towing

Towing a boat or camper can take a toll on your vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is up for the challenge. Bring it in, and we can inspect it to ensure it is efficient. When you attach a trailer to your vehicle for towing, you are adding an excessive amount of weight that can cause strain and damage the vehicle. If the vehicle isn’t ready and the trailer isn’t secured properly, there’s a possibility of you getting into an accident.

Check the brakes

The brakes help control movement and ensure the vehicle stops when you need it to. The added load of the trailer means the brakes have to work harder to stop safely and at the right distance away from any object on the road. Make sure the brakes are well-lubricated, functional, and perform reliably.

The Lights

Lights are a signal to other drivers which direction you plan on going. If other drivers don’t know where your vehicle is, you’re more likely to get involved in an accident. Make sure the lights are connected to the trailer so vehicles behind know to slow down or when you are backing up. Check the lights to ensure they work every time you drive with the trailer.

Driving speed

The larger the load, the more carefully you need to drive. Speeding with the trailer attached to the vehicle is just asking for trouble and can lead to a lot of trouble down the line. Make sure to drive at a proper speed when towing and stay within the speed limit. It’s also a good idea to slow down during turns to avoid accidents because the trailer might slide if you go into a turn too quickly.

The capacity

Not all vehicles are capable of bearing the load of trailers and boats. Check with us to determine if the car can bear the additional load. If the manual or auto mechanic says the car is incapable of handling it, don’t attempt to attach the trailer to it. Consider renting another vehicle or borrowing a car that can handle the load from a friend.

The trailer is hitched

Make sure the trailer is hitched properly to the vehicle before you drive. If the connection is loose, the trailer might just become detached and cause an accident. Double check every connection carefully and make sure you take some breaks during the drive to check the connection. The constant momentum and rough road conditions can dislodge a poorly hitched trailer. If you have any questions about hauling a trailer, make sure to contact us.