Three Guidelines on Effective Towing of Transport Trailers
If you are planning on moving or travelling over long distances, you should consider acquiring a trailer for the project. This is cheaper than hiring a moving vehicle and it is a convenient choice for small projects. You can hire a towing service to drive your trailer, particularly if the structure is big. However, you can cut your total expenses by using your personal truck for towing the carriage. Here are some guidelines on ensuring that the trailer towing experience is safe and effective.
Check the Load Capacity
One of the most crucial aspects of towing that you must consider is the allowable weight capacity for the vehicle. Therefore, if the weight is excessive in either of the two units, the engine will be under stress. Your vehicle's manual will outline different load capacities including, payload, base curb weight and cargo weight. However, the most critical for your towing project is the gross vehicle mass. Ensure that the cumulative weight of the vehicle, passengers and other accessories as well as the trailer and its load does not exceed the recommended figure.
Connect the Trailer Securely
The connection between your truck and the trailer is important in the safety of your journey. Therefore, you should ensure that you have the right hitch for the project. If you have a modern truck, the tow hitch is probably already attached to the chassis of your vehicle. In other cases, you can purchase and install your own hitch ball for installation on your truck. Regardless, make certain that your hitch is compatible with the 'socket' of the trailer. If there is a discrepancy between the sizes, this joint could become disconnected, leading to an accident. You can also use safety chains to secure the connection as a reinforcing precaution.
Upgrade the Braking System
The braking system in your rig can affect your safety on the road, so consider an upgrade before the transportation day. This is particularly important when you are using an old trailer. Generally, it is important to install a separate braking system for the trailer instead of relying on your truck's brakes only. This will reduce the stress on the primary brakes and improve the general stopping efficiency. In addition, you should make certain that the two braking modules are properly synchronised such that they will operate and stop the rig at the same time. Still, you should avoid heavy braking on the road to prevent unnecessary braking strain.