Kitchener Auto Shop’s Tips for Safely Pulling a Trailer with Your Car
With warm weather come weekend trips out of town. Whether you’re pulling an RV or any other kind of trailer, it’s important to know how to safely manoeuvre it while on the road.
Pre-Drive Check
Before you hit the road, take the time to do a pre-drive check of the trailer. During this, you should look to see if the trailer is properly attached and that the brake lights and signals are working properly. Most trailers have two locking mechanisms so ensure that both are attached securely or you risk the trailer coming loose while on the road.
Get Comfortable Behind the Wheel
If this is your first time driving with a trailer, take the time to practice driving it around a quiet neighbourhood before hitting the busy streets. During this time, practice backing up making turns, and switching lanes with the trailer attached to your vehicle. This will allow you to get a feel for how the vehicle and trailer handle and will avoid any surprises during your trip.
Review the Rules of the Road
The last thing you need to do before you leave your house is to take a quick review of the rules of the road when pulling a trailer. Depending where your destination is, you may be required to drive in certain lines or not surpass a particular speed when pulling a trailer. Knowing these rules before you go will ensure you avoid any tickets or unwanted stops during your trip.
On the Road
When you’re on the road with your trailer, there are a few final safety tips to keep into consideration. With the added weight of the trailer, it is going to take longer for your vehicle to stop. Knowing this, leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you and start braking earlier than you normally would when coming to a stop. As long as you drive slowly and carefully, there should be no issue with stopping on time.
By taking the time to review these safety tips before you hit the road with your trailer, you’ll be sure to have a vacation that is nothing but fun. If you have any questions about attaching a trailer to your vehicle, how to safely pull a trailer, or anything else, give our auto shop in Kitchener-Waterloo a call. Our team has pulled their fair share of trailers and is happy to share the tips with customers.
