If you are towing a trailer then this is important
Having a small trailer to carry your holiday luggage, gifts, mountain bikes and the rest is a valuable asset. Incorrect packing can, however, present its own nightmares.
It is holiday season. Although the roads are going to be extremely busy and dangerous, situational awareness, and driving according to what road and weather conditions dictate, is critical.
Weight and weight distribution are key to safe towing and it is well illustrated in this YouTube clip – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mW_gzdh6to. If more than 40% of the load is placed behind the axle, the towed vehicle becomes unstable. At least 60% of the weight should be loaded in front of the axle. A tail heavy trailer will create a whiplash effect that will force you off the road and cause an accident.
Dewald Ranft, chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), says the first thing to ensure is that the trailer or caravan has been properly serviced by a competent and accredited repairer.
“These have probably been standing idle since December 2020. During the service, the following areas should receive special attention: brakes (if fitted); electrical connections and components such as lights, cables etc; wheel bearings (these need to be greased if the trailer has been standing for a lengthy period); and tyres with emphasis on the tyre age i.e. cracks etc.”
Next to check is that you have the correct licence and that the towing weight is within the legal prescription for your vehicle and trailer combination.
“Many motorists don’t realise that their driver’s licence determines what vehicle they can drive and what type of trailer they can pull. The AA provides a break-down of license codes and the corresponding trailer weight. It also explains how to calculate the trailer to car weight ratio. It is important that motorists don’t attempt to tow an item that is too heavy for their vehicle,” says Ranft.
Towing will also increase your vehicle’s fuel consumption, so be sure to budget accordingly.
Important to note also is that your stopping distances will increase. It will take longer to overtake another vehicle and you have to allow for bigger spaces to move into once you have passed the vehicle in front of you. Hard braking will disturb the balance of the trailer so it would be wise to perhaps shift to a lower gear to assist with braking down descents.
If you stop to assist another fellow traveller, do it in a safe manner.
“Use only approved towing equipment such as towing bars and ropes. Be aware when using a rope that it will slacken on deceleration. By using the correct rope you avoid the risk of the rope snapping on acceleration. A tow bar should be used if the towed vehicle’s brakes are not working. Drivers should never use a tow ball on the towing vehicle. A tow rope or bar should always be affixed to a safe towing point, ideally attached to the chassis of the towing vehicle. Be aware that the steering on the towed vehicle may be extremely heavy when the engine is not running so too are the brakes without vacuum assistance,” said Ranft.
Source: Cathy Findley PR
