Why Towing Safety Is Important?

By Randy Craft


There are many circumstances under which one may find the need to haul another object with their vehicle. It may be a move to a new home, a camping trip, a day out in the boat or any of a myriad of reasons. Whatever the occasion, it is highly advised that one take the time to learn a little about towing safety.

Hauling definitely has its convenience factors, however it also has its share of hazards if one is not properly educated. Any driver attempting this needs to know at least the basics of issues such as spreading the weight evenly, parking correctly, passing, breaking and turning safely. Observing the rules and tips will keep everyone on the road much safer.

How to properly distribute the weight is the first thing one should understand. Regardless of whether one is transporting people or objects using PBL Horse Floats, their weight needs to be spaced equally on all sides and axles. Hitches come with instruction guides that should be thoroughly read to be fully aware of how much stress the object can take and still be reliable.

Parking is done best when performed as a team. The driver should stay in the vehicle with a foot on the break while the helper places blocks behind the trailer wheels on an upgrade and in front on the downgrade. The pedal should be released slowly to be sure the blocks are holding before placing an automatic in park or a manual transmission in either first or reverse gear.

Passing or changing lanes is only slightly different than in a vehicle alone in that one should give the intention signal well in advance and leave enough extra room for the trailer before moving back to the right lane. This should also never be done on steep grades, neither up nor down. Since stopping with a tow requires extra time, try to leave one full length of the two parts for every 10 mph between front bumper and the car in front.

Turning is an area where the risks of tipping or jackknifing are quite high. Sudden moves and quick stops should be avoided at all costs because it shifts the weight and knocks things off balance. Take turns slowly and allow more room on the inside of a right angles so that the trailer wheels will clear the curb.

Towing safety is a lot of common sense. One needs to be constantly aware of the extended length and extra weight trailing behind the vehicle to keep control. Minding and obeying the speed limits are important, especially in inclement weather.




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