Frequent Towing Mistakes That Will Get Your Trailer In The Shop
• Weight-distribution bars come in different strengths for different tongue weights and are extremely customizable . Most truck drivers look at them and are under the impression that the bigger the bars are , the better it is . However , this is not the case here and it is highly important to take into consideration how much the tongue weighs , before you make a purchase . The golden rule dictates that approximately 60 % of the weight should go towards the front of the trailer and the remaining 40 % towards the rear end . Setting wrongly the weight distribution can cause excessive bouncing between the trailer and the truck which can not only lead to further vehicle damages , but it also poses a risk of road accidents .
• Another frequently made mistake , especially by newbies , happens when towing is done with the incorrect size ball . It is important to note that there are three categories of sized balls for standard bumper towing and each of them relates to a different weight amount . To ensure you are using the most appropriate one , check for a stamp on the trailer ’ s tongue . On this note but a completely different issue arises from wrongly mounting the ball . You would be surprised to learn how many accidents happen because of something that seems like an easy job . Properly attaching the coupling to the hitch is one of the first things you should pay attention to and double check .
• Since trailers are rarely used on a daily basis , regular services such as lubing components and checking the breaks might slip your mind . But they shouldn ’ t . Usually the steel parts , such as axels and steel pivot points require regular oiling . Trailer brakes do not self-regulate like the ones on your normal vehicle would and they are exposed to normal wear and tear just like any brake would . For the highest levels of safety , a brake controller should be installed .