There are many times when it may be necessary for one to haul another object behind their vehicle. Situations such as moving to a new place, going camping or getting a boat down to the water are good reasons to know how to properly pull with a car or truck. Towing safety is very important for both the driver and others on the road.
Hauling in this manner can be quite convenient but it also has its risks. Those who are considering this undertaking should make the effort to have a basic understanding of how to properly distribute the load weight, park, pass, break and turn. This general knowledge goes a long way to reducing accidents and keeping everyone on the road much safer.
The very first thing to understand is the concept of weight distribution. Whether transporting objects or people in the PBL Floats, it is important to make sure side or axle is not burdened with too much of the load. Be sure to read and follow the restrictions for the particular type of hitch that is to be used to ensure that it will not disengage or break under the pressure.
Whenever possible, parking should be handled by two people. The driver holds the break while the other places blocks in front of the trailer's wheels if on a downgrade and behind them if on the up side. The vehicle should be placed in park if an automatic and in either first or reverse in a manual before the pedal is slowly released.
Passing or changing lanes is only slightly different than in a vehicle alone in that one should give the intention signal well in advance and leave enough extra room for the trailer before moving back to the right lane. This should also never be done on steep grades, neither up nor down. Since stopping with a tow requires extra time, try to leave one full length of the two parts for every 10 mph between front bumper and the car in front.
The chances of jackknifing or actually tipping over are highest during turns. Emergency braking and sudden jerks on the steering wheel are more hazardous because they cause sudden weight shifts. Corners should be taken with caution and allowing extra curb space on the inside to avoid running the wheels up on it.
Towing safety is, for the most part, taking the time to understand the physics and thinking carefully. Be aware of the extra length and additional weight being carried. Speed should always be monitored, especially if the weather conditions are bad.
Hauling in this manner can be quite convenient but it also has its risks. Those who are considering this undertaking should make the effort to have a basic understanding of how to properly distribute the load weight, park, pass, break and turn. This general knowledge goes a long way to reducing accidents and keeping everyone on the road much safer.
The very first thing to understand is the concept of weight distribution. Whether transporting objects or people in the PBL Floats, it is important to make sure side or axle is not burdened with too much of the load. Be sure to read and follow the restrictions for the particular type of hitch that is to be used to ensure that it will not disengage or break under the pressure.
Whenever possible, parking should be handled by two people. The driver holds the break while the other places blocks in front of the trailer's wheels if on a downgrade and behind them if on the up side. The vehicle should be placed in park if an automatic and in either first or reverse in a manual before the pedal is slowly released.
Passing or changing lanes is only slightly different than in a vehicle alone in that one should give the intention signal well in advance and leave enough extra room for the trailer before moving back to the right lane. This should also never be done on steep grades, neither up nor down. Since stopping with a tow requires extra time, try to leave one full length of the two parts for every 10 mph between front bumper and the car in front.
The chances of jackknifing or actually tipping over are highest during turns. Emergency braking and sudden jerks on the steering wheel are more hazardous because they cause sudden weight shifts. Corners should be taken with caution and allowing extra curb space on the inside to avoid running the wheels up on it.
Towing safety is, for the most part, taking the time to understand the physics and thinking carefully. Be aware of the extra length and additional weight being carried. Speed should always be monitored, especially if the weather conditions are bad.
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For the best horse trailers and floats in Australia, just head over to westbrooktrailers.com.au.
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