Americans have been in love with taking road trips since the 1920s. It’s a time honored tradition; and this summer millions of us will set out on a road trip!
However, before we hitch our travel trailers and get towing, it’s important to understand how to do so safely. The following three tips will be indispensable to you on your next road trip towing adventure.
Safe road trip towing tip #1 – Loading
It’s important to understand the way you load your travel trailer for your upcoming road trip affects not only how it handles, but also the safety of other road users. The top tip here is that your tongue weight (the amount of force the trailer tongue exerts on the hitch) should be a maximum of 15% of the total of your trailer weight. When it comes to correct loading and weight distribution, you should consider using a BulletProof Hitch as an essential part of your overall towing setup. Our steel hitches are the strongest on the market and offer tongue weight ratings from 2,000 pounds to 6,000 pounds.
If you have ever experienced trailer sway, you will know how intense this experience can be as well as how hard it is to get back under control. You can prevent this issue from happening is by loading your travel trailer correctly and by using a weight distribution system.
Safe road trip towing tip #2 – Checking
The rule here is to conduct a routine towing safety check before you embark on your road trip. Ensuring things like tires are filled with the correct air pressure, brake and signal lights are working properly and that your tow hitch and coupling is in good working order are essential. On the coupler housing, don’t forget to check that your adjustment screw is set correctly. Undertaking routine safety checks of your overall towing setup helps reduce the risks of hazards such as tire blowout or trailer detachment whist towing.
Safe road trip towing tip #3 – Driving
You’ve planned your road trip taking care to pencil in the best route to avoid heavy traffic, as well as great places to pull your travel trailer up for a rest stop. Now it’s time to hit the open road! Remember: you are likely going to be the one of the slower vehicles on the road. Towing your travel trailer means slower acceleration and the need for increased braking distances to avert rear-ending the vehicle in front if they brake sharply. The important tip here is to give yourself plenty of time and space while driving on your road trip.
So, there you have it. 3 top tips to keep you and your loved ones safe on your next road trip. In the words of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers:
Road trippin'…
Fully loaded we got snacks and supplies
It's time to leave this town, it's time to steal away
Let's go get lost anywhere in the U.S.A.
P.S. don’t forget to pack the snacks and supplies and have a great time!
