Towing a trailer makes the whole experience of driving more complicated. Not only do you have to adapt your driving, you should also carry out thorough safety checks to minimise unfamiliar risks like swaying, brake failure and detachment.
Beforehand
Inspect the trailer for cracks, rust or other damage, especially around welds and joints. Make sure the tyres have sufficient tread depth with no bulges and that the air pressure is correct to prevent blowouts. See that crucial trailer parts like the hitch and coupler fit securely and if they show signs of wear you can get replacements from suppliers like autoandtrailer.com.
Use safety chains under the tongue to keep the trailer secure if it becomes unhitched. Check the lights, electrical connections and if the trailer has its own brakes, test them too. Don’t forget to adjust your mirrors or even buy ones designed for towing.
Load Management
The weight should be evenly distributed, with about 60% towards the front, near the hitch. This helps to maintain stability and avoid fishtailing. Balance it across the width of the trailer to prevent leaning and uneven wear to the tyres. Secure your cargo with straps or nets and never exceed the gross weight limit.
Driving
Drive more slowly than you might normally do and allow for longer stopping times by increasing your following distance. Signal early when you need to turn or change lanes and avoid sudden manoeuvres. On motorways, keep out of the right lane. If you feel the trailer swaying, slow gently rather than braking sharply.
