The right way to tow a trailer

Trying to transport a trailer without the proper knowledge of how to do it is a recipe for disaster. At best a person might get fined, at worse they could get in a life ending accident. The good news is that the right way to tow a trailer isn’t hard to learn or difficult to master. In fact, it is very straightforward as long as one knows a few tips and safety precautions that they should take. Considering the consequences, it always pays to play it safe when dealing with trailers.

Dealing with Weight

Transporting a trailer involves a little math but it is fairly simple. The thing is a car or truck has a maximum weight capacity that the trailer will have to conform to. Too heavy and there could be some serious safety issues. However, the trick here is to not just go by what is listed as the vehicle’s maximum weight capacity for towing. Instead what a person should do is concentrate on the gross combined weight of the vehicle and the trailer together. This is especially important when the trailer is used to transport items of significant weight.

Trail-Break Controller

If a person is going to be hauling heavier loads using a trailer then breaking is a huge factor. The trailer isn’t going to stop on its own thanks to the momentum it builds up and this can cause a major accident if not prepared for. Fortunately there is such a thing as trail-break controllers. This device is basically an electronic system that allows the trailer to break when the truck does. Many new model trucks come with this system pre-installed but older models may have to purchase it separately. When purchasing a trail-break system never go for the cheap models, get one that will be reliable.

Driving Tips

Knowing how to break is very important in regards to the right way to tow a trailer. The added weight of the trailer itself will give a person much more momentum that has to be dealt with when breaking. Breaking early and keeping a distance from the car in front is always advised. Further more, when transporting a trailer one should always turn wide and sharp to keep the trailer from clipping the curb or another vehicle. Lastly, slowing down slowly is essential if the trailer starts to sway. Slowing down too quickly can be dangerous in many cases.