What Beginner Drivers Need to Know About Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer may seem like an easy task but in reality, even the most experienced drivers have a hard time hitting the open road with a significantly extended vehicle. Needless to say, beginner drivers face even more difficulties in dealing with the sway, reversing, and various turns. Let’s face it, driving with a trailer is not a piece of cake but a process that requires certain knowledge and skills. If you want to become really good at towing a trailer, here is everything you need to know for a truly seamless experience.
Check The Connection
Even though this tip may sound like a no-brainer, you will be surprised to know how many drives have lost their trailers on the way to their dream destinations. That’s why never skip this very important step – always make sure your trailer is attached correctly before hitting the road.
Do Not Overload
Take a look at your vehicle user manual to figure out how much weight it can haul but try not to push it to the high limit because it will be too difficult to handle, meaning your chances to be involved in an accident will be higher than average. When it comes to the load, the total weight is not the only thing that matters – the way you spread the load is perhaps even more important. Front – rear and side-to-side balance is key, hence pack stuff accordingly.
Practice Makes Perfect
We bet you are a good driver but trailer driving is a totally different experience and you will realize it at the very first corner. So, do not expect just to jump into your vehicle and embark on your long-awaited journey, instead, be ready to practice. Professional instructors from learntodrivedrivingschool.com.au explain that even experienced drivers at the beginning find handling a loaded trailer very tricky and usually need several practice runs to get accustomed to the numerous specificities of driving a trailer. The general recommendation is to start small and take a ride around the block, then move to not so busy roads, and only when you feel ready confident, test your skills in more demanding environments.
Relearn Reversing
Learning to reverse properly is often referred to as one of the most challenging tasks for future drivers but reversing with a trailer adds to the story a whole new dimension. The main challenge lies in the fact that your trailer will always tend to go in the opposite direction. Again, you will need to practice and if possible, with a spotter on your side to avoid hitting something due to the extended length of your vehicle you are not used to yet.
Slow Down
Of course, you are supposed not to exceed the posted speed limits but more than that, you have to adjust your driving style given that now you have much more space and much more time to react properly. Slow down and forget about overtaking.
Dealing With the Sway
If your trailer starts swaying provoked by strong wind or a passing truck, do not panic, do not brake, do not speed up. Gradually slow down and just steer straight. If you have done the homework and taken good care of a well-balanced load, then your trailer shouldn't have an excessive sway. Anyway, take a deep breath, move your foot off the gas, and never ever try to steer in the opposite direction of the trailer.
Making A Right-Hand Turn
Many newly-minted trailer drivers had pretty unpleasant experiences with right-hand turns, often ending up over the curb. To avoid this situation, simply go slightly past the corner in comparison to what you would usually do.
Consider Parking
Parking can be a bigger problem than you may expect and not only because it is obviously much harder to park an extended vehicle but also because your options often will be extremely limited. Always do a bit of research to check out the availability of spots where you can have enough space to park your wonder. Life has shown that it is better to drive fifteen minutes more to a suitable parking space than to spend those fifteen minutes trying to squeeze between the two parked cars without a viable chance to get back out and continue your trip.
Driving with a trailer is not something that can be taken lightly but on the bright side, practice can make you really good at towing. Brush up on these expert tips every time you are going to hit the road for safe and smooth adventures.