As drivers, we’ve all seen that SUV pulling an unwieldy or improperly weighted trailer or RV on the highway. Being caught behind such a vehicle can induce a moment of panic. When it’s your turn to tow, it’s important to know how to tow safely. Using a tool like a sway control hitch can reduce trailer sway on the road. Armed with the towing safety facts below, you’ll be ready to tow your RV or trailer safely and effectively.
Different Trailers Require Different Safety Measures
If you’re interested in purchasing an RV or already have one you’re ready to safely tow, it’s important to learn about the type of motorhome you have. There are two types: motorized and towable. The motorized RV is an all-in-one unit, whereas the towable is the type you hook up to your family car, pickup, or van. With over 30 million RVers in the US (including those who rent RVs) according to the RVIA, RV safety is a big deal.
While most motorized RVs have built-in technology to prevent sway and overturns, motorized units should receive routine maintenance and upgrades to keep you and your family safe on the road. Towable RVs are legally required to have working general safety tools, such as brake lights, but upgraded brake controller wiring, multi-axle brake controller upgrades, and more can potentially lower your insurance and prevent serious injury in case of an accident.
Safe Towing Requires the Right Towing Safety Tools
A safe towing experience requires the right tools and the right mindset. Here are some safe towing tools and tips to get you started.
Fixing Trailer Sway: When it comes to towing an RV, there are two types of trailer sway devices: sway prevention and sway reduction. One of the most important towing safety facts is that trailer sway frequently contributes to loss of control for RV drivers. Fixing trailer sway is possible through devices like the SwayMaster.
Electric Brake Controllers for Trailers: Electric brake controllers help you maintain control of your vehicle by regulating the use of your brakes to prevent rollovers and dangerous trailer sway on the road.
Weight Distribution Mechanics: While there are various tools to measure and estimate your weight distribution in your towable, common sense is chief among them, especially on long trips. When you rearrange anything transportable in your towable, ensure that all the weight isn’t in one part of the RV, especially if the items aren’t centrally located. Transported goods such as furniture and luggage are frequent culprits for poor weight distribution, and this is especially important if you’re using your RV to transport a hefty amount of items (for a cross country move, for example) rather than for recreation.
Reputable Towing Safety Products
Towing safety products are crucial to the safety of your family on your road trips. Knowing your towing safety facts, you should only purchase licensed towing safety products from a reputable dealer, manufactured in the United States. Always carefully evaluate the quality and manufacturing of any product required for towing safety.
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