How to Tow a Trailer: A Beginner’s Guide

If you want to buy a trailer, then you must learn how to tow it. Towing may seem easy, but there are a few technicalities involved. This article provides some useful tips for people that want to learn how to tow.

Step 1: Inspection

Inspect the hitching components on both the trailer and the tow truck. Rusted hitches, tow bars, or couplers could lead to accidents on the road. Also, inspect the tow truck. It should be in good condition and have sufficient power to haul the trailer.

Step 2: Hitching the trailer

Below are the steps to follow when hitching the trailer. 

  1. Reverse the truck in such a way that the tow ball is a few inches away from the trailer's hitch. Have the jockey wheel at a high position such that the tow ball is below the hitch.
  2. Lower the jockey wheel until the hitch rests on the tow ball. Lock the hitch at this position. Ensure that you understand how the lock works.
  3. Release the trailer's handbrake.
  4. Connect the safety chains. This should be done in such a way that they cross each other.
  5. Connect the electrical unit. Inspect to ensure that the electric components such as the lights on the trailer are working.
  6. Wind up and secure the jockey wheel.
  7. Double-check to ensure that all units are firmly in place.

Step 3: Parking and reversing

This can be a bit challenging. However, with time, you will get better at it. If you want to reverse to the right, you will steer to the left. Once the trailer begins to swing to the right, straighten your steering until both the trailer and tow truck are in position. Be gentle as you reverse and use the side mirrors to avoid hitting other cars or objects in the parking bay. 

Step 4: Driving forward

Before you begin your journey, adjust your side mirrors to ensure that you can see all angles. If you are towing a large trailer, you may need towing mirrors to eliminate blind spots. When driving, observe road rules and do not speed until you feel comfortable towing. You will have to take wider turns to ensure that the trailer does not run off the road. Be gentle on the brakes and keep distance between your truck and the vehicle ahead. When overtaking, you will have to allocate space for your trailer. Avoid swerving on the road. 

With the above guide, towing a trailer should not be too difficult. Inspect the trailer and tow vehicle, correctly hitch the trailer, and observe caution as you drive the truck. If you have difficulty towing your trailer somewhere, you can always call a towing service and they can assist you as necessary.


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