Steps To Ensure Safe Towing

There are a few simple safety precautions to follow when you are towing a trailer with your truck or SUV. Many accidents that occur while towing are the result of driver error and one of the main reasons is drivers not paying close enough attention to the road, speeding or not driving within the limits of the weather conditions. High wind can cause trailers to sway and present other challenges on the road. Read the tips below to learn how to safely tow your trailer.

Make sure your trailer is hooked up properly

Make sure you have followed the proper steps for hooking up your trailer to your truck. Check that all connections are securely fastened and make sure your safety chains are crossed under the trailer tongue and securely connected.

Allow additional stopping distance with a trailer

You need to take into account an increase in the stopping distance of your truck with a trailer attached. It takes longer to stop your truck than driving with just your vehicle alone. You should also try to avoid sudden turns, acceleration and braking.

Watch out for excessive trailer sway

Heavy wind, semi trucks, steep grades and high driving speeds can all contribute to trailer sway. If you are experiencing trailer sway, the best way to help fix the problem is with a sway control unit from Curt Manufacturing. When you start to feel trailer sway, remove your foot from the gas and manually apply the trailer brakes with your brake control unit. Applying slight braking power to the trailer usually helps your trailer realign with your truck.

Steps To Ensure Safe Towing

Be extra careful for blind spots when changing lanes

Changing lanes is a challenge when towing a large trailer, when a trailer is attached your blind spots increase and you cannot maneuver as quickly. Installing towing mirrors helps to increase your field of view and eliminate blind spots.

Try to stop gradually when possible

Towing a trailer requires a lot of extra work from your braking system. Make sure that your tow vehicle and trailer brakes are well maintained and that your brake controller is set to the correct level.

Do not pull into an area that might have restricted turning space

It is easy to get stuck with a trailer when you enter an area or parking lot that has a limited amount of space for turning around and parking. It is always better to park further away so that you don't become trapped into an area without an easy way out.

SharpTruck.com is your source for top-of-the-line towing accessories from Curt Manufacturing. Curts high quality line of towing equipment will ensure that your trip is as safe as possible. Check out their great products here at SharpTruck.

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