Have enough practice prior to driving a tow vehicle on the main highways and never let anyone ride on or inside the trailer. Prior to leaving, remember to check the restrictions and routes on tunnels as well as bridges. The following are some of the safety guidelines for driving a tow vehicle with a trailer:
- General Handling
Use of the driving gear that the manufacturer suggests for towing. Drive at a moderate speed. As a matter of fact, this will put less strain on the trailer and tow vehicle. Trailer instability is likely to happen as the speed goes faster. Avoid sudden starts and stops which can cause jackknifing, sliding or skidding. In addition to that, you should also avoid sudden steering maneuvers which might create undue side force or sway on the trailer. Reduce your speed when driving over ditches, railroad crossing and bumpy roads. Also, make wider turns at corners and curves. This is because the wheels of the trailer are very close to the inside compared to the tow vehicle’s wheels, they are likely to ride up or hit over curbs. In order to control the swaying of the trailer caused by wind buffering and air pressure alterations when huge vehicles pass from different directions, release the accelerator lever in order to reduce the speed and keep a nice grip on the wheels and steering wheels.
- Passing and Acceleration
When changing lanes or passing a slower vehicle, a signal in advance and ensure that you allow an added distance to clear other vehicles before pulling back into the lane. Furthermore, make sure that you have a lot of clearance when passing on level terrain. Do not pass on steep downgrades or upgrades. If needed, downshift for enhanced speed or acceleration maintenance. When passing on small streets, be very careful not to a soft shoulder. This would only cause the trailer to go out of control or jackknife.
- Braking
Allow significantly more distance for stopping. Activate the brake controller of the trailer by hand if excessive sway occurs and if you have the electric trailer brake controller. Also, do not try to control the trailer sway by stepping on the tow brakes. This will only make swaying of the trailer even worse. Anticipate the need to reduce speed. In order to slow down, step on the brakes lightly and shift to a much lower gear.
- Upgrades and Downgrades
Downshift to help with reducing speed on downgrades and in order to improve power for climbing steep hills. On long distance downgrades, apply brakes to maintain speed in check. Never leave your brakes on for a long period of time or they might overheat. Some towing vehicles have calibrated transmission tow-modes. Just make sure to use tow-mode suggested by the manufacturer.
- Backing Up
Put your hand below the steering wheel. To turn right, turn your hand right. To turn left, turn your hand left. Back up slowly. This is because mirrors do not give all of the views you might need when backing up, thus, have someone at the back to guide you as needed.
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