Major Concerns for Towing and Transport

Towing has its risks. Careful consumers and drivers may minimize risks and make a less stressful experience. There are various mistakes to avoid while towing, whether it’s a boat, horse or travel trailers. By working on this major concerns about towing, we can be able to save our roads from accidents and for tow driver’s to be able to gain some necessary skills for use in this field.

Mismatched equipment

When towing, using the right equipment is highly necessary, mismatched equipment can cause major road problems. Consult the owner’s manual to see how much weight can be towed safely. The hitch should match the vehicles tow ratings before towing anything. Ensure the compatibility of the trailer braking system to that of the trailer in use. How stuff works also has a great article that discusses mismatched equipment as well as other concerns too.

Limited visibility

Towing mirrors should be attached to the side-view mirrors of the vehicle. The mirrors are useful when the towed load is wider than the vehicle. Without the extended mirrors, traffic approaching from the side to the rear won’t be seen and could be a major concern for towing.

Accelerating and speeding are Major Concerns for Towing

A vehicle has more mass when a load is being towed. This means the vehicle has higher inertia and momentum than normal. Mass in motion is also referred to as the momentum, while inertia is the resistance of change to a motion. The massive an object is the greater its resistance to change. Hence, more energy required to start or stop a massive object.

Turning

Sharper turns should be gradually taken. Towing equipment can be strained while taking fast turns. Slowing down and carefully taking turns can reduce these risks.

Braking

Some of the trailers come equipped with breaks. The brakes are connected to the tow vehicle, which should have a control system by the driver’s side and functional. Less wear and tear will occur when the brakes trailer are in conjunction with the vehicle.

Huge Concerns for Towing include Tire pressure and blowouts

Ensure the tires pressure is right. Under-inflated ones are dangerous. Having blowouts is serious, but more dangerous when towing loads. If by chance a blowout is experienced gradually slowing down and pulling out of the traffic is necessary.

Vehicle not related to towing

Not every vehicle can tow a load. Vehicles not rated for towing can cause damage if towing is attempted. The vehicles engine and brake system may fail to handle the strain. Tow vehicles have weight limits of loads to carry. Hence, difficult to control the vehicle with a heavier load.

Unbalanced Loads

Before starting a journey towed loads should be properly balanced. Heavier objects should be placed at the front of the trailer. This reduces trailer sway risks. Weight should be evenly distributed on the trailers either side to avoid swaying on one side.

Damaging a towed car

Wear and tear of the towed car is minimized by the trailer. When a tow trailer is used the towed cars transmission should not be damaged.

Swaying

Swaying can result from carrying of heavy loads. To avoid swaying, carry balanced loads and also be a highly cautious driver, also pay attention to the trailers behavior while in motion.