Top 7 Risks When Towing
If you’ve bought a new boat or caravan, you’re probably longing to head outdoors. This is where towing comes into the picture. If you’ve never towed a trailer before, you need to practice your manoeuvrers and know the risks that come with towing. We’ll run you through the top 7 risks that you need to be aware of.
Towing Risks
- Toppling Over
It’s a good idea to practice your turns on quiet streets or an empty parking lot. You need to know how to control your vehicle at different speeds so you don’t topple over on sharp turns. If you think you can’t make tight turns, go slow so you don’t endanger anyone’s life.
- Overloading Your Trailer
Whether you’re towing a trailer full of work supplies or a caravan, you need to make sure your vehicle can handle the weight of the load. Always play it safe by referring to the manufacturer’s recommended load bearing ratings. It is very dangerous to exceed the maximum weight limit.
- Using the Wrong Equipment
The trailer hitch and the second-hand have to fit properly so the trailer remains stable on the road. The tow bar should never be at an angle to the ground. If it’s not parallel to the ground it can lead to jack-knifing.
- Limited Visibility
If you’re carrying a load that’s wider than your own vehicle, you may not be able to see vehicles coming in from the side or the rear. To avoid this problem, install extended mirrors for better visibility. Also, ask your passengers to look out for vehicles that seem to come out of nowhere.
- Incorrect Judgement
Because of the length of your trailer, you could easily cause accidents on the road if you’re not careful. When passing other vehicles, remember to signal early. Always return to your lane of traffic when there’s enough space between you and the vehicle you’ve passed. Never pass vehicles that are going uphill or downhill. Pass on level ground when you can clearly see the road in front of you.
- Improper Use of Brakes
If you’re going to rely solely on your vehicle’s brakes to come to a halt, they will undergo unnecessary wear and tear. Use the trailer’s braking system with your vehicle’s brakes to come to a smooth stop. Don’t slam the brakes but apply steady pressure. Also give yourself enough time and space to come to a complete stop.
- Inadequate Maintenance
Regular towbar and trailer maintenance go a long way in preventing road accidents. You have to check the tyre pressure to reduce instability and examine the towbar for signs of corrosion. Nuts and bolts should be tight enough and the parts of the towbar should be free from dust and dirt. Trailer owners must also inspect the electrical components of the towbar so there aren’t any surprises along the way.
Trailer Service in Melbourne
Thinking of towing your trailer cross-country? Ask the experts at Advanced Towbars to service your trailer before you hit the road. We have the necessary expertise and tools to repair faulty towbars and trailers. From fitting reversing cameras to installing truck tow bars, we offer a wide range of services.
We have been in the auto industry for more than 40 years. Our trained staff members offer you excellent workmanship at low prices.
We also have bike racks, towing accessories and towbars for sale in Melbourne. Whether you’re looking for standard or custom towbars, we are happy to help.
Call us on 1300 238 869 to learn more about tow hitch installation. Alternatively, visit us online to view our range of bike racks, LED lights, and truck tow bars.