Categories
Blog

5 Trailer Towing Tips For Winter Driving

Towing a trailer is extremely dangerous if you aren’t careful. And those dangers are amplified over the winter. Snowy and icy roads mixed with large trucks and heavy hauls is a very dangerous combination. If you’re towing a trailer of any kind throughout the winter, you need to drive as safe as possible — here’s how to do it:

  1. Get your truck and trailer inspected — Before any long winter road trip, make sure that your trailer is up to date on all its maintenance checks. Your truck needs to be functioning properly, as well.
  2. Utilize a trailer sway control hitch — There are two types of trailer sway devices: those that reduce sway once it has begun and those that work to prevent sway altogether. Trailer sway prevention hitches can enable you to drive long distances safely, without your trailer swaying in those strong winter gusts.
  3. Equip your truck and trailer with snow tires — Trailer sway is dangerous, but even the most effective trailer sway control hitch can’t avoid roadway incidents if the roads are too slick. That’s where snow tires come in, enabling you to remain in control of your vehicle — and trailer — throughout inclement weather. If you have to suddenly brake or completely stop in the snow, these tires will help you gain traction and avoid serious accidents.
  4. Always have an emergency kit on hand — Whether you’re driving a small sedan to the local grocery store or a large truck across the country, you should always have an emergency kit in your vehicle during the winter. Have plenty of extra warm clothes, First-aid materials, ice scrapers, tire traction mats, and some food and water just in case you get stuck out on the roads.
  5. Drive slow — This one is obvious but it’s extremely important. You need to drive slow at all times over the winter. Even if you’re in a rush, slow it down because your safety is much more important.

Make sure you’re driving as safe as possible this winter, whether you’re towing a trailer or not. If you want to learn more about trailer sway prevention, however, and are in need of a quality trailer sway control hitch, give Hayes Towing Electronics a call right away.

“Made in America and In-Stock!”

Categories
Blog

Trailer Towing Safety: 6 Great Electronic Brake Controllers

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are over 50,000 accidents every year related to towing. Towing a trailer is extremely dangerous and you must know what you’re doing prior to getting behind the wheel. Trailer sway is a serious problem that can lead to devastating injuries on the roads.

It’s important to note that weight distribution systems are recommended if the trailer’s weight is more than 50% of the towing vehicle’s weight. Additionally, electronic brake controllers are essential in order to remain safe on the roadways while towing a trailer.

Here are some of the best electronic brake controllers on the market:

Genesis Brake Controller

  • Compatible with 2, 4, 6, or 8 electric brakes.
  • Automatically can level with the road’s incline or decline.
  • Contains boost features for variable towing loads.

G2 Brake Boss Controller

  • Easy to use manual activation level (applies full power to trailer brakes).
  • Liquid crystal display, showing digital reading for braking power and modes.
  • Contains all functional capability of the Genesis controller, plus even more features.

Energize III Plus Brake Controller

  • Compatible with 2, 4, or 6 electric brakes
  • Applies smooth and fast promotional stopping performance with extra control and power.
  • Options for manual and automatic trailer braking.

Air Actuated Brake Controller

  • Provides smooth and promotional braking to towing vehicles with air brake systems.
  • Compatible with 2, 4, 6, or 8 electric brakes.
  • Automatic or manual operation of the trailer’s braking system.

Endeavor Brake Controller

  • Compatible with 4, 6, or 8 electric brakes.
  • Equipped with digital display, enabling driver to view power percentage, voltage, and current.
  • For use with electric and electric over hydraulic brakes.

Syncronizer Brake Controller

  • Compatible with 2 or 4 electric brakes.
  • Recommended for light-duty trailers.
  • Built-in automatic current limiter protection from trailer brake wiring shorts.

Brake controllers and trailer sway systems can help keep you and your family safe during towing-related road trips. If you want to learn more about the importance of controlling trailer sway and find some quality electronic brake controllers, give Hayes Towing Electronics a call right away.