Top Eight Mistakes People Make While Towing

Top Eight Mistakes People Make While Towing

A pickup truck hauling a full trailer

The idea of hauling something huge behind your truck or SUV may sound like a fun adventure, but for those who aren’t familiar with the complexities of towing, it can actually be pretty intimidating! According to Complete Trailers LLC, there are eight common mistakes people make while towing. To avoid costly damages, read this list before you hitch and go:

  • Overworking Your Engine

The number one mistake people make is overworking their tow vehicle. Overextending your vehicle can start a landslide of engine problems. This mistake could lead to a meltdown on the side of the road and potentially require a brand new transmission.

To avoid this, keep an eye on your pressure, temperature gauges, and exhaust gas temperature gauges.

  • Wrong Weight Distribution Bars

If you don’t have your weight distribution bars set up right, you’re bound to have your vehicle and trailer bouncing from each other. Your ride will be bumpier than usual and the hitch and frame can be damaged from this too.

And when it comes to weight distribution bars, bigger is not better. The bars with chains are tunable and come in various strengths and weights. If you properly load the correct bar size, they’ll be parallel to the trailer’s frame.

  • Not Checking or Maintaining Brakes
    Brakes are the most essential and most overlooked safety system.

    Trailer brakes don’t self-adjust like the brakes on your tow vehicle. In fact, they must be manually adjusted by you. Additionally, trailer brakes wear out just like any other brake does, so be sure to check for wear and tear regularly.

  • Poorly Loaded Vehicles

    It’s crucial for safety and damage prevention to always put a balanced load on your trailer. Read up on weight restrictions and follow them closely because if you don’t, your tow vehicle won’t last very long.
  • Wrong Ball/Ball Mount

    Make sure that you have the right ball and mount for your trailer. There are three different sizes of […]

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The Portier Agency, LLC
113 North Irwin Avenue
Ocilla, GA 31774
229-468-3444
portieragency@windstream.net