Towing a Trailer 
Hitch systems,
towing packages, tongue weight, and driving permits — there’s a lot more to
towing a trailer than just hitching up and taking off down the road. We are
trying to provide you the general information and tips that can help you make
safe decisions when buying a trailer for non-commercial,
personal use, or for purchasing and driving a tow vehicle.
The following information is not a substitute for the technical information
found in manufacturers’ towing guides and vehicle owner’s manuals. Our sole
purpose is to give you some basic information about factors to consider and
equipment you will need to ensure your safety and that of your passengers,
as well as the safety of other people on the road, when you are towing a trailer.
Towing Vehicle
Most SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, minivans, and passenger cars can be equipped
to tow a trailer. However, the selection of an appropriate tow vehicle and
the proper equipment to tow a trailer depends on the type of trailer, its
size and weight, and the amount of weight being towed.
Check the owner’s manual and review the manufacturer’s guide to see if the
vehicle you plan to buy can tow a trailer.
If you already have a tow vehicle, look up its tow rating—size, maximum loaded
weight, and maximum tongue weight of a trailer that the tow vehicle is capable
of towing.
There
are different towing packages to safely tow various sizes and types of trailers.
Towing packages include both equipment that must be installed on your tow
vehicle, and equipment that is optional or recommended. For example, not all
trailers require the tow vehicle to be equipped with extended side-view mirrors.
But if you are towing a trailer that is wider than your tow vehicle, you will
need extended side-view mirrors
to see rear- and side-approaching traffic.
Towing packages
A towing package may include a heavy duty radiator, battery, flasher system,
alternator, suspension, and brakes, as well as an engine-oil cooler, transmission-oil
cooler, wiring harness, specific axle ratio, and special wheels and tires.
While your vehicle may have certain tow ratings, remember you must have a
compatible hitch system that can handle
the same specifications. To ensure safety, you may have to install extra towing
equipment.
Towing
packages also may include the trailer
hitch receiver, which is mounted to the tow vehicle, but towing packages
rarely include the draw bar, or ball
mount, and hitch ball. The draw bar is a separate assembly on which the
hitch ball is mounted. The draw bar then slides into the hitch receiver on
the tow vehicle and is secured with a locking pin. The front part of the trailer
that hitches to the tow vehicle is referred to as the tongue. At the end of
the tongue is a coupler into which
the hitch ball is inserted and
secured.
Measuring the Weight of a Trailer
Some manufacturers provide a “dry” or empty weight for trailers; however,
to select a proper tow vehicle and hitching system, you must know how much
your trailer weighs fully loaded. For example, if you are towing an open trailer
that carries a boat or motorcycle, the fully loaded weight includes the weight
of the trailer with the motorcycle and any additional items being towed, such
as fuel tanks, motors, and safety equipment. It is known as GVW (Gross
Vehicle weight)
Develop a realistic estimate of the total weight of your trailer. The time
you spend doing this and getting properly equipped will save you time and
money in preventing unexpected repairs to your tow vehicle and unanticipated
breakdowns while on the road. In addition to speaking with dealers and other
individuals who sell and use trailers, the best way to know the actual weight
of your trailer is to weigh it at a public scale.
Check the permissible combined weight of the tow vehicle, trailer, passengers,
equipment, fuel, etc., that the vehicle can handle, known as Gross Combination
Weight Rating (GCWR).
Trailer Towing Tips
The weight rating of trailer hitches, receivers, ballmounts, balls, and safety
chains (or any other piece of the towing system) must not be exceeded by
gross trailer weight or tongue weight.
Trailer Loading
Your ability to handle and control your tow vehicle and trailer is greatly
improved when the cargo is properly loaded and distributed. Refer to your
tow vehicle and trailer owner’s manual to find out how to
Balance weight from side to side
Distribute
cargo weight evenly along the length of the trailer
Secure
and brace all items to prevent them from moving during travel
Adjust
the height of the tow vehicle/trailer interface
Apply
load leveling (weight distributing hitch bars)
Most trailers and tow vehicles should be level (parallel to the ground) during
travel. Check the instructions from your trailer manufacturer to make sure
this is correct for your combination of vehicles.
Tongue weight
How
a trailer handles down the road depends upon tongue weight. Usually tongue
weight is 10 to 15 percent of the trailer's gross weight. Too much tongue
weight will cause the rear of the trailer to sway and make the tow vehicle
difficult to control. When this occurs, the tow vehicle will be less responsive
to steering. A weight-distributing hitch
can remedy this problem by transferring weight to the front axle of the tow
vehicle.
To help prevent the trailer from swaying back and forth, a few things can
be done. Try placing heavier cargo in the front of the trailer, ahead of the
trailer's axle. Also center the cargo left-to-right and use tie-downs to keep
the load from sliding.
Starting the Trailer
Trailer
Sway can lead to a loss of vehicle control. When starting out with a new load
on a trailer, make sure it will not sway by gradually increasing your speed
in intervals until highway speed is reached. If the trailer does begin to
sway, try adjusting the cargo and equipment accordingly and then repeat the
test. If repositioning the load and equipment did not help reduce the sway,
a sway control may be needed.
ALWAYS make sure the turn signals, brake lights, tail lights, electric brakes,
and breakaway switches are working on the trailer prior to each use. If the
trailer has some wiring problem, try to correct it with the help of available
wiring diagram which shows the proper way install trailer wiring.
Driving
The addition of a trailer adds weight and length to the tow
vehicle. More weight means more time to speed up and more importantly, slow
down. Overall handling is also affected. When towing, allow for extra time
when switching lanes, stopping and passing other vehicles. To assist in slowing
down, many people use an electric trailer brake
controller extra length can cause problems on turns. Because the trailer
does not follow the exact path as the vehicle on turns, remember to swing
out wider when traveling around bends and corners.
To conserve fuel when towing, travel at moderate speeds. Faster speeds increase
wind resistance, reduce gas mileage, and place added strain on the vehicle
and trailer.
When
traveling over large hills or down gravel roads, use a lower gear to ease
transmission and engine operation. Shifting out of overdrive and into a lower
gear may also improve vehicle gas mileage. Transmission
coolers also greatly reduce the consumption.
If for some reason (a gust of wind, a downgrade, a pass by a larger vehicle,
etc.) the trailer does begin to sway, the driver needs to assess the situation
to determine the proper course of action. Take control over the situation
by gradually reducing the speed and steadying the wheel. Apply the brakes
only of the trailer.
Take precautions not to slam on brakes and increase the speed. The increase
in speed can cause more swaying. Stop towing the trailer if it is constantly
swaying.
Be extra cautious of potholes and other large bumps. Riding over one can damage
the tow vehicle, trailer hitch and/or trailer. When pulling a trailer take
your time and be careful.
Practice trailer backing
Backing a trailer into tight places is easier than it looks, but it does
take some practice. It's best to practice in a parking lot and in a vehicle
that allows you to see the trailer through the rear window. Vans, trucks and
campers that have obstructed rear views require more practice and the use
of side mirrors. In either case, be patient, and make steering adjustments
slowly and a little at a time.
Take care of tires
It's
wise to periodically check tires
for wear, cuts or other damage and replace as needed. Above all, maintain
the tire pressure recommended by the manufacturer, located on the tire sidewall.
Improperly inflated tires will cause them to wear out quicker and reduces
fuel mileage.
Keep bearings greased
Wheel bearings are the heart of trailers. They need to remain airtight and
packed with fresh grease. Poorly greased bearings will overheat and deteriorate,
creating serious problems if they fail. They should be inspected and repacked
at least once a year, depending upon the amount of use. Lay your hand on your
wheel hubs after traveling. If they feel unusually warm, you may have a problem.
But why wait? Routine maintenance is good prevention.
Go wide on turns
Be careful making sharp turns or sudden moves when trailering. The trailer
tends to cut corners more sharply than the tow vehicle which can be dangerous
when cutting corners close to curbs, other vehicles and road-side obstructions.
Striking solid objects at an angle can cause tire damage, and more importantly,
cause you to lose control momentarily.
Secure the trailer
Keep the safety chains provided on most trailers fastened securely to the
tow vehicle in case the hitch fails. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue
and allow slack for turning. The safety chains should only be long enough
to allow for tight turns. Anything longer may weaken the safety feature of
the chains if the other connections fail. Also make sure the chains cannot
wiggle or bounce free and do not let them drag on the ground. For additional
security, padlock the trailer hitch to the tow vehicle. That will also prevent
someone from stealing the trailer while you're out fishing.
Keep the lights working
The trailer's electrical components are subjected to a great deal of adverse
conditions, so check them periodically. Ask someone to step behind the trailer
to make sure tail lights, brake lights and turn signals are working properly.
If signals are dim, perhaps there is a bad connection or you need a more powerful
flasher unit on the tow vehicle. An occasional shot of WD-40 into the pig
tail wiring connector will reduce corrosion.
Never exceed the limits
Just because a vehicle has the power to pull a loaded trailer down the road
doesn't mean it has the guts to haul it up steep hill, or that the brakes
are capable of holding it on a steep incline. Follow manufacturers' towing
guidelines and never exceed tow limits. Too much trailer weight can cause
an accident, or pull the tow vehicle down a steep incline.
If you follow the tips given above you are sure to have a hassle free experience.
Through our nationwide network of dealers and manufacturers, we are into selling
any and all types of trailers that you can think of. The delivery for trailer
is available at the going rate. We have over 200 trailers in stock
at all times and all trailers are available in a variety of colors.
We can also design and build custom utility
trailer to suit your requirements. Call toll free 800-841-1102
or contact us today.
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