Towing is moving a disabled or otherwise inoperable car to a safe location. It’s often a service offered by roadside assistance or as a feature of collision insurance.
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Whether a car is being loaded onto a flatbed trailer for hauling to a junkyard or a trailer being hooked up to a camper for a weekend getaway, properly loading the vehicle when towing is a critical practice that affects the safety and handling of both the towing vehicle and the cargo, if a trailer is improperly loaded or overloaded, it can lead to swaying on the road, which can put other drivers at risk and increase the likelihood of an accident.
Before a driver loads the vehicle onto a trailer, they check several things. First, they make sure that the hitch is properly attached and secure. They also make sure that the towing vehicle and trailer are the correct size for each other. Finally, they test the lights to make sure that they are working. This includes the headlights, taillights, turn signals and brake lights. If a light is out or the wiring harness has been disconnected, it must be repaired before towing.
Once the towed vehicle is loaded, they take note of the weight limit and ensure that it is not overloaded. They do this by subtracting the weight of the driver and passengers from the amount listed on the vehicle’s placard. This number can then be used to determine the maximum amount of cargo that can be loaded on the trailer. It is important to follow the guidelines set out in the trailer’s owner manual to avoid overloading as this can lead to a variety of issues, including excessive sway and handling problems.
In addition to checking that the vehicle is not overloaded, towing professionals pay close attention to load distribution when positioning a vehicle on the flatbed. They want to make sure that the heaviest parts are in front to maintain a low center of gravity and prevent tilting. They also want to be sure that the tongue load, which is the amount of weight resting on the trailer ball, does not exceed the vehicle’s or trailer’s rating.
Since jackknifing can occur at high speeds and have devastating consequences, towing professionals use spotters when reversing in order to ensure proper placement of the vehicle and trailer. These individuals stand behind at corner vantage points and guide the driver by hand signals on when it is safe to back up. They also adjust mirrors to grant a wide view of the area surrounding the trailer for visibility and safety.
Observing Safety Precautions
Towing is a life saver when your car breaks down or you get in an accident. It is important to know how it works and take precautions when using this service. There are a few ways to tow your vehicle, but the best and safest way is to use a professional towing company with a flatbed truck. However, if that is not an option there are other alternatives like a regular car or truck with a tow bar and hook. The dinghy towing method can be dangerous for the vehicle being towed as well as the towing truck or trailer. This method is not recommended for vehicles with all-wheel or rear-wheel drives as it can cause transmission damage due to being dragged along the road.
Whether you are towing your own vehicle or are getting help from a towing company, you must be sure that the towing equipment is in good working order before starting. This includes the hitch ball and coupler as well as the safety chains, lighting connectors and breakaway connections. It is also essential to verify that the maximum towing capacity of the tow vehicle and trailer are not exceeded.
Check the coupler to make sure that it is securely latched and attached to the hitch ball with only enough slack to allow for full turning without the chains striking the ground. Verify that the lighting connectors are connected properly to the towing vehicle and that safety chains are crisscrossed underneath the trailer tongue and have enough slack to maintain control of the vehicle in case the hitch connection fails.
Test the brakes of the towing vehicle before driving it with the trailer hooked up. Make sure the brake pedal is firmly depressed to ensure that it will come on when needed and that the brake fluid level is sufficient. Check the tires on the towing vehicle and trailer for proper inflation and wear. If you are towing a very heavy or large load, consider replacing the suspension components on your towing vehicle with heavier versions. These will reduce the sway caused by the trailer and make for a safer ride.
Properly Positioning the Towing Equipment
When it comes to hauling vehicles, there are a number of different ways to go about it. Some drivers opt to use a sling towing system, while others prefer a wheel-lift or carrier. Regardless of the method, the towing equipment should always be properly positioned. A sling that’s poorly positioned is highly likely to damage the vehicle it’s transporting, while a carrier in the hands of an inexperienced operator can also cause serious problems.
When the towing equipment is positioned, it’s important that it’s in a straight line with the trailer. If the trailer is angled, it can affect how well the towing vehicle handles the load and can even lead to a jackknife accident. Additionally, it’s important that the trailer coupler isn’t too high or too low. This can affect how much ground clearance the trailer has, which is an important factor when driving across railroad tracks or entering and exiting roundabouts.
The towing equipment should be secured with safety chains to prevent it from falling off during transport. In addition, it’s important to regularly inspect the towing equipment and make sure it’s in good working order. This includes checking the hitch size and load rating, which are both related to the maximum weight that can be hauled. It’s also important to ensure that the vehicle being transported doesn’t exceed these limits, which can cause dangerous accidents.
Finally, a good towing company will invest in tools and accessories that can reduce the physical strain of pulling heavy loads. These include power winches and ergonomic handle bars, which can help improve safety and efficiency. Additionally, companies that promote a healthy work culture encourage employees to share their thoughts on the ergonomics of their jobs, which can result in additional tools and equipment that further reduce the amount of physical labor required.
Another important safety tip is to avoid oversteering when towing a vehicle. This can be caused by improperly loading the vehicle, a swaying trailer or other factors, and it’s dangerous for both drivers and other road users. Instead, drivers should slow down and carefully maneuver the vehicle around any obstacles. They should also use engine braking when possible to avoid sudden movements that could cause the vehicle or trailer to sway or lose control.
Safety Chains
It may seem like a small detail, but safety chains are the glue that holds your trailer together. They keep the tow vehicle and trailer connected in the event the trailer coupler becomes disconnected from the hitch.
They’re required by law in most states, and even if they weren’t, they’re an insurance policy against the worst-case scenario. Just look at the recent news story of the pickup truck that remained on a bridge after a trailer came loose and plunged into a gorge—the safety chains were what kept the truck from plunging to its death.
Unlike regular box chains, safety chains are designed to provide an extra connection between the trailer and the tow vehicle in case the trailer coupler becomes uncoupled. This is a very real possibility when towing, as a poorly-made trailer or a sudden bump in the road can throw off the hitch connection and send the trailer flying backwards, into the driver’s path. In these cases, the safety chains are what keep the truck and trailer tethered together until the driver can safely bring their vehicle to a stop.
While you’re using your safety chains, be sure to check them frequently for wear and tear, as they can break over time due to the strain of pulling a heavy load. You should also avoid twisting the chains, as this can significantly shorten their lifespan. This is a common mistake, and one that can be avoided by simply crossing the chains underneath the coupler as you attach them to your vehicle.
A crisscross of the safety chains creates a cradle for the coupler, which can help prevent it from scraping against the ground if it should become uncoupled from your tow vehicle. This simple step can save you from a lot of unnecessary damage and stress, so it’s important to make sure that your safety chains are attached correctly.
When you’re done using your safety chains, they should be tucked up and out of the way until you need them again. Be sure to fasten them to the tow vehicle per your owner’s manual, and remember to recheck them regularly (about every hour) during long trips. And, never, ever, let your safety chains drag on the ground during a trip.