Trailer Towing 101 – Safety and Peace of Mind Tips
Many people are afraid of towing, while others lack confidence and disregard critical criteria. Simply put: Most people do not understand the rules and terminology associated with towing trailers. It can be confusing, to be honest!
What happens in the end? People just hook up the trailer and load their supplies and belongings as they please, ignoring many important details.
Understanding the Basics
I am not here to confuse you by using technical terms or complicated formulas. By adding a trailer behind any vehicle you will increase the weight of the vehicle. Tow vehicle must be able to handle the weight of what you want to tow.
Check your owner’s guide to determine the maximum towing capability of your vehicle, or contact a dealer for your make.
You also do not wish to ignore the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The total weight of the vehicle is calculated after you have added your dog, passengers, fuel and any other items you intend to carry.
Get Hitched
The conventional hitch, which is mounted on the rear of the vehicle, comes in different sizes. There are many different ratings of hitches, including Class I, II III, IV and V. Each increases in power as the numbers increase. It is now necessary to know the weight of your vehicle and trailer.
The empty weight, or curb weight is the dry trailer’s weight. The curb weigh is after adding water tanks, kitchen supplies, clothing, bedding, bicycles and other cargo to a travel trailer. This is the weight of the boat and trailer before gas, skis and life jackets are added, as well as beverages and ice.
These items will add up quickly! You can only add 200 pounds if your maximum towing capacity is 5,000 lbs. and your trailer curb weight is 4,800. You can add 200 lbs. to your trailer. You can go far with a trailer!
Consider the Tongue Weight
You should also balance the weight of the trailer so that it is between 10 and 15 percent of its total weight. This is called Togue Weight, and is a very important number. A vehicle’s back may sag if it has too much tongue weight. This can be hard on the suspension and drivelines, and it may remove the crucial front tire contact area on the road.
A trailer with a low tongue weight will cause it to move uncontrollably and lift the rear of your car. Next time you are on the road, pay attention to vehicles that have a trailer. You’ll be surprised at how many vehicles have sagging rear ends.
Why you should brake properly
Stopping distance is one of the most critical safety concerns when towing a vehicle with a trailer. The stopping distance can be more than doubled depending on the weight.
As on your car, most trailers have electric brakes in the wheels. The trailer brakes are activated by an electric current, just as your vehicle brakes. Surge brakes are common on boat trailers.
The surge unit, located on the Coupler, of the tongue of the trailer, is activated when the weight of the boat moves forward while braking. This forces brake fluid into the trailer brakes and causes brake activation.
If you do not already have one, you will need to install a trailer brake controller in your vehicle. This is for travel trailers and other trailers. The device gives you the ability to brake more effectively by allowing you to control how much braking is done at the trailer. The brake controller can be adjusted for heavier trailers that require more braking.
This takes the load off of your vehicle’s braking system. It is especially helpful when descending steep grades. The trailer’s weight will “push” your vehicle and reduce brake fade.
Difference between Gooseneck and 5th Wheel
When you get to larger trailers, the platform may be referred to as 5th Wheel and Gooseneck. You will see these trailers attached to the hitches in the truck bed. The trailers can tow heavier loads and have a more stable platform towing, because the weight of the trailer is distributed more evenly over the frame of the truck.
There is, however, a difference between the 5th Wheel hitch and the Gooseneck hitch. A 5th Wheel is often found on travel trailers. Goosenecks are found on flatbed utility trailers and horse trailers.
These two hitches also have different connections. The King Pin is used to attach a 5th Wheel trailer to the flat plate in the truck bed. A Gooseneck trailer attaches to the same ball that is mounted on the back of conventional hitches.
Towing your trailer: essential tips
It should be fun, and free of stress, as you are about to embark upon a trip, an adventure or a memorable experience. I started trailering at the age of 10. Was I afraid? You bet! But, thanks to some wise words from back then and my decades of trailering experience, I have come to enjoy having a trailer towed by my truck.
Even after all these years I still follow the tips below:
- Double Check: Before you hit the road, make sure to do a thorough inspection of your vehicle. I am very safety-conscious and double check all connections, chains and lighting before driving. You will be assured that you did not miss anything during the first check, and you can drive with peace of mind.
- Slow and Steady – Allow yourself more distance when you have a trailer. Be sure to look out for brake lights in the traffic. Slow down if you see brake lights ahead. This will prevent unsafe braking when driving at highway speeds. Keep your speed low when towing any type of trailer.
- Be Gentle If you are towing a trailer, you should be careful that every movement and action you make is with an intention. You cannot, for example, change lanes with a trailer and truck as quickly as you can with a sedan. Take your time and don’t be worried about these things. Do everything slowly and deliberately, whether it’s the safety check, merging in traffic or backing your trailer.
Last but not least, you should never let down your guard and always be aware of what is going on around you. You will have a great time trailering if you follow these tips.
Tracy Miller, the host of Pink Flamingo RV Radio has been in radio for nearly 20 years and RVing for a lifetime.