Trailers are used for transporting goods, equipment, or even a recreational vehicle (RV) for a weekend trip and the like. But driving your vehicle with a trailer requires adequate skills, good preparation, and strict compliance with the basic safety rules. 

In this article, you will find tips and recommendations that will help you complete this task without any problems, either when you deal with a utility trailer towed behind a car or when you use your truck to tow a large RV.

1. Know Your Limits

Know the towing capacity of your car before coupling it to a trailer. The following can be obtained from the owner’s manual and will indicate the maximum towing rating of your vehicle. Overloading compromises the towing capacity, the engine and transmission, the car’s handling, and the hazards of the roads. 

Trailers also extend the length of your vehicle, and this comes with a number of challenges, such as an increased turning circle and brake distance. Comprehend the actual size and weight of the trailer for easier handling and better control whenever you are on the road.

2. Secure Your Cargo

Cargo loading and securing are the most critical aspects of transporting trailers safely. Make sure that the trailer is balanced by distributing the weight of the load evenly in order to avoid unbalanced swaying while moving. 

You should use tie-down straps or chains with a WLL, or working load limit, that is greater than your cargo weight, to effectively hold the cargo on the trailer bed.

3. Adjust Your Driving Style

Towing a trailer differs from standard driving since it’s critical to adapt to a new way of driving. The carrying capacity should be reduced to increase following distances in order to account for the extra time needed to stop due to increased mass. Do not jack-rabbit start, brake quickly, or make sharp turns, as this may lead to swaying or fishtailing of the trailer. 

This is because taking wider turns reduces the amount of stress that is likely to be exerted on the hitch and trailer connection. Pay additional attention to higher wind coefficients, especially when driving over bridges or in unfavorable weather conditions.

4. When in Doubt, Seek Help

However, if you experience some hustle while towing a trailer, make sure that you stop in a safe zone to evaluate the situation. But where the problem requires extensive work, such as changing a flat tire or repairing faulty trailer brakes, it is advisable to seek help. 

RV towing companies are firms that provide towing services to RVs and other large trailering services. It is important to remember that professional RV towing firms have all the tools and knowledge that are necessary to deal with such a situation safely and prevent further losses to your trailer.