Towing to a Vacation? Here are a Few Items to Review
Summer is almost here and it's time to get the boat ready for the water or hose off the RV for those weekend getaways. Or maybe you've just purchased an ATV and are getting ready for offroading and roaring.
If you're a proud new owner of toys like these, this might be your first experience with towing. If this is the case, or you're a towing pro, be sure the vehicle you're driving, your tow and hitch, and the item being towed are prepared for the drive ahead. Towing can be hard on your automotive transmission if you attempt to tow too heavy a load.
Make Sure You Calculate Towing Weight Properly
Automotive manufacturers include a Maximum Tow Rating that defines the maximum weight limit for loads their products tow. This usually includes the weight of the hitch as well, but be sure to check with the dealer or manufacturer to be sure. You don't want an unpleasant surprise at the first hill!
Also be sure to include in your weight calculations any equipment you've purchased or replaced since last summer. Did you put in a new air conditioner or generator? What about that more powerful outboard? Anything that changes the weight needs to be accounted for. Don't use a "fudge factor," advises Trailer Life, which warns that this can compromise your safety and/or your warranty. Go and weigh everything on a public scale. Be sure to have a good estimate for cargo and passengers as well.
Get an Expert to Review Your Tow Equipment
Talk to a towing expert about what hitch will work best for you. Hitches are rated for gross vehicle weight rating (GCWR), which includes the trailer with water, gas cylinders, and supplies.
Lighter vehicles can use weight-carrying Class I hitches, which carries the weight on the ball mount and transfers it to the truck's rear axle. Some ball mounts can be adjusted up or down to increase stability. Heaver loads (and this depends on the towing vehicle you use) need a weight-distributing hitch that puts the weight on all the axles. They are usually required for Class II and Class III and higher.
Trailer Life says the keys to "happy towing" are correct hitch ball heights and spring bar tension. Towed vehicles should be level, with no upward or downward angles during transit.
Check for New Towing Requirements
It never hurts to double-check the towing laws in your state and in those you will pass through on your trip. Towing World keeps an updated list for each state and Canadian province. States can have different speed limits for towed vehicles and maximum heights.
Stock Common Parts for the Truck You Use for Towing
You probably purchased your truck or SUV in part for its towing capacity. After you've re-calculated the weight for your tow, get your vehicle checked out. Make sure the brakes and supplemental brakes work properly, the belts and hoses are in good shape, and so on. Do some test drives as well.
Also keep some extra parts on hand for those that need replacement more often, like filters, fan belts, and gas caps. Check your spare tire(s) and stock some extra wiper fluid.
Photo Credit
If you're a proud new owner of toys like these, this might be your first experience with towing. If this is the case, or you're a towing pro, be sure the vehicle you're driving, your tow and hitch, and the item being towed are prepared for the drive ahead. Towing can be hard on your automotive transmission if you attempt to tow too heavy a load.
Make Sure You Calculate Towing Weight Properly
Automotive manufacturers include a Maximum Tow Rating that defines the maximum weight limit for loads their products tow. This usually includes the weight of the hitch as well, but be sure to check with the dealer or manufacturer to be sure. You don't want an unpleasant surprise at the first hill!
Also be sure to include in your weight calculations any equipment you've purchased or replaced since last summer. Did you put in a new air conditioner or generator? What about that more powerful outboard? Anything that changes the weight needs to be accounted for. Don't use a "fudge factor," advises Trailer Life, which warns that this can compromise your safety and/or your warranty. Go and weigh everything on a public scale. Be sure to have a good estimate for cargo and passengers as well.
Get an Expert to Review Your Tow Equipment
Talk to a towing expert about what hitch will work best for you. Hitches are rated for gross vehicle weight rating (GCWR), which includes the trailer with water, gas cylinders, and supplies.
Lighter vehicles can use weight-carrying Class I hitches, which carries the weight on the ball mount and transfers it to the truck's rear axle. Some ball mounts can be adjusted up or down to increase stability. Heaver loads (and this depends on the towing vehicle you use) need a weight-distributing hitch that puts the weight on all the axles. They are usually required for Class II and Class III and higher.
Trailer Life says the keys to "happy towing" are correct hitch ball heights and spring bar tension. Towed vehicles should be level, with no upward or downward angles during transit.
Check for New Towing Requirements
It never hurts to double-check the towing laws in your state and in those you will pass through on your trip. Towing World keeps an updated list for each state and Canadian province. States can have different speed limits for towed vehicles and maximum heights.
Stock Common Parts for the Truck You Use for Towing
You probably purchased your truck or SUV in part for its towing capacity. After you've re-calculated the weight for your tow, get your vehicle checked out. Make sure the brakes and supplemental brakes work properly, the belts and hoses are in good shape, and so on. Do some test drives as well.
Also keep some extra parts on hand for those that need replacement more often, like filters, fan belts, and gas caps. Check your spare tire(s) and stock some extra wiper fluid.
Photo Credit
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