Towing is a useful addition to the load capacity of a vehicle. Whether the vehicle is towing an RV (recreational vehicle) or merely freight in a trailer, its capacity to move goods is greatly increased. Then there is also the excitement and convenience of taking a part of one's home on holiday, in the form of an RV. People should realize, though, that there are precautions to be taken in towing, especially concerning the use of pop up hitches.
The dynamics of a towing setup may appear as alarming to some people. If you consider that the average SUV or smaller truck has a mass in excess of one metric ton (more than 2 000lb), the added mass of the RV or loaded trailer creates a very heavy vehicular unit on the road. Now think about the stress on the hitch as the vehicle takes a corner or slows down unexpectedly, even during a routine trip. The hitch has to have the capacity to tolerate that level of constantly shifting force.
The hitch should be able to endure a gross trailer mass of 30 000lb. That might seem like an enormous weight, but it illustrates just how dangerous towing can be, especially if the trailer swerves independently or comes loose.
For this reason, people who tow trailers or RVs should take note of the following guidelines. These are all easy to implement and will ensure better safety in towing.
The weight limit on the hitch and other towing equipment is calculated by professional designers or engineers. They are educated in the relevant disciplines and they are able to assess the nature of materials and towing in far more detail than the ordinary lay person. As much as it may seem cowardly or non-macho to obey the manufacturer's instructions, sometimes a professional opinion needs to be respected.
Secondly, in attaching a trailer to the vehicle you should make sure that there is enough space or clearance between the two. This does not only apply when they are standing still in a straight line, but also when the vehicle turns. They constitute an articulated unit, so the trailer will not turn at the same time as the vehicle.
Safety chains are a standard precautionary tactic, but their adjustment requires proper attention. Making them too tight will hamper ordinary turning, but if they are too loose they won't make any difference if the main connection is broken.
When you load a trailer, follow the instructions provided by its manufacturer. The load should be properly balanced inside the load area. Do not place everything at either end, or to one side. This will make steering more difficult, or uneven.
As a matter of course, you should inspect all the lights on the trailer to confirm that they are in working order. To some people, this might seem like unnecessary exertion, but it is considerate towards other road users and can prevent accidents. It is also legally required. The same applies to the use of mirrors, which should offer an unobstructed view to the driver.
The industrial and social uses of towing are far-reaching. It reduces expense and also provides accommodation on the road. Yet it should be approached with the necessary caution, in order to make it a safe experience for both the driver and other road users.
The dynamics of a towing setup may appear as alarming to some people. If you consider that the average SUV or smaller truck has a mass in excess of one metric ton (more than 2 000lb), the added mass of the RV or loaded trailer creates a very heavy vehicular unit on the road. Now think about the stress on the hitch as the vehicle takes a corner or slows down unexpectedly, even during a routine trip. The hitch has to have the capacity to tolerate that level of constantly shifting force.
The hitch should be able to endure a gross trailer mass of 30 000lb. That might seem like an enormous weight, but it illustrates just how dangerous towing can be, especially if the trailer swerves independently or comes loose.
For this reason, people who tow trailers or RVs should take note of the following guidelines. These are all easy to implement and will ensure better safety in towing.
The weight limit on the hitch and other towing equipment is calculated by professional designers or engineers. They are educated in the relevant disciplines and they are able to assess the nature of materials and towing in far more detail than the ordinary lay person. As much as it may seem cowardly or non-macho to obey the manufacturer's instructions, sometimes a professional opinion needs to be respected.
Secondly, in attaching a trailer to the vehicle you should make sure that there is enough space or clearance between the two. This does not only apply when they are standing still in a straight line, but also when the vehicle turns. They constitute an articulated unit, so the trailer will not turn at the same time as the vehicle.
Safety chains are a standard precautionary tactic, but their adjustment requires proper attention. Making them too tight will hamper ordinary turning, but if they are too loose they won't make any difference if the main connection is broken.
When you load a trailer, follow the instructions provided by its manufacturer. The load should be properly balanced inside the load area. Do not place everything at either end, or to one side. This will make steering more difficult, or uneven.
As a matter of course, you should inspect all the lights on the trailer to confirm that they are in working order. To some people, this might seem like unnecessary exertion, but it is considerate towards other road users and can prevent accidents. It is also legally required. The same applies to the use of mirrors, which should offer an unobstructed view to the driver.
The industrial and social uses of towing are far-reaching. It reduces expense and also provides accommodation on the road. Yet it should be approached with the necessary caution, in order to make it a safe experience for both the driver and other road users.
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