Tips for Safe Trailering and Towing: Keep Your Rides Stress-Free

When towing a trailer, keeping your vehicle within its towing capacity is crucial. Exceeding this capacity can cause serious issues with handling and braking, and may even damage the suspension, engine, and drivetrain. Each vehicle comes with an owner’s manual that specifies the towing capacity, and different versions of a vehicle model may have different ratings based on body style, bed length, and other installed equipment.

Hitch Considerations

Selecting the right hitch is vital. Each hitch comes with a maximum trailer and tongue weight it can support. It’s essential to find a hitch that matches or exceeds your trailer’s total weight when fully loaded. There are both weight carrying and weight distributing hitches, and it’s generally advisable to consult the owner’s manual for recommendations based on your trailer’s weight. Weight distribution helps maintain stability while towing and ensures a smoother ride.

Proper Loading Techniques

Loading a trailer correctly is just as important as staying within weight limits. Ensure around 60% of the load rests over the front half of the trailer and that the weight is evenly distributed on both sides. This helps create a tongue weight that’s between 10 15% of the trailer’s total weight. All cargo should be secured using straps to prevent shifting, which can cause swaying or accidents. Proper loading minimizes the risk of dangerous handling and improves overall safety.

Tire Maintenance and Safety

Always check that both your tow vehicle and trailer tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires can impair handling and increase the risk of blow outs. Refer to the driver’s doorjamb for the tow vehicle’s recommended tire pressure and ensure trailer tires are also up to spec. Remember to also check the spare tires and inspect the trailer’s hub bearings, keeping them greased to avoid any malfunction during the trip.

Lighting and Brakes

Trailer lights, including tail lights, marker lights, and brake lights, play a fundamental role in safety by making your trailer visible to other drivers. It is best to have another person help you check the lights while you activate the turn signals and brakes. Properly functioning lights reduce the chance of collisions.

When it comes to trailer brakes, heavier trailers typically require them. Models like the GMC Sierra, Canyon, and Yukon require trailer brakes for loads over 2,000 pounds. If equipped with electric or hydraulic brakes, ensure the emergency “breakaway” cable is correctly connected to your tow vehicle.

Mirror Adjustments

Before hitting the road, adjust the vehicle’s side view mirrors to extend visibility to the end of the trailer. Some vehicles offer special tow mirrors that extend further out, giving a better view and ensuring safer lane changes and turns.

Chains and Wiring

Safety chains provide an added layer of security, linking the trailer to the tow vehicle in the event of a hitch failure. Always cross the chains under the hitch and attach them firmly. This forms a cradle that can catch the tongue if it disconnected, preventing it from digging into the ground.

Along with chains, proper wiring ensures that the trailer’s lights and brakes communicate well with the tow vehicle. A functional wiring harness connects the brake lights, turn signals, and brake controller, providing a seamless integration between the tow vehicle and the trailer. Faulty or disconnected wiring can result in serious accidents by causing miscommunication.

Managing Trailer Sway

One of the most dangerous situations while towing is trailer sway. Wind, high speeds, and improper loading can all contribute to swaying that makes the trailer and tow vehicle difficult to control. Weight distribution hitches and sway control devices can help minimize this issue. If sway occurs, it’s crucial to stay calm, gradually slow down, and avoid sudden steering movements.

Example Table for Weight Distribution

Trailer Type        Ideal Tongue Weight       Total Load Positioning

Camping Trailer 10 15% of total load        60% over front half

Boat Trailer         10 15% of total load        60% over front half

Utility Trailer      10 15% of total load        60% over front half

Additional Tips

Brake Controller: For trailers with electric brakes, calibrate the brake controller to the specific weight of your trailer for smoother stops.

Route Planning: Plan your route to avoid steep inclines and sharp turns as much as possible. These can be challenging and stressful when towing a large load.

Practice: Spend some time practicing driving with the trailer in an empty parking lot or a quiet road. This reduces anxiety and helps build skill, making the actual trip safer and more enjoyable.

Passengers: When pulling a trailer, distribute the weight of any passengers equally in the tow vehicle to maintain balance and stability.

Pay attention to details and ensure all equipment is in working order. The key is thorough preparation and constant vigilance, from checking your gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) to using tow mirrors correctly. Safe towing isn’t just about mechanics; it’s about ensuring peace of mind and making every adventure on the open road as smooth and enjoyable as possible.