Month: May 2020

As the weather gets warmer, the call to hit the open road gets stronger and harder to resist. Before you hitch up your trailer and make your getaway, it’s a good idea to brush up on some safety reminders first. Here are four things to keep in mind regarding how to tow safely.

Towing Capacity Limits

Before you head out on the open road, double-check the towing capacity for your vehicle to make sure it can handle the weight. If you exceed the maximum capacity, it can severely damage your electronic brake controllers, drivetrain, and engine. Also, make sure that your trailer hitch can properly handle the loaded weight of your trailer. The hitch should contain a label with the amount of weight it’s able to support. You can also check the recommendations in your owner’s manual.

Proper Trailer Packing

It’s crucial that your cargo is properly positioned inside the trailer. Roughly 60% of the load should be placed in the front half of your trailer. You should also load the trailer so that between 12% to 15% of the loaded trailer’s total weight is resting on the hitch. Be sure that the weight is evenly distributed on both the left and right sides of the loaded trailer. Secure the cargo to prevent it from shifting.

Tire Pressure

Another thing to consider when ensuring you can tow safely is the proper inflation of your tires. Tires that aren’t inflated properly can cause issues with handling and controlling trailer sway. You’ll also cause the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Check the pressure label located in the driver’s side door jamb for the proper inflation amounts for the tow vehicle. Also, double-check the speed rating for the tires on both your vehicle and trailer and make sure not to exceed the limits.

Trailer Brake System

If you have a heavier trailer with a trailer brake system, make sure that the emergency breakaway cable is properly connected to your tow vehicle. If for some reason that your trailer should break away from the hitch, this cable will trigger the trailer brake controller and bring it to a complete halt. This can prevent it from slamming into your tow vehicle or causing an accident with other drivers on the road.

It’s important to know how to tow safely so that you can fully enjoy your time while out on the open road. By checking these four things before you leave, you can keep yourself and others safe while heading to your desired destination. You’ll feel at ease and truly enjoy your trip taking in all that summer has to offer.

If you’re thinking about buying a towable RV, you’re in good company. Accordinate to estimates, nearly 30 million people are crazy about RVing in general. And owning a towable RV can be less expensive than purchasing a decked-out motorhome. Nevertheless, you still need to think about purchasing add-ons like RV locks and electric brake controllers for trailers to protect your family and your investment.

What accessories are must-haves for any RV enthusiast with a towable? Start with the following suggestions that will deliver peace of mind and, in the case of electric brake controllers for trailers, a smoother ride!

RV Locks

Limiting access to your towable is critical, whether you’re en route to or at your favorite campsite. Installing RV locks will help you ensure that only individuals with a key can get into your wheeled home-away-from-home. If you bought your towable preowned, you should always change the locks, anyway. Even if the person who sold it to you claimed not to keep a key, opt on the side of caution and update the locks.

Electric Brake Controllers

Adding electric brake controllers for trailers to your cab will help with controlling trailer sway and avoiding accidents. The best brake controllers offer seamless installation and consistent performance. Not sure which electronic brake controllers for trailers to consider? Read through brake controller reviews online. Hear what others have said about their experiences and make your ultimate decision after considering several electric brake controllers for trailers with towables.

Camper Bike Racks

Are you planning to bring bicycles on most of your RV adventures? Invest in bike racks specifically meant to attach to towables. Otherwise, you might end up compromising towing safety. Besides, who wants a bike bouncing around inside the towable or poorly secured on the outside of the trailer? Bike racks may cost several hundred dollars, but they pay off by offering you tremendous flexibility to confidently take your bikes wherever you go.

Spare Tire Carrier

Why waste space on your hitch carrying a spare tire for your fifth wheel towable motorhome? Carriers don’t cost much, and they allow you to use your hitch in other ways, such as adding more accessories. Hopefully, you’ll never need to use your spare tire. But if you do, you’ll be able to quickly find it on the carrier.

Security System

You’ve chosen the right electric brake controllers for trailers like yours. You’ve even read manuals on how to tow safely. As a final way to ward against problems, think about a security system for your towable. Security systems don’t have to be complicated or pricey to work. Simple ones activated by sound or light can be exactly what you need to keep would-be prowlers at bay. Save yourself the anxiety and expense of a break-in by upping the security level with a few gadgets. You may even find ones you can control by your phone, turning your towable into a “smarter” RV.

Ready to hit the road for RV journeys you’ll remember forever? Take a few precautionary measures first. Then, get behind the wheel and let the road guide you to amazing fun.