Towing Safety: 3 Tips For Handling a Truck’s Trailer

Driving a truck is dangerous in itself, but towing a heavy trailer can amplify those dangers significantly.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that there are over 50,000 accidents every year due to towing.

Due to the dangerous aspects of truck driving and towing, it’s essential to focus on safety at all times. When you’re behind the wheel, whether you’re driving down the road or across the country, you need to make sure that the trailer you’re towing remains secure throughout the entirety of the trip.

Here are some excellent tips for safely driving a truck while towing a heavy trailer:

• Check everything beforehand — From inspecting your truck and trailer’s tire pressure to taking a look at the trailer brake wiring, you should thoroughly inspect every inch of your truck or trailer before getting behind the wheel. Check the safety chains, lights, license plate, hitch, wiring, and everything else. If the brake controller wiring has become jeopardized, you need to address it right away and have quality trailer brake wiring put in — don’t just neglect even the smallest issue because that could end up putting everyone on the road in danger.
• Don’t exceed the towing limit — Check your truck’s owner’s manual and go over all the information about towing to ensure that you’re not putting yourself and everyone else at risk as you tow heavy loads. Find out how much weight your truck can successfully haul. Although larger trucks and SUVs can tow considerably more weight nowadays, you should still check the manual in order to not overload your truck.
• Take wider turns — Since your vehicle is nearly double its length with a trailer attached, you will need to take much wider turns. Wide turns will help you avoid hitting curbs, other vehicles, or losing control of the trailer.

Don’t put yourself and other drivers in danger because you are unaware of how to properly and safely drive a truck with a trailer attached. If you want to learn more about safely towing a trailer or trailer brake wiring and sway control hitches, give Hayes Towing Electronics a call today!

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