Towing Tips
Preparing for Safe Travel Trailer Towing
The first time you buy a travel trailer is an exciting experience. There’s nothing quite like buying a new RV, when you get to start looking forward to years of incredible vacations. But you might also feel a little intimidated. After all, towing a travel trailer seems like a tricky process. You have to worry about a new driving style, practice good loading habits, and make sure that your tow vehicle is properly equipped for the task. At Golden Gait Trailers, we understand why towing preparation might be a little scary at first, so we put this guide together to help you out with the basics of towing safety. We’d also be happy to answer any additional questions in person, and while you’re here, we can help show you to the travel trailer that’s just right for you and your family! We’re located near Charlotte, in Concord, NC.
Deciding on Trailer Weight
Travel trailer towing safety starts at the dealership. That’s right, before you even buy your first RV, you’re going to need to think carefully about which model will properly suit your tow vehicle. Every car and truck has a maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) assigned to it. This number tells you the maximum amount of weight that can be supported by your vehicle. That means that even if your trailer is just a few pounds under the GCWR, the passengers and extra luggage in your tow vehicle will probably push you over the legal mark. Driving with too much weight is dangerous, and it can lead to a costly ticket, so you’ll obviously need to select your travel trailer carefully. Look for something that’s well below the GCWR, and try to estimate how much extra weight you’ll put on it with cargo, food, supplies, and any additional appliances and amenities you might want to install. If you need help with this process, don’t hesitate to ask one of our experts.
Preparing in the Off-Season
Long before you set out to take your vacation, you’ll also need to get your tow vehicle set up with all the standard safety equipment. Extended mirrors are the first important addition, because it’s essential to keep the back of your travel trailer visible to you while driving. You should also have brake lights and turn signals installed on the travel trailer, if they aren’t already working, and make sure to do a test with them right before hitting the road. Last of all, it’s a good idea to get a tire pressure monitoring system set up in your travel trailer. You could of course use a tire pressure gauge if you have no other option, but with the monitoring system, you’ll be able to know if there’s a problem within the minute that it happens.
Loading
Anytime you tow a vehicle, loading is one of the most important aspects of preparation. How you pack your travel trailer will directly impact safety and performance on the road, so you need to learn right away how to load properly. To start, you need to distribute the cargo so that about 15-20% of the weight goes in the front of the trailer. Then, evenly load the rest all the way to the back. This is important, because the extra weight in the nose will hold your trailer more firmly onto the hitch. However, don’t make the front too heavy, as extra weight could potentially cause the front tires on your car or truck to lift off the ground! On top of that, you should also distribute the weight evenly from side to side. If the left or right get too heavy, you won’t be able to safely navigate corners and turns, so make sure you keep the weight even on both sides.
After preparing your travel trailer properly, learning to tow it shouldn’t be a problem at all! There are a few driving techniques you’ll have to adapt to, but they’ll be much easier after you pick the right trailer type, prepare it during the offseason, and distribute the weight appropriately. So when you’re ready to get your next RV, come visit us at Golden Gait Trailers. We’re in Concord, serving the areas of Columbia, Raleigh, Hickory, Asheville, Myrtle Beach, and Greensboro, NC.