How to Tow Your Trailer Safely
Getting out on an RV trip is a great way to spend vacation time, but it's important to be safe on the way to the campground. Towing a travel trailer is a skill all its own, and there are a few tricks you need to learn before you climb behind the wheel. This brief guide brought to you by Sumner RV will show you some of the keys to safe travel trailer towing. If you need towing equipment or service for your travel trailer, stop by our Sumner, Washington location!
Weight
/New-Used-Travel-Trailers-RVs-For-Sale-Sumner-Poulsbo-Seattle-WA--xallInventory?vc=travel+trailerIf you want to learn how to tow safely, you'll need to start thinking about weight. No, not the weight you put on after the holidays. You need to think about the weight of all the pieces of your towing set up. Your tow vehicle will have what's known as a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) that's specified by the manufacturer. This the maximum weight allowed for your vehicle, its cargo, occupants, and trailer. Even if you have the biggest engine in the world, it's simply not legal for a tiny car to pull a massive trailer. As you load your trailer up and head out on the road, make sure to stop by a weigh station to make sure you're under your GCWR.
You'll also want to make sure your trailer has its weight correctly distributed. The majority of the cargo weight inside the trailer should be centered over the front axle, with only about 10% of the weight pressing on the hitch. This will make sure the hitch stays in place so you don't have to fear a pop-off. Weight should also be evenly distributed from side to side to prevent uneven wearing of tires, which is one of the main contributors to tire blowouts.
Preparation
/New-Used-Travel-Trailers-RVs-For-Sale-Sumner-Poulsbo-Seattle-WA--xallInventory?vc=travel+trailerPreparation is key to safe travel trailer towing. There are many elements that go into preparation. For example, it's important that your tow vehicle and trailer are equipped with all the necessary equipment, which means you might need to purchase a few extra items. Mirrors are extremely important when towing, as they help you see behind you as you take corners or attempt to back up. But the mirrors that come stock on your tow vehicle may not be up to the task. Consider buying some extended towing mirrors which will help you see the full length of your trailer. Another helpful bit of technology is a tire pressure monitoring system. If your trailer doesn't have one of these, you can purchase one online. These systems will not only measure tire pressure, they will also often measure temperature and will alert you to any major changes to your tires' conditions.
You'll need to make sure all your safety equipment is functioning before you hit the road, too. Hook up the wiring harness that provides electricity for your trailer's brake lights, turn signals, and brakes. Test them out and make sure there are no problems. One final tip is that you should also consider fueling up before you head out on the road so you don't have to navigate the tight spaces of a gas station with a trailer.
Removing Distractions
/New-Used-Travel-Trailers-RVs-For-Sale-Sumner-Poulsbo-Seattle-WA--xallInventory?vc=travel+trailerOnce you're on the road, is key that you remove all distractions from the driving experience. You might get hungry while on the road, but find somewhere you can stop for a while instead of trying to trying to snack on the road. Only adjust the climate control and music when you're stopped at stop sign or red light so you won't be tempted to take your hands off the wheel and your eyes off the road. Most importantly, never use your phone while driving. Some studies suggest that texting while driving impairs a person's ability to drive in an equivalent manner to being under the influence of alcohol!
The Buddy System
/New-Used-Travel-Trailers-RVs-For-Sale-Sumner-Poulsbo-Seattle-WA--xallInventory?vc=travel+trailerUsing the buddy system is a good way to remove distractions. If you have a navigator in your car, you won't be tempted to check the directions yourself. If there's another person in the cab, you won't need to adjust the radio or climate control, and they can worry about what the kids or dog are doing in the back seat. A buddy will be able to help you back up, and when you get into tight driving conditions, they can get out and help you navigate them.
Whether you've just invested in a giant new fifth wheel or a tiny pop up camper, these tips will help you tow your travel trailer more safely. When you need equipment for your travel trailer, or even parts and services, stop by Sumner RV. We proudly serve Sequim, Everett, Olympia, Renton, Kent, Tacoma, and Seattle, Washington, and we want to help you, too!