Regardless of the vehicle type, from a sedan to two semi-trailers linked by a converter dolly, road safety should be a priority. However, extra care must be taken when driving a trailer, as there are many elements at play that could cause major problems at the smallest act of negligence.
Use the Right Vehicle and Equipment
The first rule of safety is to ensure that you’re using the correct vehicle with the right trailer and both meet your towing needs.
- Between a passenger sedan and a large SUV, the latter has more towing power, thanks to its longer wheelbase.
- In addition to the tow vehicle and trailer, you must also ensure hitch and coupler compatibility. Both must be rated correctly and properly installed.
- The vehicle and trailer must be suitable for the road and driving conditions. Some trailers are best for shorter trips but not for long-haul drives.
Know Your Trailer’s Capabilities
Before you hit the road or even buy a tow vehicle or trailer, there are certain aspects you need to know.
- Towing Needs vs Towing Capacity: The vehicle you choose must safely tow the cargo you need transported.
- Weight Capacity and Weight Distribution: Overloading and improper loading can cause a vehicle and trailer to swerve and sway. Failure to control the vehicle can result in car crashes. No one wants to be part of the fatality statistics.
- Braking System: If your trailer is built with a unique braking mechanism, you should understand how it works before you attempt to drive it.
Thoroughly Run Pre-Drive Checks
It’s important to ensure your trailer is 100% roadworthy before you even turn on the ignition.
- Inspect the lights, tyres, brakes, and hitch assembly for any problems that can lead to a breakdown or a collision.
- Check that the load weight is evenly distributed from side to side or more towards the middle of the towing vehicle.
- Connections to the electrical lines, fifth wheel, and safety chains must be secure.
- Give the undercarriage a quick check, ensuring suspension components are in good condition.
Use the Right Driving Style
Based on the information above, it’s clear to see that driving a trailer is totally different from driving a sedan, van, or SUV without a trailer in tow.
- Switch to your trailer driving style so you can navigate and manoeuvre appropriately. Taking tight turns or cornering with a long trailer requires a different set of skills you won’t normally use with a regular vehicle.
- Think further ahead than you normally would. Get into a lane earlier, take a wider corner, make slow turns, and measure the correct braking distance to avoid car accidents.
- Always allow ample space or a five-to-seven-second distance between you and the vehicle ahead so you can react safely to different scenarios. For instance, you can brake promptly if the vehicle in front suddenly stops.
- If you’re not yet confident with your trailer handling skills, practice. Learn how to turn and reverse correctly.
Break Everything Else But the Speed Limit
Considering the length and weight of a trailer, driving at high speeds should be avoided at all costs. Can you imagine what will happen if the trailer disconnects from the towing vehicle at high speed?
- Beware of the speed and towing limits imposed on trailers on specific roads or high-capacity roads. Follow them without fail to prevent accidents and pay hefty fines.
- Slow down when navigating curves or going up and down slopes. A trailer is easier to control at such a speed.
- Gradually brake or accelerate to keep the trailer from swaying.
- Adjust your speed based on the weather and road conditions. Handling a trailer is harder on wet roads or with strong winds.
Always Plan Ahead
If route planning hasn’t crossed your mind, you should start making it a habit.
- Know exactly where you’re going and what you’re up against long before you drive. It’s the easiest way to ensure you’re not travelling on roads with a low vertical clearance.
- Check the map for available parking areas, fuel stations, and rest stops, which you might need for overnight or long drives.
- Familiarise yourself with the traffic patterns to avoid rush hours and identify alternative routes.
Schedule Breaks Regularly
Driving when tired won’t always get you to your destination faster or safer. It’s important to stop and rest regularly.
- Non-stop travel for long hours can cause driver fatigue, which is just as deadly as a head-on collision.
- No breaks can mean decreased focus and mental exhaustion.
Practising safety while on the road is beneficial to you and other motorists. If you’re driving a trailer, however, you should double your efforts to safeguard your well-being. If you’re on the market for converter dolls compatible with your trailer, Sloanebuilt is the source you can trust.
