Many drivers tow boats and camper trailers, however; towing a trailer can make the driving task more difficult.
What Do You Need to Know About Trailers?
Knowing some of the special features of towing a trailer can help to minimize the risk involved.
- Weight of the Trailer and Its Load
Carefully consider the weight of your vehicle, the weight of your trailer, and the weight of the load you will be carrying. Be sure your vehicle is equipped to handle such a load.
- Necessary Equipment
Your vehicle should be equipped with the following:
- A heavy-duty suspension
- A large capacity radiator
- Heavy duty shock absorbers.
- Larger mirrors for increased visibility
- Hydraulic jack
- Blocks for holding on grades
- Tow ropes
- The correct hitch and safety chains
- Install an electrical outlet
- For the trailers tail lights
- Stoplights
- Turning signals
- Emergency flashers
- Preparing your Car to Tow a Trailer
Due to the increased load on your vehicle, check your oil and transmission fluid daily. You will need to increase the air pressure in your tires.
- Packing a Trailer
Load your vehicle 10 to 15 percent lighter because of the weight of the trailer load. When you load the trailer, pack the heaviest items over the trailer wheels. About 60 percent of the weight should be packed in the front half of the trailer. Be sure to pack all items in the trailer securely so they cannot shift during driving. Your vehicle and trailer should be parallel to the ground. Stop frequently to check and make sure your load and hitch are still secure and riding correctly.
How Do You Drive a Car with a Trailer Attached?
Towing a trailer requires new driving skills and plenty of practice. Your car’s maneuverability, acceleration, and braking are limited when you’re towing a trailer.
- Starting
Check traffic carefully and signal before moving into traffic allowing a large gap before entering traffic. Check other traffic movement in the rearview and side mirrors frequently.
- Backing
Backing is a difficult maneuver when you’re towing a trailer. Try to have someone guide you from outside the car. Follow these guidelines with a trailer.
- Back slowly
- To go left, turn the steering wheel to the right.
- To go right, turn the steering to the left.
- Don’t turn the steering wheel too much or too long so doing can cause the trailer to jackknife.
- Making a Right Turn
As you approach an intersection where you want to turn right, follow these steps.
- Check traffic and signal for the right turn in advance of the intersection.
- Take a position farther from the curb than you would if you didn’t have a trailer attached.
- Steer the car straight ahead until the front wheels are well beyond the curb line.
- Turn the steering wheel sharply right.
- Complete the turn by straightening the steering wheel.
- Making a Left Turn
To turn left, follow these steps.
- Check traffic and signal early.
- Proceed farther into the intersection than usual to allow for the trailer.
- Swing wide enough so that the trailer will not cut the corner.
- Complete the turn and move into traffic.
- Overtaking and Passing
Allow much more time and space when you plan to overtake and pass another vehicle because of the length and weight of the trailer.
- Be sure that there is plenty of clear distance ahead.
- Check blind spots to the left and right before starting.
- After passing be sure you can see the overtaken vehicle in the rearview mirror before signaling and moving gradually back into the right lane.
- Don’t swerve suddenly as doing so causes the trailer to tilt, sway, or even go out of control.
- Being Overtaken
Observe the same rules that you do in a car when you are being passed by a vehicle. Be ready to adjust your steering if a heavy vehicle is passing you, the air that it displaces will tend to push the trailer to the side. Be courteous and help other drivers to pass you if you notice traffic piling up behind you and find a place to stop and pull off the roadway.
- Slowing and Stopping
If your trailer does have brakes your car’s brakes control the trailer’s brakes. If your trailer doesn’t have brakes the brakes on your car control all slowing and stopping. The additional weight and length of the trailer means that you will need more time and space to stop. Allow a greater following distance than you ordinarily would when you do enter traffic. Check your insurance to be sure that you are covered for towing a trailer.