Common Trailer Towing Mistakes to Avoid
Trailer mechanics often deal with a number of different issues with trailers that come into their repair shops, and a typical cause is that the owner made some mistake while towing that ended up causing damage to their trailer. There are many poor towing practices that can result in a breakdown, which is bad enough when it occurs at home, but extremely dangerous when it happens while you’re driving.
Flat Rock Trailers in Hewitt is your Texas trailer dealer, serving Waco and Killeen. Keep reading to discover some towing mistakes you’ll want to avoid that can contribute to serious safety issues or trailer breakdowns.
1. Unevenly Distributed Cargo Weight
Failing to ensure that the cargo in your trailer is evenly distributed is a common cause of trailer failure. Always make sure you’re staying under the trailer weight limit as well as the limit for your towing vehicle. Balance cargo evenly from left to right in the trailer and try to place 60% of the weight towards the front and 40% towards the rear of the trailer.
2. Neglected Brakes
It’s very important to keep your trailer and towing vehicle brakes maintained because of how much more weight they have to bring to a stop. Check the brake system regularly or take your trailer into a shop to let a mechanic look at your brakes. Brake shoes can wear down over time, requiring replacement.
If you feel any grinding while braking or hear squealing, these are two crucial signs that your brakes need some tender loving care. Get in touch with the Flat Rock Trailers service department to have your trailer looked over as soon as possible.
3. Underinflated Tires
The tires on both your trailer and your towing vehicle need to be well-maintained to prevent a dangerous mishaps. Blowouts are bad enough when you’re just driving your car, but they’re disastrous when you’re towing a trailer. Make sure to check the tire pressure of all your tires before each trip and inflate them as needed. Also, examine your tires regularly to make sure there are no bald spots or cracks in the sidewall that need repairing.
4. Overdriven Engines
When towing in hilly or mountainous regions, it may be tempting to put your towing vehicle’s engine into overdrive to help compensate for the sudden incline. However, using overdrive while towing something heavy like a cargo trailer will usually just make your engine overheat or destroy your transmission. Stick within your engine’s standard powerband for best results and take hills slowly.
We hope these tips help you to become an expert at towing. Looking to buy a trailer? Visit our dealership in Hewitt, TX, to check out our inventory of new and used trailers for sale. Flat Rock Trailers proudly serves the cities of Killeen and Waco, TX.