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It sounds simple
enough, but towing a camper, boat, trailer or another vehicle safely
involves a lot of know-how. Here are some basic tips:
Learn the Lingo
Towing has a language all its own. Despite what it sounds like,
gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is something different than just the
weight of a vehicle, for example. GVWR is the combined weight of a
vehicle with all its passengers and cargo added in, and it's a key
number to know before you start to tow. There's also gross combination
weight rating (GCWR). This is the maximum allowable weight of the
loaded-up trailer and the tow vehicle - with all its passengers and
cargo, too-added together. It's a key measure for you to check to ensure
you are not putting too much of a burden on your tow vehicle and risking
costly damage. Tongue weight (TW) is another odd term. It relates to the
amount of trailer weight that presses down on the trailer hitch at the
back of a tow vehicle. Having too much or too little tongue weight can
affect the safe handling and driving of your tow vehicle.
Use the Proper Vehicle
You need to know the tow capacity of your vehicle and make sure it's
sufficient to tow the trailer, boat or camper.
First, determine the approximate weight of the trailer or boat.
Include the weight of any equipment; cargo and fluids the trailer or
boat will have in or on it. Some tow experts advise that you add 10
percent or 15 percent on top of this, just to be on the safe side.
This is the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW). Then, check to see if the
tow vehicle - the truck, sport-utility vehicle, van or car you plan
to use - has enough towing capacity. Vehicle manufacturers provide a
tow rating in their owner's manuals. Cars tend to have lower tow
rating than trucks and light-duty trucks have lower tow rating than
do heavy-duty models. If you are purchasing a new vehicle that will
be used for towing, review the available options to see if you want
to add a transmission-oil cooler, a heavy-duty battery, heavy-duty
shock absorbers and other tow equipment. These kinds of items can
help your tow vehicle manage the stress of a heavy load, and
oftentimes some or all of the items may be available as a towing
package. In addition, consider adding trailer mirrors for the front
doors of your tow vehicle. These larger mirrors can improve a
driver's view out to the side and back of the trailer when compared
with standard vehicle mirrors.
No matter if your tow vehicle is new or old, keep the owner's manual
and vehicle manufacturer towing guide handy. They contain many of
the important numbers - tow rating, GCWR, etc.-that you will need to
know.
Have the Right Hitch
There are many hitches for towing, covering
several rating classes. You need to find one that will fit your
needs. Obviously, your hitch has to be able to handle the GTW you
plan to tow. For example, a Class I hitch can handle up to 2,000
pounds GTW and up to 200 pounds of tongue weight.
Hitches also differ in how they mount on a tow vehicle.
Weight-carrying hitches bolt on the tow vehicle's frame and/or
bumper, and are commonly used for small- to medium-size trailers.
Weight-distributing hitches, used with hitch receivers, distribute
the load among the wheels of the tow vehicle and the wheels of the
trailer to provide improved steering and braking. Ford's RV and
Trailer Towing Guide notes that these hitches "are only 'required'
for Class IV applications" and generally aren't used for loads under
5,000 pounds. The fifth-wheel hitch is uniquely mounted inside the
bed of a pickup truck and puts more of the trailer weight directly
over the tow vehicle, rather than behind it. Hitches may need to be
supplemented for improved sway management of your trailer.
Pack Carefully
It is important to think about weight distribution
as you pack your trailer or camper. The goal should be to properly
position weight to keep your vehicle and trailer as stable as
possible. Therefore, refrain from piling heavy items on the sides of
a trailer or camper. Also don't load everything into the back of a
trailer. According to Ford's RV and Trailer Towing Guide, you want
60 percent of the cargo weight in the front half of the trailer and
40 percent at the rear, within limits of the tongue weight. "The key
is to not exceed the tongue weight," adding that tongue weight is
determined by the manufacturer of the hitch. Secure items in and on
the trailer tightly. You don't want them to break loose or jostle
around and affect weight balance and handling.
Brakes Are Crucial
Most states require a separate brake system on trailers weighing
more than 1,500 pounds when loaded. And many safety experts advise
putting a separate working brake system on any towed trailer or
vehicle so you have maximum stopping power. There are three types of
trailer brakes - electronically controlled electric, hydraulically
controlled electric and surge/hydraulic. Make sure before you head
out that these brakes - and the brakes on the tow vehicle - are in
top condition. By law, every trailer has to have working brake
lights, turn signals and hazard flashers. Be sure you wire these
items correctly and that they are in good working order before you
start out. Don't Forget Safety Chains, Safety chains are an extra
physical connection between the tow vehicle and its trailer. They
are insurance in the event the trailer coupler or ball becomes
disconnected. Follow the directions in your vehicle owner's manual
for safety chain attachment information.
Check Your Tires
The only physical connection between the road and
your tow vehicle and trailer are the tires. So check them regularly,
making sure they are damage-free and properly inflated. Remember
that tires have ratings for speed and load-carrying. They can be
found in the owner's manuals. For example, owner manuals of Dodge
Trucks may show that significantly higher tire pressures are needed
when a truck is doing serious towing? Be sure you're following the
correct tow tire pressures. Worn tires and tires with low air
pressure can make driving a vehicle with a trailer dangerous.
Vehicle Behavior Affected
Monitor vehicle and trailer behavior as you
travel. Be aware of potentially dangerous conditions, such as when a
trailer is so heavy it puts too much weight on the tow vehicle's
rear axle and starts to lift weight off the front wheels. This can
affect steering. Towing, especially in hilly terrain, also can
strain a vehicle's transmission. Some newer model trucks include a
"tow/haul mode" that works to lessen the transmission's tendency to
shift up and down a lot when towing. Excessive shifting also can be
reduced in vehicles with automatic overdrive by having the overdrive
gear locked out. This will help provide engine braking on
downgrades, too, thereby saving wear and tear on brakes. Remember
that when you tow, your vehicle's ability to accelerate and stop is
affected. Acceleration is slower because of the additional weight,
so factor that in when you decide to pass another vehicle. And give
yourself a lot more time to come to a stop.
Source: www.CimarronTrailers.com
Have
questions regarding what you can tow? Our knowledgeable staff can
help!
636-938-5278 / 800-486-5664
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