Trailering Tips For Life's Haulers
It doesn't matter if you're an experienced hauler or a newbie to the trailering game; it's always good to keep in mind a few driving safety tips when pulling a trailer.
Sensitive Handling
When pulling a trailer, your vehicle cannot make abrupt maneuvers. You should drive at moderate speeds because it will allow you to control the trailer. Swaying of the trailer will increase at higher speeds. Don't turn suddenly or turn corners tight. You want to make wide turns to give the trailer enough space to turn. Also, the weight of a trailer puts a lot of pressure on a vehicle's engine. With that in mind, always use the driving gear that the manufacturer recommends for towing.
Slow Braking
When pulling a trailer, your vehicle is hauling a lot of extra weight and needs more space to come to a complete stop. Always allow extra distance for stopping, and try to avoid sudden stop and starts. Sudden stops and starts are hard on a vehicle's engine and gears; it also can cause swaying of the trailer.
Backing Up
To make it easy, place hands at 5 o'clock and 7 o'clock positions. When you want the trailer to go left, move left hand up. To move the trailer right, move the right hand up. Might seem unnatural for newer trailer drivers but you'll get the hang of it.