TOW YOUR CAR CONFIDENTLY WITH THESE 10 TIPS FROM A CAR TRAILER MANUFACTURER
Before towing your car, it’s important to ensure your ride is properly secured. This will not only save you from heartache but also from unnecessary expenses. Here’s what to know before you tow.
1. Know Your Tow Vehicle
Your tow vehicle’s manual or the sticker near the driver’s door will have the manufacturer’s recommended towing capacity. Ensure that the weight of your load is not more than 75% of the maximum capacity.
2. Drop by Your Mechanic
Make sure your tow vehicle is in good condition. Check the fluid levels, brakes, lights, suspension, and tires. Don’t forget to change your oil before hitting the road.
3. Weigh In
Overloading your tow vehicle can put more strain on your vehicle. Know the weight of your car, the empty trailer, and anything else you’re carrying.
4. Spread the Weight Out
Sixty percent of the total weight should be on top of or in front of the front axle, and as even from side-to-side as possible. You can also buy a weight-distributing hitch for loads over 5,000 pounds.
5. Do the Math
You’ll need to know the gross vehicle weight rating, the tongue weight, and the gross combined weight rating. Check these numbers against your gross combination weight rating.
6. Check Your Hitch
Ensure that you have the right hitch receiver for your load. Your ball should fit snugly into the receiver, and clamp it down completely to keep it from popping free.
7. Cross the Chains
Crossed safety chains will help your trailer stay attached even if the ball becomes disconnected. Hook the left chain to the right hook-up and vice versa.
8. Take the Rig for a Test Drive
Take a spin around an empty parking lot or in town to get a feel for how your trailer behaves. You’ll want to get accelerating, turning, stopping, backing up, and parking down to a fine science.
9. Double-Check Everything
Check that your connections and tie-downs are secure. Ensure that all your light functions work and that your tires are inflated. Make sure there’s nothing loose and no debris around the axle. Ensure that your trailer and tow vehicle are level.
10. Drive Defensively
When you’re towing, you can’t make sharp turns or accelerations, brake suddenly, turn sharply, or drive recklessly. Situational awareness is very important to help identify dangers early and be prepared to take appropriate controlled action.
Towing your car has never been easier with JIMGLO Trailers. Our innovative trailers are designed to solve common car hauler complaints. Get in touch with us, online, by phone at 520.384.4564, or toll-free at 888.5.JIMGLO today to learn more.
