Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Towing a Trailer
If you’re a serious aficionado of wilderness and the outdoors, but also like to be fully prepared when it comes to your weekend camping getaways to the mountains, then you’ll want to invest in a trailer as well as the tools needed to tow the trailer. Whether or not you already own a trailer, you will need to understand certain weight measurements and more for safe and efficient towing.
Vehicle Weight and Configuration
One of the first and most important things you need to learn is the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), which refers to the total weight of the vehicle, passenger, cargo, and total load of the trailer. This number is already determined by the car or truck manufacturer. It denotes the maximum safe weight that a vehicle can tote. Some other key details you need to know about towing are: SUVs and four wheel drives are heavier vehicles, which can diminish towing capacity. If four wheel drive capability is not necessary, stick to rear wheel drive for maximum towing ability.
Loading the Trailer
When loading the trailer, one of the key things you need to learn is weight distribution. When there is too much weight on the rear of the trailer, that can cause it to fishtail. When there is too much at the front, the vehicle can sag, thus resulting in reduced braking power and less handling. The weight at the front of the trailer is called the tongue trailer, which is roughly about 9%-15% of the total weight. Some other key details to remember: use ratchet straps or tie down straps to ensure the load is secure. Also make sure the trailer has properly inflated trailer tires, not just passenger car tires, to put your engine and transmission into its optimal setting.
Towing On The Road
You will need to take extra precautions now that you’re driving something far longer and heavier than you’re used to. If your vehicle has a tow/haul mode, be sure to engage it with heavier loads. Additionally, it is also good to remember to plan your route carefully to avoid impediments that could be even more frustrating with a trailer. This includes such things as heavy traffic, steep hills, construction and more.
At AOG Purchasing, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all the unique parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries. We’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@aogpurchasing.com or call us at 1-503-374-0340.
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