6 TOWING MYTHS DEBUNKED

Towing a vehicle can be a daunting task, and misconceptions about how to stay safe on the road while doing so can result in property damage and dangerous driving situations. Here are six towing myths debunked.

1. Myth: You can increase your truck’s towing capacity by upgrading its towing hitch

Fact: The towing capacity of every vehicle is carefully calculated for safety reasons and can’t be increased by its hitch or tow bar. However, towing hitches can maximize your vehicle’s capacity. For example, if your truck can tow 10,000 kilograms while your hitch is only rated at 5,000 kilograms, you can only tow less than the 5,000 kilograms your hitch is rated for.

2. Myth: You can add suspension products to boost your truck’s payload capacity

Fact: Adding suspension components can’t increase the maximum towing capacity of your truck. However, it can help you handle heavy loads more effectively.

3. Myth: You can correct trailer sway if you accelerate

Fact: Adding speed will only make your trailer more unstable and more difficult to control. If the towed vehicle starts to sway, gently press the on the brake pedal instead of accelerating.

4. Myth: You don’t need trailer brakes if your trailer weight is 750 kilograms or less

Fact: If your vehicle is smaller than a full-size SUV, the absence of trailer brakes could make it risky for you to drive with a trailer.

5. Myth: The way you load your trailer doesn’t matter

Fact: The way you organize loads affects trailer movement. Unevenly piled loads will result in either too much or too little tongue weight, which can cause the trailer to sway. The trick is to load your trailer evenly on both sides. You should also place heavy items at the bottom of your trailer, and pack as much weight as you can above the axles. This will increase stability.

6. Myth: Any trailer hitch extension will work on your truck

Fact: There are a wide range of extensions available, and you have to choose the one with the right tongue weight for your truck. A general guideline to keep in mind is that shorter trailer extensions can handle weight better than longer ones.

Towing equipment in the GTA

If you need quality towing products in the GTA or Barrie, look no further than Hitch City. We carry a wide selection of vehicle accessories that includes hitches, tow bars, braking equipment and more. To learn more about our products and services, contact us today.