8 Preparation and 8 Driving Tips for Safe Trailer Towing

Driving safely at any time is extremely important. It is more so when adding extra weight to your vehicle, such as when towing a trailer. When towing a trailer, such as a boat trailer or a plant trailer, with its cargo, you need to take precautions. There are some preparation and driving tips to consider.

Australia has set standards and qualifications for towing trailers, especially if towing is done regularly. In general, trailer towing starts with preparation, followed by safe driving. Following are some tips.

Preparation for Safe Trailer Towing

• The first step is to know everything about both your vehicle and the trailer you need to tow. You need to know the overall gross vehicle mass (GVM) and the overall gross trailer mass (GTM). It includes the trailer tow ball downloads and the gross vehicle axle weights. Before towing, you need to ensure that these all meet the manufacturer’s specifications for the vehicle and trailer.

• In general, make sure the trailer has the right size, width, drawbar length, and wheel size for the vehicle you are hitching it to.

• When loading both the vehicle and the trailer, ensure that you do not overload the capacities of both. The heavier load should be over the axle of the trailer.

• You should check the tyre pressure on both.

• Ensure that you have the right trailer coupling. You need to ensure that you use a safety chain to prevent accidental uncoupling.

-It is vital to check that all lights on both vehicles are working and meet regulations.

-Checking that your brakes are in excellent condition is vital.

-Make sure that your rear view mirrors and side mirrors are set perfectly.

Driving Tips for Safe Trailer Towing

Driving with a trailer hitched to your vehicle requires special attention. You need to drive differently than your normal style.

• You will need to change your driving style to suit the specific trailer you are towing.

• It also means that you need to consider the surface you are travelling on as well as the surface condition.

• Be aware when passing other vehicles, especially trucks, that you might get gusts of wind that could cause the trailer to swerve. This can be worse for enclosed trailers with some height as well.

• You will need to drive at a much slower speed than you normally do, even if the trailer is not loaded.

• You cannot make sudden or quick turns with a trailer hitched to your vehicle. This is especially true if the trailer is very long.

• You should not brake too hard. You can make sure this doesn’t happen by being alert and braking early enough.

• It can also help a great deal to follow other vehicles at a safe distance.

• When you run into crosswinds or wind buffeting, you should slow down immediately.

These are only a few tips mentioned here. It is important to get some training when starting. This is especially true if you are going to be using your trailer regularly.