backing into something. Now’s an ideal time to learn more about the mirror extenders that are available today and how they can provide you with a safer driving experience. Once you tow a trailer with mirror extenders, you’ll never want to go without them again!
Make Adjustments for Wind and Weather
Driving just one vehicle in inclement weather is difficult enough, and when you’re towing a trailer, it’s even more so. This means that when there are conditions like high winds or snow forecasted, your decision-making process will need to be different. You’ll want to make sure that you alter or adjust your plans when it’s unsafe to drive with a towed trailer. This tip is one that’s the most subjective, but also one that you should pay attention to. It’s not worth the risk to drive a towed trailer in bad weather unless it’s absolutely necessary to do so.
Proper Loading Matters
Proper loading of a trailer is pivotal for safe towing. Firstly, it’s crucial to distribute weight evenly within the trailer to maintain balance and stability. Uneven weight distribution can lead to swaying or fishtailing during transit and this makes the trailer difficult to control.
Secondly, secure all cargo effectively to prevent shifting while on the road.
This prevents sudden weight shifts that can cause instability or even accidents. Lastly, always avoid exceeding the trailer’s weight capacity, as overloading can put excessive strain on the trailer’s tires, brakes, and suspension and make it more prone to failures.
Prepare For Emergencies
When towing a trailer, it is crucial to be prepared for emergencies by anticipating unexpected issues. Ensure that you possess the necessary tools to address any problems that may arise with your trailer. It is prudent to carry a spare tire and the required equipment to replace it in case of a flat tire.
Also, learn how to use the emergency brakes on your car if the trailer somehow comes loose or detaches. It’s a safety feature to help stop things if they go wrong
Check Brake and Signal Lights
Ensuring your trailer’s brake and signal lights are in working order is crucial for road safety. Firstly, double-check that the lights on your trailer function correctly before hitting the road. This helps other drivers know your intentions, like when you’re slowing down or turning.
Secondly, always use your turn signals in advance and brake early to give fellow drivers ample notice. This signaling allows them to react safely and it reduces the risk of accidents and make the roads safer for everyone.
Properly functioning lights and clear signals are like your trailer’s communication tools with other drivers so use them.
Conclusion
Before you get out on the road, whether with your tow behind camper or trailered boat, make sure you take the proper towing safety precautions. Keep this article in mind to ensure you keep yourself, your family, your car, and your trailer safe during your travels. Remember if you are taking precaution in time you will save yourself from a lot of road hazards and accidents. Life after all is worth taking precaution for.
Be First to Comment