There are several situations when it may become necessary to pull another object or vehicle behind one's car or truck. Perhaps someone is moving and would like to transport their own belongings rather than hire a company, or they're going camping, or perhaps maybe they just need to get their boat out to the water. For those occasions, it is important to have a grasp of towing safety.
Pulling another object behind one's vehicle is very convenient but it can also be quite hazardous if not done correctly. Anyone who is going to undertake this task should know the very basics of parking, passing, breaking, turning and weight distribution under these circumstances. Knowing and observing these tips will make the road safer for everyone.
How to properly distribute the weight is the first thing one should understand. Regardless of whether one is transporting people or objects using PBL Horse Floats, their weight needs to be spaced equally on all sides and axles. Hitches come with instruction guides that should be thoroughly read to be fully aware of how much stress the object can take and still be reliable.
Parking is much easier when two work together. One stays inside with the brake held firmly while the other places stops either in front of or behind the wheels of the trailer, depending on whether or not they are on an up or downgrade. In an automatic, the vehicle should be put in park before releasing the brake, and in either reverse or first in a manual.
When changing lanes and passing, the rules are basically the same with some slight alterations such as giving the signal with more advance notice and making sure to allow for the extra length before merging back to the drive lane. This transaction should never be attempted on either an up or down steep grade. Leaving the full length of the total unit for every 10mph between the vehicle and the one in front will allow more stopping space.
The chances of jackknifing or actually tipping over are highest during turns. Emergency braking and sudden jerks on the steering wheel are more hazardous because they cause sudden weight shifts. Corners should be taken with caution and allowing extra curb space on the inside to avoid running the wheels up on it.
Towing safety is a lot of common sense. One needs to be constantly aware of the extended length and extra weight trailing behind the vehicle to keep control. Minding and obeying the speed limits are important, especially in inclement weather.
Pulling another object behind one's vehicle is very convenient but it can also be quite hazardous if not done correctly. Anyone who is going to undertake this task should know the very basics of parking, passing, breaking, turning and weight distribution under these circumstances. Knowing and observing these tips will make the road safer for everyone.
How to properly distribute the weight is the first thing one should understand. Regardless of whether one is transporting people or objects using PBL Horse Floats, their weight needs to be spaced equally on all sides and axles. Hitches come with instruction guides that should be thoroughly read to be fully aware of how much stress the object can take and still be reliable.
Parking is much easier when two work together. One stays inside with the brake held firmly while the other places stops either in front of or behind the wheels of the trailer, depending on whether or not they are on an up or downgrade. In an automatic, the vehicle should be put in park before releasing the brake, and in either reverse or first in a manual.
When changing lanes and passing, the rules are basically the same with some slight alterations such as giving the signal with more advance notice and making sure to allow for the extra length before merging back to the drive lane. This transaction should never be attempted on either an up or down steep grade. Leaving the full length of the total unit for every 10mph between the vehicle and the one in front will allow more stopping space.
The chances of jackknifing or actually tipping over are highest during turns. Emergency braking and sudden jerks on the steering wheel are more hazardous because they cause sudden weight shifts. Corners should be taken with caution and allowing extra curb space on the inside to avoid running the wheels up on it.
Towing safety is a lot of common sense. One needs to be constantly aware of the extended length and extra weight trailing behind the vehicle to keep control. Minding and obeying the speed limits are important, especially in inclement weather.
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When it comes to quality horse trailers and floats, Westbrook Trailers is a good choice.
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