5 towing mistakes you should avoid

Improper towing practices can lead to fines or result in an accident. Consequently, drivers who are inexperienced with towing often make mistakes that can lead to catastrophe. Here are five common mistakes to avoid while towing.

1. Towing more than your equipment can handle

Trucks and trailers can only carry so much weight. Exceeding the weight limit is a recipe for disaster. Check your owners’ manual for your truck’s towing and payload capacities. Do the same thing with your trailer. Overloading your trailer can put undue stress on your tongue and increase the likelihood of an incident while driving.

2. Using the wrong equipment

Towing balls come in different sizes. Therefore, make sure your towing matches your trailer hitch. Not only does the trailer ball need to match the coupler size, but the shank diameter must fit the trailer ball hole. The ball must also have the right weight capacity for the size of the tow load. Ball sizes are as follows:

• 1-7/8 inch (47.6 millimetres) for light towing

• 2 inches (50.8 millimetres) for medium-duty towing

• 2-5/16 inch (58.7 millimetres) for heavy-duty towing

• 3 inches (76.2 millimetres) for gooseneck towing

The same goes for your tow bars. Tow bars have capacities between 2,200 and 9,000 kilograms (5,000 and 20,000 pounds). Therefore, you must ensure your bars are up for the job.

Trailers are designed to travel level. Consequently, using the wrong equipment can pitch your trailer up or down, causing undue stress on your vehicle, trailer hitch rig and trailer.

3. Failing to maintain your equipment

Trailers and towing equipment often sit unused for months at a time. Before using your equipment, inspect it for wear and tear, rust and other defects. Furthermore, grease your ball joint and any other places where metal meets metal. Also, check your brakes.

4. Underinflating your tires

Underinflated tires can lead to rollovers or blowouts on the highway. Before you tow anything, check the air pressure in your trailer tires and on your truck. Correctly inflated tires will also improve your fuel efficiency. You should also check your tires for cracks, bulges or uneven wear.

5. Driving with reduced visibility

Towing rigs can limit a driver’s ability to see behind and beside their vehicle. Accidents often happen when a driver changes lanes or applies the brakes without knowing if other cars are around. Therefore, ensure you have the appropriate mirrors on your towing vehicle. It’s always best to tow with a passenger who can help keep an eye on the road for you.

Trailer and towing hitches in the GTA

At Hitch City, our towing experts can ensure your trailer hitch is safe and secure. We also perform trailer repairs and have a wide range of truck accessories to improve your towing experience. Contact us today in Barrie, Mississauga or Scarborough to learn more about our products and services.