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As temperatures get warmer, more drivers will be hitting the road with trailers hauling recreational vehicles, boats and home improvement supplies. Trailer Safety Week starts this Sunday and serves as a reminder to educate drivers on proper towing techniques and maintenance.
If you are buying a new trailer, check your car’s tow rating in the owner’s manual. Make sure the trailer doesn’t exceed the maximum weight your vehicle can tow when fully loaded. Use a hitch that has a strength rating equal to or greater than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of the trailer.
Check to make sure that your hitch system is in good condition and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Improper loading is the most common reason for losing control of a trailer. Try to distribute weight evenly from front to back and side to side. Always follow your trailer owner’s manual’s instructions on loading. Before you begin driving, check all elements of the trailer and hitch for safety.
While driving, slow down and leave five seconds of space between you and the vehicle ahead of you. It will take longer for you to come to a stop, and you should avoid hard breaking. Be prepared to take wider turns to make room for curbs and corners. Practice backing up before traveling, and have a passenger act as a spotter if possible.
Visit Trailer Safety Week for more information on driving, hitching, loading and other topics.
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