9 Towing Mistakes Everyone Makes (And Wishes They Didn’t)
Towing a trailer can feel like you’ve got the whole house hitched to your vehicle—literally. Whether it’s a boat for that weekend getaway, a camper for a family road trip, or just hauling your stuff from point A to point B, adding that extra weight to your ride brings a whole new set of challenges to the road.
And let’s be honest, even the most experienced drivers can have those face-palm moments. So, let’s talk about 9 of the most common, and yes, dumb mistakes that happen all too often when towing.
Pulling Out In Front of Traffic
Jumping out into traffic while towing is a huge no-no. This seems like a no-brainer, but it happens way more often than you might guess. It might seem like you’ve got enough time, but remember, with a trailer, you’re not just bigger; you’re also slower. This often throws off your usual timing, leading to risky situations.
Next time you’re on the road, give yourself a bit of a buffer. A few extra seconds of waiting can be the difference between a smooth journey and a trip to the hospital. It’s always better to err on the side of caution—your patience could literally save lives.
Ignoring Your Tire Pressure
Keeping your tires at the right pressure isn’t just about fuel efficiency, it also impacts your safety. Wrong tire pressure leads to uneven wear and much higher chances of a blowout, especially dangerous for those rear trailer tires. Tires can deteriorate even when they’re not rolling, so make it a routine to check both your tire condition and pressure before every trip.
Skipping Regular Lubrication
To avoid surprise problems while towing, think of your trailer as a machine that needs regular TLC. Key components like axles and pivot points—where metal rubs against metal or rubber—require frequent lubrication to function smoothly. This not only extends the life of these parts but also ensures a safer and quieter journey.
Mismatched Ball and Mount
Choosing the right ball and mount for your trailer is way more important than you might think. If you’re towing with the wrong size—whether it’s 1 7/8 inches, 2 inches, or 2 5/16 inches—you’re setting yourself up for a rough ride. An awkward-fitting ball and mount can lead to uneven trailer alignment, putting extra stress on your brakes and tires and compromising your control. If you switch between different trailers often, keep a set of mounts to make sure you’re always matched up right.
Hurrying While Towing
Running late and rushing to your next job? That’s a surefire way to invite trouble. Speeding, especially up or down hills, can severely tax your tow vehicle’s engine and transmission, not to mention increase the risk of accidents. The best approach is the old tortoise method: slow and steady. This way, you’ll keep your vehicle in good shape and reach your destination in one piece.
Ignoring Your Trailer Brakes
Think of your trailer’s brakes like the silent heroes of road safety—they’re hugely important but often get ignored. Unlike your car’s brakes, trailer brakes don’t adjust on their own. That means it’s up to you to keep them in check and manually adjust them to ensure they’re always in top shape. Regular checks are a must to prevent any brake-related mishaps on the road.
Poorly Loaded Trailer
Loading your trailer might seem easy, but getting it wrong can lead to a whole bunch of problems. An uneven or unbalanced load doesn’t just make driving a nightmare, it can also shorten the lifespan of your tow vehicle. Make it a rule to familiarize yourself with your trailer’s weight restrictions and follow them to a tee. This will not only keep your vehicle in good health but also ensure a safer ride every time you hit the road.
Overworking Your Engine
You might not think about it much, but pushing your tow vehicle too hard is a common mistake that can lead to some serious headaches. Overworking your engine can literally cause your vehicle to break down, leaving you stranded with possibly a fried transmission. To keep things cool and functional, always monitor your vehicle’s pressure and temperature gauges, along with the exhaust gas temperature.
Wrong Weight Distribution Bars
Ever felt like your vehicle and trailer were having a little dance behind you? That’s probably because the weight distribution bars weren’t set up correctly. Not only does this make for a rocky ride, but it can also put unnecessary stress on your hitch and frame.
Remember, when it comes to these bars, the right fit matters more than size. Opt for bars that can be adjusted and match the strength and weight needed to keep things stable and parallel to the trailer’s frame. This adjustment ensures smoother handling and less wear and tear on your equipment.
