Investing in a travel trailer can definitely be exciting for you and your family. Unfortunately, without proper training and knowledge, owning and operating this investment can be dangerous. While surprising to learn, hundreds of people die each year in crashes involving a trailer. Thankfully, you can reduce your risk of being involved in dangerous accidents. Here are a few mistakes to avoid when pulling your travel trailer.
Not Installing a Proper Braking System
Your trailer places extra weight on your vehicle. This extra weight not only makes it more difficult to maneuver your vehicle around, but it also makes it more difficult to stop. This is one of the most common causes of accidents while towing a travel trailer.
Make sure to equip your vehicle with a separate braking system, ensuring your heavier trailer can be stopped in a safe manner. This is actually required by law in most states, so check your local department of motor vehicles to determine if your state requires a separate braking system. Also, your trailer should be equipped with its own brake lights. This will allow drivers behind you to see that you are stopping.
Not Understanding Weight Ratings
Your vehicle is only capable of towing a certain amount of weight. Overloading a vehicle can lead to brake failure, suspension issues, tire problems, and even overheating your transmission. Not only are these problems costly to repair, but they can also increase your risk of accidents while driving. If your trailer is over this capacity, you are putting yourself, others on the road, and your vehicle at risk.
Before purchasing your travel trailer, figure out your vehicle's weight capacity. This information is usually listed in the vehicle's manual, but you can also ask a dealer or mechanic. Also, the weight capacity should be listed under your vehicle's VIN plate. If you have already purchased a travel trailer, you may need tow it with a different vehicle that is capable of handling the trailer's weight.
Not Maintaining Your Tires
Most people will need to park their travel trailer for long periods of time. Unfortunately, this can cause your tires to deflate, which will become dangerous while driving. Underinflated tires will produce more friction, decreasing your ability to drive and turn the trailer safely. In addition, deflated tires can lead to blowouts. These blowouts can lead to deadly accidents when traveling at higher speeds on highways and interstates.
Before venturing out with your trailer, you must check your tire pressure. Make sure the trailer tires have adequate air pressure and tread.
Proper training and understanding are both crucial when owning and operating a travel trailer. With this guide, you can tow your trailer in a safe, legal manner. Work with a company like Major Tire & Hitch Inc to ensure you have the proper equipment to pull your trailer.
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