The rules that apply to trailer towing are similar to those for RV towing. Basically, the towing vehicle and its trailer form a single united vehicle, though a hitch is involved. This reduces the margin for error, since what happens to the towing vehicle happens to the trailer, and vice versa – instantaneously.
Most trailer-towing vehicles employ a ball-and-coupler hitch. Though there may be variations, this type of hitch is basically a ball at the rear of the tow vehicle that latches into an A-shaped socket at on the front of the trailer. In certain cases, like boat and travel trailers, a load-distributing hitch is commonly used. These, as the name implies, spread the load as equally as possible over both the tow vehicle and the trailer.
Other variations are the fifth-wheel trailer and the motorcycle trailer, which are designed on different lines. However, whatever tow vehicle-trailer combination is used, special driving skills and parameters are necessary. While driving a trailer-towing vehicle, it is advisable to stick as much to the center of the road as possible. Uneven roads present a greater-than-usual hazard and must be maneuvered with skill and care.
The tow vehicle, no matter whether it is handling humans or goods, should never be loaded to exceed the GVWR or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The GVWR includes the payload, the weight of the hitch, and the vehicle’s curb weight. The GAWR or Gross Axle Weight Rating, which determines the distribution over all involved axles, must also be observed.
Loading the trailer is a matter of precision, since approximately ten to fifteen percent of the load should fall over the hitching mechanism to avoid road shimmy during transit. In addition, the coupler between the tow vehicle and the trailer should be of a design that reduces such shimmying. Finally, correct inflation of all tires in the combination must be ensured en route at all times.
Related Articles of Interest :
-
Essential Trailer Hitch Accessories
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
There are a number of trailer hitch accessories that make the hitches easier to operate safely. Some accessories, like trailer hitch balls, ball mounts and hitch receivers are necessary for the hitch to be usable. Other trailer hitch accessories, like hitch locks are convenient and...
-
RV Towing
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
The RV (recreational vehicle) comes in different configurations, and the towing parameters may vary. For instance, the travel trailer is towed by means of bumper or frame hitch. Its near cousin, the fifth-wheel travel trailer, is towed by a pickup truck with a specially designed...
-
An Introduction to Trailer Hitches
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Pickup trucks and SUVs with trailer hitches have a wide range of uses. They can pull boats, campers, cargo trailers and a number of other items. There are several types of trailer hitches. Most pickup trucks have what is called a ball trailer hitch. Other...
-
Towing
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
It is the nature of man to create circumstances in which he is compelled to pull a disproportionate amount of freight behind him. In a rapidly industrializing age, this phenomenon has multiplied to such an extent that many people now pull entire households behind them...
-
A Guide to U-Haul Trailer Hitches
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
U-Haul is best known for its rental trucks used to help people move, but they also sell trailer hitches and trailer hitch accessories. U-Haul makes trailer hitches that accommodate all kinds of vehicles, including many cars. Different models of U-Haul trailer hitches can haul up...
-
Gooseneck Trailer Hitches
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Gooseneck trailer hitches are used to haul irregularly shaped trailers that have frontal protrusions that stick out past the rest of the trailer. Gooseneck trailer hitches are some of the strongest on the market, often able to handle up to 30,000 pounds. These trailer hitches...
-
Trailer Hitch Bike Racks
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
People can’t ride their bikes everywhere and it is often necessary to transport bikes from one place to another. Until recently, people would have to put the bike inside their vehicle when transporting it, but now there are bike racks that can secure the bike...
-
A Guide to Trailer Hitch Covers
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Parts of most trailer hitches are removable. The ball part of the hitch, the part that is used to fasten the cargo to the truck usually rests in the trailer hitch receiver opening. When the ball is removed, the receiver opening is left hollow. This...
-
Motorcycle Towing
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
There is a common misconception that towing a trailer by motorcycle is a self-defeating and pointless pursuit. After all, a motorcycle is not a “beast of burden,” and how much can one really pull behind a two-wheeler? That may have been true in the past...
-
Car Towing
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Even the best car will break down at some time or another – it is the nature of the beast. When it does, it probably won’t happen at a convenient time or under favorable circumstances. A tire blows, the engine dies, there’s a pileup –...