tech
Trailering Safety
and Trailer Hitch Information
by Jeff Jackson
photos from
offroaders.com
When
you are pulling a trailer or load of any kind, one thing
is undisputed: trailer towing is a special situation
which places demands on your driving skills, and on your
tow vehicle. Here are a few basic tips that you should
know in order to transport your boat and trailer safely,
comfortably, and without abusing the towing vehicle. Add
to this the fact that all manufacturers don’t use the
same formula to determine a vehicle’s towing capacity,
and it becomes apparent why consumers can easily get
confused.
After you have determined how much weight you will be
towing and how much weight your tow vehicle can handle,
the hitch will be the next tough choice. It's often a
choice that consumers unwisely spend too little time
considering, however, the hitch is perhaps the most
important factor in assuring that your tow vehicle and
load make it to their destination safely. There are
several types of hitches to choose from. In some cases,
the trailer you are towing will determine the type of
hitch you’ll need. Perhaps the most popular hitches
today are the Hidden Hitch and Reese Hitches, but one of
the more unique hitch systems is offered by Advanced Air
Hitches. Their one-of-a-kind design improves handling,
braking, traction and wear and tear on your equipment.
So much of utilizing your trailer hitch safely centers
on the concept of weight distribution. Here are a few
tips to keep in mind when dealing with standard hitches,
fifth-wheel hitches, or a gooseneck hitch:
For optimum handling, the trailer (if applicable) must
be properly loaded and balanced.
Keep the center of gravity (CG) low for best handling.
The towed object should also be balanced from side to
side. For Example: If you are towing a boat and the
vessel has side mounted fuel or water tanks in which
only one side is filled, then this will lend the rig to
maneuver poorly.
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Before hooking up whatever you’re towing to the trailer,
make sure your tow truck is full of oil and fuel.
Remember, it is a lot easier to fuel your tow vehicle at
a gas station without a boat and trailer attached. You
should also make sure the vehicle has plenty of water in
the radiator and fluid in the transmission. Towing a
large load can often times heat up a motor and strain a
transmission. If you haven’t already done so, look into
installing a transmission cooler on your tow vehicle.
Additionally, before starting out on a trip, practice
turning, stopping and backing up your trailer in an area
away from traffic. Make sure your mirrors give you ample
vision around both sides of the boat and trailer, and if
not, look into getting modified mirrors for your tow
vehicle. Finally, check to make sure the trailer ball
(when applicable) on your tow vehicle matches the
coupler on your trailer. The three major sizes of
trailer balls are: 1-7/8”, 2”, and 2-5/16”. Make sure
the ball is fastened properly to the tow vehicle and
that the mounting will handle the capacity equal to or
greater than the weight of the trailer and load. If you
have a receiver type hitch, make sure the insert (the
bar the ball attaches to) is secured with a retaining
pin and that it has a locking clevis pin on it. |
The gearing options found in 4X4 trucks help a vehicle
tackle many of the unique situations encountered if you
have to trailer your load in an off-road situation.
4H allows you to drive full speed, if necessary. The
high range ratios in 4X4 mode are the same as the gear
ratios in 2WD. 4L is for creeping along at slow speeds.
It reduces the strain on your vehicle; just remember to
stay below 25mph in low range. While it does not provide
more traction, it does provide 2-3 times more torque at
about 1/2 or 1/3 of the speeds in high range.
When to use
4H:
1) for traction when the area isn't steep
2) when stuck in sand
3) extremely slippery conditions
4) snow
5) ice
6) rocky, gravel roads
7) gullies
8) extremely muddy areas
9) ridges
When to use
4L:
1) on wet, slippery surfaces
2) passing through sandy areas
3) on rough trails
4) through shallow water
5) rock-climbing
6) climbing steep hills
7) through mud
8) descending steep hills
You need to have a heightened sense of awareness when
towing. Before each trip take a few extra minutes to
check the trailer tires to make sure they're properly
inflated. Recommended pressures are indicated on the
tire sidewalls. Also be sure the tow vehicles tires are
properly inflated. If its a heavy trailer, try adding
extra pressure to the tow vehicles rear tires. Never
take trailer wheel bearings for granted, a total
failure, which will cause the wheel to stop turning, can
cause an accident. Check the bearings at least once a
year, before you head out on your first excursion. Get
one side of the trailer up on a jack, grab a wheel with
both hands, and see if there’s any play in the bearing.
Then turn the wheel, using ears and fingers to detect
any scratchiness in the rotation.
About the Author
Jeff Jackson
is a successful free lance writer and truck enthusiast
who enjoys providing valuable tips and advice for online
purchasers of
Truck Accessories,
Trailer Hitches, and
Truck Floor Mats. When he is not writing he can
usually be found in his 4x4 out on the trails of his
home state, Florida.