by Alex Buczynski on July 16, 2019
Source: https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/towing-trailer-safety
Whether you’re moving your child back home from college or hauling equipment for your business, a trailer helps when you need some extra space to pack things. While towing a trailer may not seem much different than driving a car, there are a few things to keep in mind before you hitch your trailer.
VERIFY THE TOWING CAPACITY
Just because you have a vehicle with a trailer hitch doesn’t mean it can tow any type of trailer. It’s important to verify that your vehicle’s towing capacity is adequate to tow the trailer you’re using. Otherwise, you’ll have a hard time getting started and may cause damage to your vehicle.
Start by checking your owner’s manual, which will tell you how much weight your vehicle can safely tow. If you exceed the recommended weight, you run the risk of losing control. That often leads to overturning.
Remember: Never try to manipulate your hitch into towing something it’s not designed for. This can increase its risk of breaking free.
Also, never set off without securing the pin in the hitch. The pin keeps you from potentially losing your load when you go over bumps in the road. Continue reading “How to Tow a Trailer Properly”