Before you leave, a quick inspection of both the vehicle's and trailer's tire pressure should be done for both safety and fuel economy. They are the only part of your ensemble that ever touches the road and that allows most safety systems to work properly. Make sure all are properly inflated based on the recommendations in the owner's manual. If your tires are worn out or questionable, replace them without delay.
Furthermore, ensure the wiring is loose enough to make turns and check that all turn signals, hazard and brake lights are in working order.
A vehicle with a manual mode transmission or overdrive-cancel function can ensure power is available when climbing hills at highway speeds, reducing the tendency of the vehicle to lose velocity and helping to maintain the desired speed. Downshifting ahead of hills, whether going up or down, is generally a good idea to help conserve control.
Added strain on a vehicle comes with added weight, always. Carmakers may offer improved components and hardware to handle these stresses in certain cars and trucks. Some of these elements could include upgraded batteries, larger engine and transmission oil coolers, heavy duty axles and chassis, and other driveline components as well as electronic aids like dedicated transmission "Tow/Haul” modes. The latter helps to reduce gear hunting and delivers smoother and more confident acceleration when pulling.
If your vehicle is a few years old or you haven't towed with it before, you might want to consider adding some such additional hardware yourself. Transmission oil coolers, for instance, can be added to any truck to reduce heat-related wear-and-tear on transmission components. Don't underestimate the extreme stress that towing a load puts on your gearbox, and remember that as the fluid gets hotter, its protective qualities begin to dissipate.
On that note, a transmission flush is a good idea to ensure maximum performance and protection. Many a mechanic say that a bit of preventative maintenance will help you go a long way and may save thousands down the line.
A healthy set of tires and well equipped, well maintained towing rig with the right trailer is key to safe and confident adventures all summer long.
Furthermore, ensure the wiring is loose enough to make turns and check that all turn signals, hazard and brake lights are in working order.
A vehicle with a manual mode transmission or overdrive-cancel function can ensure power is available when climbing hills at highway speeds, reducing the tendency of the vehicle to lose velocity and helping to maintain the desired speed. Downshifting ahead of hills, whether going up or down, is generally a good idea to help conserve control.
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| Photo: Thinkstock |
Added strain on a vehicle comes with added weight, always. Carmakers may offer improved components and hardware to handle these stresses in certain cars and trucks. Some of these elements could include upgraded batteries, larger engine and transmission oil coolers, heavy duty axles and chassis, and other driveline components as well as electronic aids like dedicated transmission "Tow/Haul” modes. The latter helps to reduce gear hunting and delivers smoother and more confident acceleration when pulling.
If your vehicle is a few years old or you haven't towed with it before, you might want to consider adding some such additional hardware yourself. Transmission oil coolers, for instance, can be added to any truck to reduce heat-related wear-and-tear on transmission components. Don't underestimate the extreme stress that towing a load puts on your gearbox, and remember that as the fluid gets hotter, its protective qualities begin to dissipate.
On that note, a transmission flush is a good idea to ensure maximum performance and protection. Many a mechanic say that a bit of preventative maintenance will help you go a long way and may save thousands down the line.
A healthy set of tires and well equipped, well maintained towing rig with the right trailer is key to safe and confident adventures all summer long.