Tips for First-Timers Towing a Trailer
New to the world of travel trailers or cargo trailers and wondering just how to tow them? You might think that there’s a huge learning curve involved, but the truth is that towing any type of trailer is easy once you put in a little practice, provided you keep a few key concepts in mind!
Flat Rock Trailers in Hewitt is your Texas trailer dealer, serving Killeen and Waco. Keep reading to learn how you can safely tow a trailer as a beginner!
1. Know Your Tow Rating
Your vehicle has a tow rating on it and you need to know what it is to determine if your SUV, van or truck can handle the type of trailer you want to buy. The Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) of your vehicle tells you the maximum weight capacity that the axle can carry, which will vary by brand. You’ll also need to know your vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), as these numbers will tell you how much weight your vehicle can handle in itself as well as how much weight it can tow behind it. Check online, in the doorjamb of the driver’s seat or in your owner’s manual to get these numbers.
2. Get Help From a Friend
The hardest things about towing a trailer are backing it up and parking it. Reversing a trailer does take a little time to master to avoid it jackknifing awkwardly in the other direction behind you. One handy tip in regards to reversing a trailer is to place your hands at the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions of your steering wheel instead of 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock. When you want the trailer to go right, move the 4 hand up. When you want it to go left, move the 8 hand up.
The other handy tip you need for these processes is to phone a friend! Have one of your traveling companions get out of the car to spot you as you park the trailer, using hand signals or shouted guidance. It’ll make things a whole lot easier since they’ll have a better vantage point than you will.
3. Avoid Trailer Sway
One of the biggest problems newbies tend to have when towing a trailer is trailer sway, where the trailer tries to drift from side to side behind your towing vehicle. One major cause of this is unbalanced cargo. You can load your cargo evenly from left to right to help cut down on this, while also making sure to place about 60% of the cargo weight towards the front of the trailer and 40% towards the rear. Also, avoid driving your towing setup through high winds.
We hope these tips help to make trailer towing easier. When you’re ready to look at trailers for sale, visit our dealership in Hewitt, TX, to check out our fine selection of new and used trailers. Flat Rock Trailers proudly serves the cities of Waco and Killeen, TX.