Posted under Travel & Leisure
If you tow a trailer or caravan to a camping destination, you will immediately realize that this is just a different beast behind the wheel of a car. Driving your 4WD or tow a vehicle on its own comes naturally after a while – you know how it handles. But to pull something on the back end, and you talk to some different thinking.
It all depends on your setup, of course, but here are a few golden rules to help make the experience stress-free towing one:
1. Make sure that the vehicle is rated to tow the weight of your caravan / trailer. You can find out relevant information from the car dealer. You must understand the terms aggregate weight of the trailer, gross trailer weight, tare weight and tow Mass. Then you can verify that the installation is in an appropriate safety margin.
2. Check the vehicle of communication, so that through the line of the vehicle with a trailer as straight and parallel to the ground as possible. This, of course, must be measured with both components on a flat surface. Do not forget about the security of networks, too.
3. Load of the towed vehicle properly – not too much weight on the front or back and try to keep weight as low as possible. Keep things as low and central as possible – and do not forget to provide them enough to prevent their ride during the trip. Proper loading will contribute to a better ride and minimize the impact.
4. Fit level goes to further strengthen the level and the combination of towing and towed vehicles. These devices will help to pull the front wheels and steering, and may also provide advantages in fuel consumption.
5. Make sure you have adequate braking system. This may require installing some electronic inertial gizzmo. To be effective devices, such as this must be installed correctly. Legislation will change the world, but you have to have trailer brakes, if the caravan with a trailer is over the legal limit of weight. Moreover, if Caravan / trailer is a higher weight limit, a breakaway system should be fitted as well.
6. Before you travel to ensure you have checked all the lights and indicators on the caravan / trailer. Walking through the installation and make sure that the tires properly inflated, all the investments safe, and that your towing mirrors are set to optimum.
7. While you’re hauling to do slowly and smoothly – a gradual acceleration, braking gradually, do not make sudden sharp turns, loaders smoothly to minimize the impact. Always be aware that mass you. If you start to swing, do not use the tow vehicle brakes; continue with the same speed or accelerate slightly to counteract the influence. If you have a guide on a trip to the Caravan / trailer brakes be used with caution in order to fight the power.
8. Be considerate of other road users and take the road that vehicles are fast (you know what it is like getting stuck behind a caravan!). In some parts of the world, major roads can be narrow, and nothing but dirt, so keep alert for oncoming vehicles of a very large size, so you can get off the road to bypass their security.
9. Do not overtake unless it is absolutely necessary, and when you do, keep in mind the increase in length, and time your movement speed and overtaking accordingly so that both you and the person you overtake is safe from harm.
10. To help with the 8 above, you should install rear view camera. They can be bought relatively cheaply from electronics stores and are easy to install. Of course, you should also be well adjusted the rearview mirror.
11. Check your towed vehicle regularly – not just before the trip, but otherwise regular stops, too. Tires OK? Wheel bearings do not overheat? Relationship OK?
12. Finally, do not stress. Relax and enjoy – but be vigilant and careful. If you feel the pressure, pull over in a safe place for some time and take the “stress break”.
Defensive Driving and happy camping.