When you rent a trailer, it is important to make sure that your vehicle is roadworthy before you begin your trip. Towing a trailer is nothing like driving a car, bus or truck. Everything that you do on the road takes longer when you have a trailer attached, whether it comes to speeding up or slowing down. You always have to think a step ahead when carrying the weight of a trailer. So what should you take into consideration when taking to the road with a trailer attached to your vehicle? Below are 3 tips to help you on a successful trailer trip.
Safety First
When you rent a trailer it is important that you take the relevant safety precautions when towing. So, what is the number one safety tool? Safety chains! You need to cross the chains underneath the hitch in the pattern of an X. If your hitch does come lose for whatever reason, the tongue of your trailer will not drop onto the ground, but rather onto the security chains preventing unnecessary damage.
Tongue Weight
Ask your trailer supplier about the tongue weight of your trailer. You need to set your tongue weight to 10 – 15% of the trailers total weight. If your vehicle does not have strong suspension to support this, make sure to invest in an equalizing hitch – this will transfer some of the weight from the rear of your vehicle to the front.
Tire Pressure
It is imperative that you properly check the tire pressure of your vehicle before you take it to the road. Make sure your tires are at their maximum pressure level. This will allow your tires to run cooler.
These are just 3 simple tips to help you on your trailer towing journey. Make sure to speak to the trailer experts before making your trip. Contact Newlands Trailers today.
