11 trailering tips
Amsnow
Depending on your specific tow vehicle and trailer there are a few things you must know and specific items to check so that you minimize your chances of being stranded along the roadway. Trailer maker Wells Cargo offers these 11 tips for safe tow jammin'.
1. Make sure you know its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and do not exceed it.
2. Check the GVWR rating on the hitch or bumper to make sure it meets or exceeds the GVWR rating on the trailer.
3. Check hitch ball to make sure it is the same size as the trailer coupler.
4. Make sure the hitch ball meets or exceeds the GVWR of the trailer.
5. Periodically lubricate the ball and visually check it for any signs of deterioration. With excessive wear, hitch balls can come loose from the trailer coupler.
6. If you are towing with a vehicle that did not come with a factory installed towing package, make sure to install a transmission cooler and a heavy-duty turn signal switch.
7. Your tow vehicle should have properly installed fastener points (either links or rings) for the trailer's safety chains. These fastener points are part of the equalizer hitch. If you are using a bumper or a straight frame hitch, you may need to have fastener points added to the tow vehicle.
8. Check the tire pressure of your tow vehicle. When you add the hitch weight to tires that are improperly inflated, tread wear will be greatly accelerated.
9. Make sure the mirrors are wide enough to see the back corner of the trailer. Most trucks have adequate mirrors, but most automobiles will require add-on extended mirrors that can be purchased at almost any auto or RV parts supplier.
10. When you are hitched to the trailer, make sure both the tow vehicle and trailer ride level. If the hitch weight makes the tow vehicle "squat" in the rear, you will need to purchase an equalizer hitch to eliminate this problem. A tow vehicle that rides low in the rear will not steer properly and may cause damage to the rear axle, hubs and tires.
11. If you are towing with an automatic transmission, you should never tow in overdrive.
These are a few basic tips from the trailering experts at Wells Cargo Trailers in Elkhart, Indiana. Following simple these tips will make your next Tow Jammin' trip safer and pressure free.