There are several situations when it may become necessary to pull another object or vehicle behind one's car or truck. Perhaps someone is moving and would like to transport their own belongings rather than hire a company, or they're going camping, or perhaps maybe they just need to get their boat out to the water. For those occasions, it is important to have a grasp of towing safety.
Hauling definitely has its convenience factors, however it also has its share of hazards if one is not properly educated. Any driver attempting this needs to know at least the basics of issues such as spreading the weight evenly, parking correctly, passing, breaking and turning safely. Observing the rules and tips will keep everyone on the road much safer.
How to properly distribute the weight is the first thing one should understand. Regardless of whether one is transporting people or objects using PBL Horse Floats, their weight needs to be spaced equally on all sides and axles. Hitches come with instruction guides that should be thoroughly read to be fully aware of how much stress the object can take and still be reliable.
Parking is much easier when two work together. One stays inside with the brake held firmly while the other places stops either in front of or behind the wheels of the trailer, depending on whether or not they are on an up or downgrade. In an automatic, the vehicle should be put in park before releasing the brake, and in either reverse or first in a manual.
Passing or changing lanes is only slightly different than in a vehicle alone in that one should give the intention signal well in advance and leave enough extra room for the trailer before moving back to the right lane. This should also never be done on steep grades, neither up nor down. Since stopping with a tow requires extra time, try to leave one full length of the two parts for every 10 mph between front bumper and the car in front.
The biggest risks of tipping or jackknifing are while taking corners. Sudden stops and quick moves are definitely things to avoid because they cause weight shifts that change the balance. Turns should be taken slowly, allowing more room on the inside so that the trailer's wheels have space to clear the curb.
Towing safety is a lot of common sense. One needs to be constantly aware of the extended length and extra weight trailing behind the vehicle to keep control. Minding and obeying the speed limits are important, especially in inclement weather.
Hauling definitely has its convenience factors, however it also has its share of hazards if one is not properly educated. Any driver attempting this needs to know at least the basics of issues such as spreading the weight evenly, parking correctly, passing, breaking and turning safely. Observing the rules and tips will keep everyone on the road much safer.
How to properly distribute the weight is the first thing one should understand. Regardless of whether one is transporting people or objects using PBL Horse Floats, their weight needs to be spaced equally on all sides and axles. Hitches come with instruction guides that should be thoroughly read to be fully aware of how much stress the object can take and still be reliable.
Parking is much easier when two work together. One stays inside with the brake held firmly while the other places stops either in front of or behind the wheels of the trailer, depending on whether or not they are on an up or downgrade. In an automatic, the vehicle should be put in park before releasing the brake, and in either reverse or first in a manual.
Passing or changing lanes is only slightly different than in a vehicle alone in that one should give the intention signal well in advance and leave enough extra room for the trailer before moving back to the right lane. This should also never be done on steep grades, neither up nor down. Since stopping with a tow requires extra time, try to leave one full length of the two parts for every 10 mph between front bumper and the car in front.
The biggest risks of tipping or jackknifing are while taking corners. Sudden stops and quick moves are definitely things to avoid because they cause weight shifts that change the balance. Turns should be taken slowly, allowing more room on the inside so that the trailer's wheels have space to clear the curb.
Towing safety is a lot of common sense. One needs to be constantly aware of the extended length and extra weight trailing behind the vehicle to keep control. Minding and obeying the speed limits are important, especially in inclement weather.
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