May 2005

TRAILER TOWING TIPS
Courtesy: Reese Products

Towing a trailer isn’t really all that difficult. But even the most experienced trailer owners run up against an occasional towing dilemma. That’s why e-KMI would like to provide racers with useful information for those who haul trailers to races and special events.

Safety Chains
Safety Chains on a trailer provide added insurance that the trailer will not detach from the tow vehicle when underway. It is recommended that the chains be crisscrossed under the trailer tongue. Attach the chain on the left side of the trailer tongue to the hole or ring on the right side of the hitch ball. Attach the chain on the right side of the trailer tongue to the hole or ring on the left side of the hitch ball. This prevents the tongue from dropping to the road if the trailer coupler separates from the hitch ball. Rig the chains with just enough slack to permit tight turns.

Safety Chain Strength
The American Society of Automotive Engineers and the Vehicle Equipment Safety Commission have adopted the following standards:

Trailer Trailer Safety Chain Min.
Class Weight Breaking Strength
Class I 2000 lb. GVWR 2000 lb.
Class II 2000 lb. to 3500 GVWR 3500 lb.
Class III 3500 lb. to 5000 GVWR 5000 lb.
Class IV 5000 lb. to 10,000 GVWR The GVWR of the trailer

Types of Hitches
There are two types of hitches: Weight Carrying and Weight Distributing

Weight Carrying hitches are, generally speaking, fine for towing lighter rigs with a passenger car.

Weight Distributing hitches are usually recommended for heavier rigs because they even out the trailer load between all four wheels of the tow vehicle and the wheels of the trailer, thus improving steering and braking control.

Before deciding which type is right for you, consult your car or truck manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations.

IMPORTANT: The total weight of your trailer when loaded must not exceed the load capacity of that hitch. That capacity is stamped on the hitch itself.

The trailer should be in a level position when hitched to the tow vehicle.

Be sure the hitch ball is sized to fit the coupler on your trailer. The coupler is marked with the correct ball diameter: either 1-7/8”, 2” or 2-5/16”.

Hitching up
Hitching a trailer to your two vehicle is usually a one-person job, but it is easier if someone helps. Here are the basic steps:

1. Back your tow vehicle as close as possible to the trailer. It’s easier and safer to do this rather than pulling the trailer to a car or truck.
2. Release the coupler locking device.
3. Raise the front end of the trailer coupler directly over the hitch ball; then lower it until it is seated on the hitch ball, covering it completely.
4. Check under the coupling to ensure the ball clamp is below the ball and not riding on top of it.
5. Latch the coupler to the hitch ball. Make sure it’s locked in place by lifting up the trailer tongue. If the coupler comes loose from the ball, unlatch it and go back to step 3.
6. Make sure your jack is fully raised.
7. If you have a weight-distributing hitch with spring bars: follow the above procedures. Then attach the spring bar chain to the trailer and tighten it until your trailer and car are in normal position.
8. If your trailer has a surge brake breakaway cable or chain, attach the cable or chain to your tow vehicle, allowing enough slack for you to make tight turns.
9. Attach the safety chains
10. . Connect the trailer wiring harness to the lighting system of your tow vehicle and check its operation.

Trailering Tactics
With a trailer in tow, you’re operating a vehicle combination that’s longer, heavier —sometimes wider and taller — than you’re used to. So you’ll have to make some compensating adjustments in your normal driving practices.

Take a “shakedown cruise”
At least one short trial run before your first trip will help familiarize you with your trailer’s operating characteristics. It will also let you know that the lights, brakes, hitch, etc. are working properly.

Slow down.
Moderate to slow speeds put less strain on your car and trailer.

Allow extra time and space.
You’ll need both when passing and stopping, especially if your trailer has no brakes.

Check rear view mirrors
Doing this frequently will let you know that your trailer is riding properly. It is recommended to have outside rear view mirrors on both sides of the tow vehicle.

Swing wider
You need to make wider swings at curves and corners because the trailer’s wheels are closer to the inside of a turn than the wheels of a car or truck.

Pass with extra care
It takes more time and distance to get around a slower vehicle and return to the right lane when you have a trailer in tow.

Watch the wind
To avoid swaying, be prepared for sudden changes in air pressure and wind buffeting when larger vehicles pass from either direction. Slow down a bit and keep a firm hold on your steering wheel. Aim straight down your lane.

Conserve fuel
You’ll go father on a tank of gas at moderate speeds. Higher speeds increase wind resistance against the trailer and reduce gas mileage significantly.

Avoid sudden stops and starts
This can cause skidding, sliding and jackknifing, even if your trailer has brakes. Avoid quick stops while turning. Smooth, gradual starts and stops will improve gas mileage.

Signal your intensions
Let surrounding vehicles know what you intend to do well before you stop, turn, change lanes or pass.

Shift to a lower gear
A lower gear will help ease the load on the transmission and engine when going over steep hills, sand, gravel or dirt roads. If your tow vehicle has an “overdrive” gear, shifting out of overdrive to a lower gear may improve your gas mileage.

Always be courteous
Make it as easy as possible for faster moving vehicles to pass you. Keep to the right of the road and prepare to slow down if passing vehicles need extra time to return to the proper lane.

Don’t tailgate
Allow at least one car and trailer length between you and the vehicle ahead of you for each 10 MPH on your speedometer. Three seconds should be the minimum distance.

If a problem occurs: Don’t panic. Stay cool. Say you experience a sudden bumping or fishtailing. It may indicate a flat tire. Don’t jam on the brakes or mash the accelerator in an attempt to drive out of it. Instead, come to a stop slowly as you keep driving in as straight a line as possible. If conditions permit, coast to a very slow speed and try to avoid braking, except when your wheels are straight ahead and your trailer and tow vehicle are in line with each other.

If your trailer begins to fishtail as you accelerate to highway speed, back off the accelerator a bit. This should stop the fishtailing. If it begins again as you increase speed, stop and check your load. It probably isn’t distributed evenly from side to side, or it’s too far back to put a sufficient load on the hitch ball. It is recommended that from 5% to 10% of the trailer load be on the hitch. Redistribute the load as necessary before continuing.

Good luck and drive safely!



ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Reese Products of Elkhart Indiana has been involved in the trailer towing equipment industry for over 50 years.


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