Towing is a useful addition to the load capacity of a vehicle. Whether the vehicle is towing an RV (recreational vehicle) or merely freight in a trailer, its capacity to move goods is greatly increased. Then there is also the excitement and convenience of taking a part of one's home on holiday, in the form of an RV. People should realize, though, that there are precautions to be taken in towing, especially concerning the use of pop up hitches.
The primary reason for possible danger in towing is that the amount of weight associated with it is so high, much higher than what people usually have to deal with in other activities. SUVs and small trucks comfortably weigh more than a ton. If a fully laden trailer is hitched to them, the entire mass of the combined vehicle is considerable. The hitch should therefore be tough enough to stand up to that mass, and not merely when the vehicle is parked. Normal driving, involving turns and stopping, should not present a problem either.
Technically, the hitch should be able to withstand up to 30 000lb as the trailer's gross weight. This gives a rough indication as to how just how much weight can be present in a towing situation. Now, imagine taking a tight bend or braking sharply with all those pounds pushing onto the hitch.
This is why those who use towing as a transport strategy, whether recreationally or professionally, should incorporate some simple measures into their activities. These measures are easy to understand and have a positive impact on the safety of the situation.
The weight limit on the hitch and other towing equipment is calculated by professional designers or engineers. They are educated in the relevant disciplines and they are able to assess the nature of materials and towing in far more detail than the ordinary lay person. As much as it may seem cowardly or non-macho to obey the manufacturer's instructions, sometimes a professional opinion needs to be respected.
Another self-explanatory measure is to keep adequate clearance between the towing vehicle and its trailer. In deciding on how much space is necessary, the driver should take into account how the trailer moves when the vehicle turns. As part of an articulated system, the trailer does not do exactly what the vehicle does in a turn.
Safety chains are important. Securing them properly is equally so. The chains should not be so slack that they will be ineffective if the main connection fails. They should also not be tight enough to restrict the movement of the trailer, especially during turning.
When you load a trailer, follow the instructions provided by its manufacturer. The load should be properly balanced inside the load area. Do not place everything at either end, or to one side. This will make steering more difficult, or uneven.
A further safeguard is to make sure that all lights and mirrors on the trailer or RV, such as indicators, are functioning properly. This is not just a petty administrative requirement. Other motorists need to know what the trailer is about to do. Law enforcement officers agree with this sentiment, and there is no point in spoiling a holiday trip with an avoidable traffic fine.
Towing has the potential to be used in both commercial and private circumstances, providing greater cargo capacity and also holiday accommodation. But it needs to be done sensibly, so as to guarantee the safety of both the tower and other motorists.
The primary reason for possible danger in towing is that the amount of weight associated with it is so high, much higher than what people usually have to deal with in other activities. SUVs and small trucks comfortably weigh more than a ton. If a fully laden trailer is hitched to them, the entire mass of the combined vehicle is considerable. The hitch should therefore be tough enough to stand up to that mass, and not merely when the vehicle is parked. Normal driving, involving turns and stopping, should not present a problem either.
Technically, the hitch should be able to withstand up to 30 000lb as the trailer's gross weight. This gives a rough indication as to how just how much weight can be present in a towing situation. Now, imagine taking a tight bend or braking sharply with all those pounds pushing onto the hitch.
This is why those who use towing as a transport strategy, whether recreationally or professionally, should incorporate some simple measures into their activities. These measures are easy to understand and have a positive impact on the safety of the situation.
The weight limit on the hitch and other towing equipment is calculated by professional designers or engineers. They are educated in the relevant disciplines and they are able to assess the nature of materials and towing in far more detail than the ordinary lay person. As much as it may seem cowardly or non-macho to obey the manufacturer's instructions, sometimes a professional opinion needs to be respected.
Another self-explanatory measure is to keep adequate clearance between the towing vehicle and its trailer. In deciding on how much space is necessary, the driver should take into account how the trailer moves when the vehicle turns. As part of an articulated system, the trailer does not do exactly what the vehicle does in a turn.
Safety chains are important. Securing them properly is equally so. The chains should not be so slack that they will be ineffective if the main connection fails. They should also not be tight enough to restrict the movement of the trailer, especially during turning.
When you load a trailer, follow the instructions provided by its manufacturer. The load should be properly balanced inside the load area. Do not place everything at either end, or to one side. This will make steering more difficult, or uneven.
A further safeguard is to make sure that all lights and mirrors on the trailer or RV, such as indicators, are functioning properly. This is not just a petty administrative requirement. Other motorists need to know what the trailer is about to do. Law enforcement officers agree with this sentiment, and there is no point in spoiling a holiday trip with an avoidable traffic fine.
Towing has the potential to be used in both commercial and private circumstances, providing greater cargo capacity and also holiday accommodation. But it needs to be done sensibly, so as to guarantee the safety of both the tower and other motorists.
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