Car trailers are primarily used to transport cars from one location to another. The trailer is loaded with one or more cars, depending on its capacity, and then it is attached to a towing vehicle which hauls both the trailer and the cars to the desired destination. Before engaging in this kind of towing, it is important to ensure that you have a few things in place so that you can maximise safety on the road and prevent accidents. In this light, below are some considerations that you should have in mind before towing your car on a transporter trailer.
Check the weight of the vehicle
The weight of the vehicle that's being towed is a significant aspect of the tow. That's because it will help you choose the best car trailer for the job. Check the vehicle handbook for weight information, and make sure to factor in other things like the oil and fuel, as they also add to the weight. Compare this to the tow capacity of the trailer and make sure that it can handle the car. If you are loading more than one vehicle onto the trailer, sum up their weights and compare them against the capacity of the trailer. Never tow a vehicle with a trailer that cannot handle the weight of the vehicle, as this will lead to accidents.
Check the capacity of the towing vehicle
Once you have ascertained that the trailer and towed vehicle are compatible in terms of weight, the next thing is to assess the weight of the towing vehicle. Whether it is an SUV or truck, you have to ensure that its weight capacity is ideal for the tow. So, for example, if you have a heavy-duty car trailer for the job, match it to a heavy-duty vehicle. Don't tow a heavy trailer using a small SUV, as it won't be able to handle the weight. As a result, the suspension system of the towing vehicle may be damaged.
Distribute weight evenly
The most important safety aspect when towing a loaded car trailer is ensuring equal weight distribution. This will prevent you from exceeding the nose-load capacity on the tow bar that's attached to the towing vehicle. In this light, assess the engine placement of the towed vehicle so that you can determine whether it should be driven on forward or backward. Since most cars have a front engine, most of their weight is found at the front. They should be driven on forward to ensure even weight distribution between the trailer and the towing vehicle.
Follow these tips when towing your vehicle on a car trailer. Seek professional help when buying your trailer to ensure that you get the right one for the job.
Share2 August 2018
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