TRAILER TOWING TIPS
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          Trailer Towing Tips

SAFETY
Perform a safety inspection before each trip. Make sure that the pin securing the ball mount to the receiver is intact, the hitch coupler is secured, spring bar hinges are tight with the safety clips in place (load equalizer or weight distributing hitches), safety chains are properly attached and the electrical plug is properly installed.

PRACTICE TRAILER BACKING
Backing a trailer into tight places is easier than it looks, but it does take some practice. It's best to practice in a parking lot and in a vehicle that allows you to see the trailer through the rear window. Vans, trucks and campers that have obstructed rear views require more practice and the use of side mirrors. In either case, be patient, and make steering adjustments slowly and a little at a time.

Tip: The easiest way to remember which way the trailer turns when you turn your steering wheel is to place your hand on the BOTTOM of the steering wheel. Now, wherever you want the trailer to go, just move your hand in that direction.

WATCH YOUR TONGUE WEIGHT
How a trailer handles down the road depends upon tongue weight. Too much weight will cause the rear of the trailer to sway and make the tow vehicle difficult to control. The tongue weight should not exceed 200 pounds for trailer up to 2,000 pounds. Tongue weight for trailers over 2,000 pounds should be 10% to 15% of the trailer's loaded weight.

KEEP BEARINGS GREASED
Wheel bearings are the heart of trailers. They need to remain airtight and packed with fresh grease. Poorly greased bearings will overheat and deteriorate, creating serious problems if they fail. They should be inspected and repacked at least once a year, depending upon the amount of use. Lay your hand on your wheel hubs after traveling. If they feel unusually warm, you may have a problem. But why wait? Routine maintenance is good prevention.

GO WIDE ON TURNS
Be careful making sharp turns or sudden moves when trailering. The trailer tends to cut corners more sharply than the tow vehicle which can be dangerous when cutting corners close to curbs, other vehicles and road-side obstructions. Striking solid objects at an angle can cause tire damage, and more importantly, cause you to lose control momentarily.

BE A WEIGHT WATCHER
When loading, balance the cargo with 60 percent of the weight near the front.

SECURE THE TRAILER
Keep the safety chains provided on most trailers fastened securely to the tow vehicle in case the hitch fails. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning. For additional security, padlock the trailer hitch to the tow vehicle. That will also prevent someone from stealing the trailer while you're away from the vehicle.

MAKE SURE YOUR VEHICLE HAS TOWING POWER
Just because a vehicle has the power to pull a loaded trailer down the road doesn't mean it has the guts to haul it up steep hills, or that brakes are capable of holding it on a steep incline. Follow manufacturers' towing guidelines and never exceed tow limits. Too much trailer weight can cause an accident, or pull the tow vehicle down a steep incline.