5 Towing Mistakes Not to Make

Towing a trailer is not difficult when done properly. Don’t become part of an accident statistic by following these simple tips.

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Words by Ashley Bell/Weigh Safe

What better way to social distance than to take the family out on an adventure? Before you go, don’t make some of the most common towing mistakes in the process. 

With that being said, many RVers neglect to check certain aspects of their hitch system that are vital for safe towing. In fact, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA) reported in 2016 that nearly 50,000 trailer-hitch accidents took place in the United States alone. While an astonishing report, they could have been avoided in many cases. Listed below are five safety checklist items never to overlook whether you have new RV, an existing one, or looking upgrade for next season.

1. USE OF THE CORRECT HITCH

First things first – always make sure you have the correct hitch for your tow vehicle, trailer and towing system. Way too often, we either see people on the road with a questionable use of their hitch. While you should only tow your trailer in the intended manner that it was designed and manufactured for use, always uses the correct type of hitch and that it works for your truck and trailer.

For instance, if you have a very large, lifted rig, you shouldn’t be towing with a standard hitch that makes the tongue of your trailer point upwards. You need a drop hitch that when attached, your trailer sits level. Also keep in mind that you don’t want too much of a drop so your vehicle sits lower to the ground, thus reducing the chance of it coming into contact with the road, speed bumps or obstacles.

Additionally, make ensure you hitch matches the same size of receiver on your truck and it has the appropriate reducer sleeves to provide a snug fit. For example, don’t use a 2” shank on a hitch in a 2.5” receiver with no reducer sleeve. This results in trailer sway, thus having very limited trailer control while at speed.

2. DETERMINE THE CORRECT HITCH BALL SIZE

Once you have found the correct hitch, make sure that you have the correct size of tow ball. Just because your trailer coupler fits on your tow ball doesn’t necessarily mean they are the same size and compatible. If the tow ball is smaller than the coupler, you won’t be able to properly secure the coupler. The same can be said for a tow ball that is larger than your coupler. Either way, as a result, the trailer could potentially detach from the tow vehicle. 

3. PROPER HITCH ATTACHMENT

Once you have the correct hitch and tow ball, you need to properly and securely attach the trailer to the tow vehicle. Check (and double check) that the trailer coupler is locked, secured and will not break free during travel. Hook up the trailer lights, safety chains, trailer brakes and breakaway cable, and then double check that all are functioning and secured in place.

4. BE AWARE OF WEIGHT

Many RVers are not aware of the recommended weight capacity ratings of their tow vehicle and trailer. This includes curb weight, gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR), gross combined weight ratings (GCWR), gross trailer weight (GTW), tongue weight, etc.

According to The RV Safety & Education Foundation 57 percent of all RVs on the road exceed one or more of these weight safety ratings. That means that half of all the trailers you see on the road are towing more than their truck/trailer can handle. How can you know? Poor vehicle performance such as steering, traction and braking difficulties (or even loss of control) are a few strong indicators that you need to lighten your load. Remember, just because you have a hitch that has a high weight rating doesn’t mean your truck can tow that much (you can only tow as much as your lowest weight-rated component).

5. PROPER LOADING/PLACEMENT/SECURE

In addition to keeping your load within the appropriate weight ratings for your tow vehicle, make sure you’re distributing the weight appropriately across the trailer axles, as well as the left and right sides of the trailer. A properly loaded and balanced trailer is not axle-based, but rather load distribution and tongue-weight based. Also, the tongue weight should be between 10 and 15 percent of your GTW. By doing so, this will make for much more enjoyable and safer towing experiences.

You can never be too safe when it comes to towing. Following these five basic steps will not only afford a peace of mind while at speed, but provide added safety for you, your family, and others on the road. For more information and details about safe towing practises visit www.weigh-safe.com