Chances are you see them on the highway wherever you go: large RVs, long fifth wheels, open flatbeds with off-road vehicles strapped to them, or perhaps (stinky) horse trailers that whinny as you drive by. What you might not realize as you’re passing these big rigs is that there are certain skills necessary for driving them safely. One day, you might have to learn these tactics, so don’t honk at those slow-moving caravans as you pass them—unless you’re waving with a smile.
Before You Hitch Up and Head OutIf you’re going to pull a trailer, you’ll want to consider a few key aspects before you start bragging to your friends. First, how much weight can your car or truck tow? It is not recommended that you push this limit as it could incur serious damage. Staying below the recommended weight is optimal to insuring a safe experience. Next, do you have the correct size hitch ball for the trailer you’re pulling? “Almost” and “close enough” are incredibly dangerous ways to pull a trailer, so take the extra time and money and purchase the correct part the first time. You’ll also want to make sure the connection between the car/truck and trailer is secure. Leave slack in the chains so that you can turn corners, but not too much. It’s best to have 2 chains connecting the vehicle you’re driving to the trailer, attached in a crisscross pattern that will allow for equal distribution of pulling power. Always check your trailer connections any time you stop. It’s easier to address a problem standing still than at highway cruising speeds.What to Consider When Pulling a TrailerThere are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind as you’re operating your vehicle with a trailer. Incorporating these factors into your safe driving techniques will do a lot to insure a safe trip.
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