Like many motorists, chances are you’ll probably be hitting the highways in the family crossover or SUV and doing some form of towing this summer.
If you’re thinking of investing in a trailer, your dealership can help you find an adequate new or used vehicle that meets your exact needs. They can also help ensure that the vehicle in question remains in top shape throughout the season.
A few hints and tips are vital to safe and successful towing-- regardless of the scope of the hauling job at hand.
First and foremost, determine the capacity of your vehicle. A range of factors contribute to the weight your car or truck can handle, and the total capacity of your machine is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
You may find your vehicles GVWR printed onto a sticker in one of the door jams. It indicates how much weight the vehicle can handle safely- including a loaded trailer and passengers.
Of course, you’ll need a hitch to attach a trailer to your vehicle. There are numerous varieties available-- placed into classes that specify the weight they’re able to support. Hitches have a maximum Gross Tow Weight (GTW) assigned to them. This is the maximum weight of the fully loaded trailer that will be attached to it. Never exceed specified capacities.
When loading your trailer, remember that about 60 percent of the weight should be in the front of the trailer, with the remaining 40 percent in the rear. Strap or tie down loose items securely so that they don’t move around and upset the balance of your load.
Note that loaded vehicles require longer distances to stop and accelerate. Steering, throttle and brake input should be as smooth as possible.
Additionally, the transmission should be preemptively downshifted to prevent a loss of velocity when climbing a hill. Gearing down with a ‘manual mode’ gearbox or clicking the ‘Overdrive Off’ button works here.
Remember that towing results in added strain on vehicle components. Car makers may offer improved hardware to handle these stresses-- including upgraded batteries, transmission oil coolers, heavy-duty axles and chassis components.
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If you’re thinking of investing in a trailer, your dealership can help you find an adequate new or used vehicle that meets your exact needs. They can also help ensure that the vehicle in question remains in top shape throughout the season.
A few hints and tips are vital to safe and successful towing-- regardless of the scope of the hauling job at hand.
First and foremost, determine the capacity of your vehicle. A range of factors contribute to the weight your car or truck can handle, and the total capacity of your machine is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
You may find your vehicles GVWR printed onto a sticker in one of the door jams. It indicates how much weight the vehicle can handle safely- including a loaded trailer and passengers.
Of course, you’ll need a hitch to attach a trailer to your vehicle. There are numerous varieties available-- placed into classes that specify the weight they’re able to support. Hitches have a maximum Gross Tow Weight (GTW) assigned to them. This is the maximum weight of the fully loaded trailer that will be attached to it. Never exceed specified capacities.
When loading your trailer, remember that about 60 percent of the weight should be in the front of the trailer, with the remaining 40 percent in the rear. Strap or tie down loose items securely so that they don’t move around and upset the balance of your load.
Note that loaded vehicles require longer distances to stop and accelerate. Steering, throttle and brake input should be as smooth as possible.
Additionally, the transmission should be preemptively downshifted to prevent a loss of velocity when climbing a hill. Gearing down with a ‘manual mode’ gearbox or clicking the ‘Overdrive Off’ button works here.
Remember that towing results in added strain on vehicle components. Car makers may offer improved hardware to handle these stresses-- including upgraded batteries, transmission oil coolers, heavy-duty axles and chassis components.
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