Trailer Safety Tips To Keep In Mind

30 May 2018
 Categories: , Blog

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No matter what you need to haul, a trailer is an excellent addition. However, trailers can be dangers and can cause a number of problems when you're not careful. If you're thinking of buying a new trailer for your hauling needs, you want to keep safety at the top of your priority list. Here are some of the more critical safety factors you want to consider.

Check Your Car's Condition

Always begin your efforts with an assessment of the condition of your vehicle. If your car is not in good condition, you do not need to use a trailer just yet. You should instead focus on repairing the car. 

For example, if your brakes are worn, they will not be able to support the weight of the trailer. A large heavy trailer will only put more pressure on the brakes, and if they're already worn, they could quickly fail. Don't use a trailer until you're confident your vehicle is ready.

Choose the Right Trailer

You also want to be sure that you are selecting the right trailer. All trailers are not created equal. The primary focus during this selection process is to ensure your vehicle can accommodate the trailer. Every car has a towing capacity rating, and if you ignore it and exceed this amount, you could cause permanent transmission damage. 

Review your car manual to see what your capacity rating is, and look for a trailer with a weight well below this rating so that you also have wiggle room for the weight of the loads. Generally, the lighter the trailer, the better.

Be Prepared to Double-Check

Even when you know your car is in good and you have the appropriate trailer, this does not mean you are road-ready. A safe driver will always inspect the condition of their car and trailer before they take it out on the road. 

During the inspection, you want to check the connection to ensure the trailer is attached to your car securely and that the tires on the trailer and the vehicle are in excellent condition. An inspection can often highlight a safety concern and allow you time to address it rather than find yourself in the middle of a very dangerous situation. Take your time and inspect thoroughly. 

Make sure you are not overlooking safety when it comes to your trailer. From the type of trailer you select to how you operate it, safety must always remain important.