If you are searching for “trailer towing tips” this article should help! When you have the right equipment and know how, towing a trailer is safe and easy.
Trailer Towing Tips
If you are new to towing, or you are having issues when you are towing, then the information below can help you to tow safely and easily. Below, learn the basics for towing and common towing equipment.
Equipment Capacity
All towing equipment will have a maximum weight capacity. This is normally displayed on each piece. All of the equipment should be rated at a higher capacity than the heaviest trailer that you tow. There are some parts that may have more than one capacity. For instance, hitches will normally have a maximum tongue weight and weight capacity. The maximum weight is the heaviest that the trailer can pull and the tongue weight is the maximum weight that the trailer can handle pushing down on it.
The weight capacity of each part – safety chains, ball, ball mount, trailer hitch, and tow vehicles, must be more than the gross trailer weight. The towing system will only be as strong as your weakest part.
Gross Trailer Weight or GTW is the weight of your loaded trailer. In order to find the GTW, weigh the trailer on a vehicle scale.
Tongue Weight or TW is the downward pressure that is placed on the ball by a coupler. On a small trailer, the Tongue Weight is able to be measured using a box and a bathroom scale. Using a level surface, place your coupler on your scale at towing height. For heavier weight, use the method that is below or use tongue weight scale.
Trailer Loading
How you load a trailer could determine just how easily it can be towed. While you are loading, keep in mind that the tongue weight needs to be about 10-15% of the trailer weight. If there isn’t enough weight on the tongue it could sway. In order to keep the trailer from swaying, place the heavy cargo up front towards the trailers axle. Center your cargo from left to right and use tie downs to keep your load from sliding around.
Your trailer swaying could also cause loss of control of your vehicle. When staring out with a brand new load, you will need to slowly increase the speed until your highway limit has been hit. If your trailer starts to sway, try to adjust the cargo. Be sure to make sure that your trailer tires are aired up. If you have adjusted your cargo and it is still swaying, you may need a weight distribution or sway control.
Driving
Adding a trailer will add length and weight to your vehicle. With the added weight, your vehicle will take longer to stop and slower to accelerate. You will need to make extra time whenever you switch lanes, pass other vehicles or even stop when you are towing a trailer. Having trailer brakes may help the stopping power. The extra length that is added can cause trouble turning. Because the trailer doesn’t follow the exact path as you turn, you have to swing out wide when coming around corners and bends.
In order to save few when you are towing, be sure to travel at moderate speeds. Faster speeds reduce gas mileage and increase wind resistance which places strain on your trailer and vehicle. Wen you are traveling over steep or long hills or even on gravel roads, be sure to use a lower gear to help ease stress on your engine and transmission. Shifting out of overdrive and into lower gears helps to improve gas mileage.
Be sure to watch out for large bumps and potholes. They can damage your vehicle, trailer and trailer hitch. When you are pulling a trailer, take time and be careful.
If the trailer begins to sway because of a downgrade, gust of wind, passes a larger vehicle, etc., assess the situation and find the best course of action. Below is a list of do’s and do not’s to think about.
Do’s:
- Apply only the trailer brakes to reduce sway
- Gradually reduce speed
- Steady the steering wheel as sudden turns could cause swaying.
Do not’s:
- Don’t increase the speed as the swaying will increase
- Don’t attempt to steer out of a sway
- Don’t slam on your bakes as jackknifing could happen
- Don’t tow a trailer that continuously sways
- Try reloading the trailer or adding weight distribution or sway control system
Trailer Components
To learn more about the types of equipment for towing, check out the information below. Remember to maintain your trailer and vehicle to ensure a long life and safety of your equipment.
Trailer Hitches
A trailer hitch is made for each vehicle and are rated for them. To learn more about the weight limit for your trailer hitch, you will need to look at the hitch sticker. The sticker will have the weight capacity which tells how much weight the trailer can pull and maximum tongue weight, which states how much weight can be pushed down. If there is a weight distribution system can be used and the sticker will display the weight distribution. This states how much the hitch can handle with the system.
Ball Mounts
You will need to keep the TW and GTW in mind when picking a ball mount for your type of hitch. When going with a Class III ball mount, these are picked with the GTW and trailer height in mind. A level trailer will handle better. Class II and Class I ball mounts are made for each vehicle are recommended by a hitch manufacturer.
Hitch Balls
Be sure that your hitch ball weight rating is more than the GTW. The diameter of the ball mount has to be less than 1/16 inch greater than the shank diameter. When you tighten a hitch ball to the ball mount, be sure to use a lock washer an ensure that your ball shank is extended past the nut bottom.
Safety Chains
Be sure to connect the safety chains to the train hitch or vehicle by crossing them under the coupler. The chains should be long enough for turns. Anything that is longer could be weak and fail. Be sure that the chains can’t bounce or wiggle free and don’t let them drag on the ground.
Trailer Wiring
Be sure that brake lights, electric brakes, breakaway switches, turn signals, and tail lights are working on the trailer before using.
Electric Trailer Brakes
For trailers that have electric brakes, the brake controller will send a signal that applies the brakes.
Trailer couplers
The coupler should be lightly lubricated and clean within the inside. This helps to prevent binding during turning and helps the moving parts inside the coupler to move easier.
Weight distribution
The weight distribution system is recommended if the vehicle is going to be pulling a trailer that is more than 50% of the tow vehicle. This system helps to improve handling and braking while it increases the towing capacity on some of the hitches.
Sway Controls
These come in 3 different styles and they help to reduce the effects of sudden movements and wind gusts by adding resistance to the vehicle and trailer with respect to each other. The sway controls can help to prevent the sway on a trailer that has a large surface area like travel or enclosed trailers. They can also help to prevent sway for those trailers that have a low TW.
Trailer Tires
Be sure to check the tread and inflation often. Be sure to fill the tires to match the guidelines from the manufacturer. Tires that have too little or too much air could be swaying on your trailer. Trailer tires are best when filled top pressure that is listed on the tire.
Trailer towing mirrors
These are available in universal or custom fit. Towing mirrors will help to increase the visibility by letting you see the end of your trailer. This makes passing other vehicles and backing up much safer and easier.
Transmission Coolers
This is a must have for all towing vehicles that have an automatic transmission. The transmission cooler helps to lower the operating temperature of your oil by 60 degrees. Every 20 degree drop in the temperature can double your equipment and oil life by reducing stress and deposits on your seals. Over heating causes about 90% of transmission failure in towing vehicles.
Trailer seals, bearings and races
This an important area that you should be aware of. The seals, bearings and races are vital parts that need to be kept in good working order in order to keep your trailer working right. If your bearings are not working right, the internal rollers will not move freely, and this could cause damage to the hub and spindle assembly. To keep this from happening, the wheel bearings need to be repacked every 12 months or 6,000 miles. Pulling a trailer more often will help to distribute grease through the bearing.
Cliffs Welding Is The Largest Distributor Of Hitches & Towing Accessories
Cliff’s Welding, Inc. In Mesa Arizona is one of the largest distributors of hitches and towing accessories in the Southwest. We service a wide range of vehicles and trailers, including RVs.
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