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The Importance of Getting the Best Parts for Towing

When you own or operate a towing vehicle, safety is of the utmost importance. Regardless of your quantity, volume, or any conditions specific to your area, you must always operate under the assumption that no amount of towing safety facts can prevent accidents from happening. Thankfully there are some preventative measures you can put into place that will cut down on your exposure to unnecessary risks out on the road. Safe towing all starts by choosing the right parts for your vehicle. In today’s market, there are numerous choices and options so it can be frustrating and confusing to decide on the right parts that fit your needs and your budget. Choosing the right parts dealer is also an important piece of this equation that should never be overlooked. If you’re curious about how to tow safely, and which parts to use for your vehicle, then follow our simple guide below. Let’s get started.

Brake controllers may be the most important part to get right. Proper signaling to other drivers is shown to decrease the likelihood of accidents, so choosing a brake system that is easy to control and works without any added complications is an absolute necessity when you’re learning how to tow safely. There are a nearly infinite amount of factors that contribute to accidents out on the roads, and your braking system should not add to the risk. There are lots of trailer brake controller solutions available to you in today’s parts market. Everything from electronic trailer sway control to multi axle brake controllers can be selected and installed to fit your particular vehicle. Having the best brake system possible goes a long way to keeping you and your cargo safe.

While the impacts of weather and road conditions are pretty easy to observe when you spend any amount of time out on the roads, it’s interesting to note the research studies that have been conducted on the subject. As it turns out, the data shows just how much wind can affect the stability of your towing vehicle. According to a study on commercial vehicle towing accidents performed by Knott Laboratory, a 35-mph crosswind could put as much as 3,440 pounds of force pushing on the side of a large trailer. While this figure is scary at first, don’t let it alarm you too much. Yes, strong wind and other extreme weather conditions can certainly have some negative consequences on your towing safety and overall efficiency. But, with the right parts and equipment, these risks are drastically reduced. Choosing the best trailer brake controls and sway control hitch can help you out in a major way if you’re wondering how to tow safely in spite of harsh weather conditions like snow, hail, or heavy gusts of wind. A reliable brake controller provides you with the confidence and peace of mind to hit the roads without any second thoughts, even when the weather’s not cooperating.

Of course, choosing the right parts for your towing vehicle is important, but so is finding the right parts dealer. Many companies are quick to sell cheap parts, have poor communication with customers, and offer lackluster products. Dealing with them is only an enormous waste of your valuable time, money, and resources. If you’re looking for a parts dealer for your towing vehicles, then it’s important to choose a reputable company that has years of experience in the industry. A trusted company proves its value by providing excellent customer service, listening to your wants and needs, however unique, then catering solutions that meet them while also being mindful towards your budget. Sometimes asking around with trusted friends, colleagues, and peers can help you find a company that’s worth your time. Online reviews can also illuminate a company’s credibility, and guide you towards the right choice. It’s always worth it to choose the right parts dealer, as they can save you lots of stress and worry.

If you’re wondering how to tow safely and you’re looking for the best towing parts for your vehicles, then contact us today.

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Why You Should Choose Electric Brakes For Your Trailer

A lot of power is required to bring a tow vehicle and trailer to a complete stop and cannot be accomplished by the tow vehicle’s brakes alone. Trailer brake systems and brake controllers are required to help stop your vehicle and trailer safely. If you RV is motorized you don’t need to install brake controllers but is required if you have a towable RV or trailer that has to be fixed on another vehicle such as a pickup truck or van.

What are brake controllers?

These devices are a system for trailer brakes that helps you operate your trailer brakes while driving the towing vehicle. There two main types of trailer brake systems:

Electric brakes

These brakes use electrical power from the tow vehicle to activate the brake drums. The brake controller wiring is connected to the tow vehicle and programmed to activate the trailer brake system when you step on the brake pedal. However, the electric brakes for the trailer are always activated first for safety during downhill and immediate stops.

Surge

The surge system for brake trailers is self-contained as it does not need an electrical or hydraulic connection from the tow vehicle. This trailer brake system works alongside the trailer’s momentum and weight. When you step on your tow vehicle brake’s, the trailer thrusts forward and compresses the hydraulic brake cylinder. This system does not require a trailer brake controller and is a bit riskier since there is a delay in braking, subsequently preventing the trailer from stopping right away.

Which is the best system for trailer brakes?

The electric trailer brake system is the best because of the following:

  1. The cost for parts is lower — Hydraulic surge brakes typically cost a lot more than electric brake components.
  2. Less Maintenance — In a hydraulic brake system, brake lines require maintenance after a collision and the brake assemblies and hydraulic actuator will need constant maintenance.
  3. Easy to install — Since the mid-1990s, most RVs, vans, and trucks are designed for use with electronic trailer brake controllers. They come with manufacturer-installed “plug and play” connectors under the dashboard for installation of standard electric brake controllers. Furthermore, trucks built in the last five years have a preinstalled electric brake controller.

No matter what you’re towing, make sure you’re prioritizing safety at all times. If you want to learn more about any of towing safety and brake controller systems, give Hawes Towing Electronics a call right away. Hayes Towing Electronics Products are Proudly Made in the U.S.A. and In-Stock!

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Introduction to the Basics of Trailer Brake Controls

Owning and driving a truck has a special feeling. Trucks are not only safe but also versatile. For instance, you can use them for hauling and towing heavy trailers. With only one truck, you might not need to bug other people for assistance or rent a vehicle to transport all your belongings. However, you must be extra careful when driving them. You have to follow all truck driving safety guidelines, especially when towing a trailer.

The dangers of unsafe towing

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), over 50,000 road accidents related to towing are reported annually. This number shows the risk that comes with failure to follow necessary truck driving regulations. Unfortunately, even following all traffic rules do not guarantee you full safety while towing. Trailer sway control hitch remains a huge threat even to the most careful drivers.

Dealing with trailer sway demands paying extra attention to both the truck and trailer’s braking systems. Unfortunately, when drivers take to the road without knowledge about factors that reduce truck controllability, they become a threat to themselves, loads and other road users.

Trailer braking lights

When driving a truck with a trailer attached at the back, you need to be more careful. You need to consider that you have a responsibility to tow the load in the trailer safely.

One of the requirements of legally towing a trailer is installing trailer lights that are in sync with your truck’s lights. Correctly working tail lights will not only see you avoid being booked by traffic cops but will significantly boost the safety of other road users as lights tell other road users about your intentions while driving.

Trailer braking controls

For trailers carrying more than 1500 pounds of load, or those longer than 15 feet, the law demands that they have their separate braking system. Trailer brakes come in two types: hydraulic and electronic brakes. The latter is the most common on our roads and allows a trailer to be controlled by an electric brake controller.

Although many new trucks have towing packages, rarely do they come with trailer brake controls. Trailer braking controllers consist of a module that controls electric brakes. These brakes are necessary if you want to experience towing safety as they keep the movement of the truck and the trailer aligned.

If you intend to tow loads, installing a trailer braking system should not be complicated. All you need in wiring for trailer brakes is a professional installer to connect the wiring from the truck to the trailer. DIY methods are highly discouraged when handling wiring for trailers due to the magnitude of risk involved if anything goes wrong.

Here are key terms in wiring for trailer brakes that you should know.

Trailer feed Wire

If your vehicle comes with a trailer package, you will see a trailer feed wire that runs from the trailer brake controller under the dash to the back of the truck. If not available, wiring for trailer brakes professional will connect the wires for you.

Grounding

While doing the wiring for trailer brakes, you need to take care of grounding. There needs to be a wire that connects the electronic trailer brake controller to a ground location.

Brake Switch

A brake switch links the brake pedal of your truck to the trailer brake system. The signal from the brake pedal is sent to the trailer brake controller through the brake switch. The controller then sends power to the trailer brake system which controls the trailer’s movement with the same intensity as the vehicle.

Battery

The brake controller receives power from the battery. Again, if your vehicle came with a towing package, a connection between the two will be available. If not, you will need wiring for trailer brakes expert to connect them.

Investing in an electric brake controller will increase your safety on the road. Also, you should not do the wiring for trailer brakes for the sake of the law only, do it for your own life too. It is a procedure that will help you with proper trailer taillight signals as well as trailer sway control.

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Benefits of Electronic Brake Controllers

There are a lot of recreational vehicles out there, both driving on their own and being towed along the highways and byways. The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association estimates that around thirty million RVs are on the road today. Neary twelve percent of men aged 35-54 use or own an RV.

Towing an RV, whether it’s along city and town roads or at higher speeds on the highway, requires a great deal of skill, some preparation, and plenty of caution. According to tests performed by Knott Laboratory, even a thirty-five mile-per-hour gust of wind is enough to destabilize a large trailer. Skill, caution, and preparation are not always enough: it’s important to be using proper, high quality equipment when towing an RV.

Electronic Brake Controllers

Most states require electronic brake controllers to be installed and in good working order on all trailers weighing three thousand pounds or greater. But it’s important to use an electronic brake controller on smaller trailers and RVs as well. An electronic brake controller is an instrument that adjusts braking speed and force on your trailer’s brake system when you activate the brakes in your tow vehicle. Installed in the passenger compartment of your tow vehicle, an electronic brake controller determines the speed of your tow vehicle’s braking and adjusts the braking rate of the trailer or RV.

User-Controlled Electronic Brake Controllers

Different types of electronic brake controllers apply your trailer’s brakes differently. With user-controlled electronic brake controllers, also called time-delay electronic brake controllers, the driver determines the settings for how the trailer brakes will adjust when the towing vehicle’s brakes are applied. User-controlled electronic brake controllers are most useful when towing off-road, when on-the-fly adjustments are necessary and the electronic brake controller’s settings can be overridden.

Proportional Electronic Brake Controllers

A proportional electronic brake controller senses the braking speed of the tow vehicle and matches automatically. In general they are preferred. They use high-quality sensors to adjust braking force and delay with the greatest accuracy. As these sensors are triggered by and measure the tow vehicle’s speed and braking force, they automatically adjust to conditions that impact a tow vehicle’s speed in ways that time-delay electronic brake controllers can’t adjust: road conditions, angles, relative speed, and braking force.

Dual Mode Electronic Brake Controllers

Some electronic brake controllers are built with both modes available. A default proportional mode can be overridden when certain conditions require greater control and finesse. Proportional mode is best for cruising, for consistent roads and highways. But when you take the tow vehicle and the trailer or RV off-road, along dirt roads, along a beach, or anywhere the roads and angles will be inconsistent, use the user-controlled mode. An override function on many electronic brake controllers can be used to adjust for trailer sway (although it may be worth it to also invest in and install an electronic trailer sway control system).

A tow vehicle and a trailer or recreational vehicle traveling together are a great deal of weight moving at relatively high speeds. Winds, unpredictable traffic, trailer sway, and sudden braking are all considerable hazards for a driver towing an RV. Installing the very highest quality electronic brake controller is the best way to insure that you and your property remain safe no matter what kind of road you’re towing on.

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A Simple Introduction to Trailer Brake Controllers

Most truck owners almost always end up towing something, whether it is a trailer, boat, or any other kind of load. If you are one who is familiar with towing, then you know how dangerous slowing down on the road can be when you are pulling a heavy load. Also, you must be aware of one of the towing safety facts that between 12% and 15% of the trailer’s weight should be resting on the hitch of the tow vehicle.

Truck owners in most states are required to install their trailers with not only brakes but brake controllers as well to prevent accidents. A brake controller is a device that connects the brake system of your truck and the trailer brake system so they are able to communicate either through motion sensor technology or manually. The best trailer brake controller ensures there is towing safety for both the truck driver and the general public.

There are two main types of brake controllers. The first is time-delayed brake controllers and second, proportional brake controllers. Time delayed brake controllers are those that exert a pre-determined level of power on the trailer brakes when the truck towing it has stopped. They are called time-delayed brake controllers because once you apply the brakes on the tow truck, a delay occurs allowing the brakes on the trailer to be pushed. Time delayed brake controllers come with a sync switch that allows the tow truck driver to lengthen the delay time.

Proportional brake controllers are those that come with a motion sensor device. This kind of brake controllers works a lot like a pendulum that is why they are also known as pendulum brake controllers. These devices use the physics of a pendulum to sense motion.

When the tow vehicle is immobile, the device is at the center. When the tow car starts moving the device is seen facing the back of the car, and when the driver breaks, the device moves forward with a degree of force that has been applied on the breaks.

The device then sends the same amount of force to the trailer brakes causing it to stop. While most of this process is automatic, there is one thing that the driver should do. The tow truck driver must always calibrate the device before starting the journey. A proportional brake controller is considered to be the best trailer brake controller between the two types. This is because the chance of your trailer brakes wearing out are very slim compared to when you use time-delayed brake controllers.

So how do you know how much power you are applying on your trailer brakes while driving? The best trailer brake controller will come with a monitoring system. Most brake controllers have an inbuilt monitoring system which is convenient for the driver. Make sure you place the device where you can see the digital screen.

The monitoring screen also helps you to know if your trailer brakes are working, if there is an electrical problem, and most importantly the amount of power you are putting on the trailer brakes. Today, thanks to technology, new electronic brake controllers have come into the market. One of the advantages of electronic brake controllers is that you can continuously monitor the brakes system of your vehicle. The quality of the screen is better, and you can choose different languages.

The best trailer brake controller comes with a four-wire configuration system. The connections are:

  • Battery power
  • Ground
  • Brake switch
  • Trailer feed

The battery power connection provides the brake controller with power. The ground connection is where a negative grounded source is connected to the brake controller. The brake switch connection allows the transfer of power to the trailer brakes as the brake pedal in the truck is pressed. The trailer feed supplies the trailer connector with brake power.

The installation of brake controllers is relatively easy, depending on the type you choose. Time delayed brake controllers are said to be easier to install than proportional brake controllers. Most drivers install their devices under the dashboard on the right side for better viewing.

One important thing to always keep in mind is the weight of your load. With this in mind, you will be able to choose the best brake controller for your needs.

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Getting the Most out of Electric Brake Controllers

There are plenty of people in the U.S. who are well aware of the joy that comes with owning a recreational vehicle (RV). There is a certain sense of freedom that comes with having over 16,000 campgrounds throughout the U.S, where RV’s are free to park for weeks or months at a time. In addition to this wonderful sense of freedom, this is also one of the greatest ways to explore the outdoors. Yellowstone, Yosemite, Zion, and many other national parks are fantastic RV getaway locations.

Towing RV’s for Vacation

For those who pull their RVs behind a truck or another towing vehicle, it is important to have electric brake controllers for trailers installed. Electronic brake controllers are vital for road safety and make towing an RV much easier. Here are some general towing tips, as well as some maintenance principles for electric brake controllers for trailers during RV trips.

Tips for Towing

Backing Up A Trailer or RV: Backup cameras and other modern features have made handling a regular car very easy in almost any situation. However, backing up an RV is very different. The trailer will turn in the opposite direction of the tow vehicle when backing up. That means if you crank your wheel to turn left, the trailer will turn right. An easy way to master backing up is to start by placing your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. If you want to move the trailer left, move your hand to the left (turning your car to the right, and the trailer to the left). Back up slowly and make small steering corrections each time. Slight movements in the steering wheel will result in a much larger movement in the rear of the trailer. Once the trailer starts turning, straighten out the wheel to avoid jackknifing.

Preventing Sway: It’s a bit spooky driving down the freeway next to a big trailer with strong winds. Seeing the trailer sway back and forth makes it look like the trailer is just extremely close to tipping. However, with the correct attention to weight limits and distribution, there should be very little trailer sway. A sway control hitch can also be used and is recommended for larger trailers. If you do experience swaying, stay calm. The worst thing you can do is slam on the brakes. Instead, gradually reduce speed, keep the steering wheel steady, and only apply the electric brake controllers. Do not try to steer out of the sway as this can end up creating what is called a “resonance frequency” and tip the trailer. If you are continuing to experience significant sway, pull over and do a diagnosis of the problem and correct it before continuing.

Adjust and Tune the Electric Brake Controllers: Electric brake controllers for trailers may need to be adjusted from time to time. This adjustment may be necessary due to a significant change in load when road conditions change significantly (i.e. slippery roads), or just as a part of general maintenance and safety. Adjusting electric brake controllers for trailers can be a bit daunting if you have never done it before. If you would like some help, we are happy to take a look for you. Otherwise, be sure to follow all steps for adjusting your model of brakes exactly to ensure safety on the road. Electric brake controllers that are not properly adjusted may cause the trailer brakes to skid, grab, or not work at all.

Be Familiar with the Settings: Most electric brake controllers have different types of settings that can be adjusted from within the cab. Become familiar with each of these settings and when they should be used. This will help ensure smooth rides especially for cross country trips where the landscape and weather changes often. Understand the differences between proportional mode and user-controlled mode. This can help prevent wildlife accidents (if you need to brake suddenly) and help ease the wear on your car and RV as you make your trip. The goal here is to have fun and enjoy your trip. The more prepared you are, the more you can relax.

 

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How To Choose The Best Brake Controller For Your Trailer

There are more than 50,000 accidents related to towing each year, according to the National Highway Transportation Administration. When towing, having the right brake controller is crucial to ensuring that your trailer braking system is always working properly. This will help to prevent accidents and damage to your truck or other vehicles. Brake controllers physically link your truck’s brake pedal with the brakes on the towed trailer.

If you have just bought a trailer, then you may be wondering, “What is the best type of brake controller to use for my new trailer?”

To choose the best brake controller, you should first understand your trailer brake system, types of brake controllers available, and when they are used. To that end, this article will guide you on how to choose the best brake controller.

Types Of Trailer Brakes

First, not all trailer brake systems will require controllers. There are two types of trailer brakes. The first, surge brakes, operate on an automatic hydraulic braking system. The surge brakes use the trailers momentum and own weight, which pushes against a hydraulic cylinder when you step on the towing vehicle’s brakes. Therefore, a surge braking system does not require a brake controller to function.

Next, there’s the electric trailer brake, which uses electric power to function. These brakes use electric power from the towing vehicle to operate electromagnetic brake drums. The electric brake must be activated to work. Thus, you will need to install a trailer electric brake controller to use the electric brakes at will.

Types Of Brake Controllers

An RV trailer brake control system is a small electronic device that connects the electric brakes of the trailer to a tow vehicle which allows the driver to operate the brakes. The brake controller has different controls that can be set by the driver as per his or her preferences.

A brake controller has adjustable settings, where a sliding button or wheel can be used to adjust the gain and sensitivity of the trailer brakes. There may also be a second sliding button which can be used to activate the electric trailer brakes without stepping on the brake pedals in case of emergencies such as trailer sway control.

Brake controllers are classified based on the activation method, and there are two types: proportional and time-based controllers. A proportional trailer brake controller utilizes an electrical accelerometer that senses the resistance or inertia of the tow vehicle and applies power to the brakes in proportion with the vehicle’s momentum.

The advantages of proportional brake controllers are that they provide smoother stops and efficient braking, especially on steep areas. When traveling downhill, more power is required as opposed to uphill. These controllers are able to sense the difference in momentum and apply power accordingly.

On the other hand, time-based brake controllers power the trailer brakes based on the preset brake settings as soon as the driver steps on the brake pedal. They are effective, responsive, and easy to use, but not as flexible as proportional brake controllers.

What Is The Best Type Of Brake Controller For Your Trailer?

What is the best type of brake controller depends on the type and purpose of your trailer. Before choosing a trailer brake controller, consider the type of trailer you will be towing and the frequency you will be traveling. If you will be towing heavy cargo such as livestock, construction materials, or any other fragile cargo, go for the proportional brake controller. They are best suited for heavy-duty towing as they perform smoother stops which minimize stress on the cargo.

When towing lightweight trailers such as pontoon boats or popup campers, a time-based brake works just fine. The time-based brake controller will perform well and is also affordable. Time-based brake controllers are also good for people who travel a few times in a year, while proportional brake controllers should be used for frequent or commercial towing, as they are more dependable and accurate. All these factors will help you decide what is the best type of brake controller to use for your trailer.

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How to Troubleshoot Your Brake Controller System

Trailer brake controller issues could cause all manner of dangerous circumstances on the road. braking power to fail in the connected trailer’s brake system. Considering all the other forces at play while your trailer is on the road (a 35-mph crosswind can exert as much as 3,440 pounds of force on your trailer), brakes are essential to maintaining control.

So how can you make sure your brake controller is in good condition? Here are a few tips.

How to Troubleshoot and Inspect Brake Controllers

First, connect the trailer to the tow vehicle in order to engage the brake controller. While inside of the vehicle make sure it is visible and easily accessible. Keep the manual close.

Second, examine the trailer brake controller. Make sure the in-cab control is installed correctly with reference to the owner’s manual determining if an adjustment is needed.

Third, look at the front of the controller; digital or LED screens commonly display troubleshooting codes. Take note and read up on the codes displayed with references to the owner’s manual. Make sure to adjust according to specifications.

Fourth and finally, check the brake controller wiring. Make the brake controller wiring is correctly connected. Check the continuity of voltage between the controller and the connector harness. Be sure to bring a 12 Volt test light.

3 Common Brake Controller Problems to Watch for

It is possible to be entirely done installing the brake controller and have an unrecognized issue. Consider these three issues as you move forward with your brake controller.

  1. Display shows trailer not connected: One solution is that the trailer brake system could have a short on the brake signal wire, trailer, or vehicle side. Another explanation could be corrosion in the trailer and/or vehicle plug.
  2. Controller loses battery ground connection: If a ground wire is not connected to a negative battery terminal or there is not a solid ground connection then an error could happen. Alternatively, adapter wiring might not match the OEM vehicle connector.
  3. Brakes apply too aggressively for controller settings: Two possible culprits are that the brake assemblies are not properly adjusted, or the boost/gain on the controller is set too high for the size of the trailer.

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How Trailer Brake Systems Work

No matter how fast you are going, it takes a ton of power to slow down the massive weight of a tow vehicle and its trailer. You need more than the tow vehicle’s brakes. You need a complete trailer brake system. It is estimated that only about 12 to 15 percent of a trailer’s weight should be resting on the hitch of the tow vehicle.

Types of Trailer Brakes

Surge brakes: a self-contained, hydraulic braking system. The brakes are applied by using the trailer’s own weight to slow the movement. When you step on the vehicle’s brakes to slow down, with this type of non-electrical trailer brake system, a hydraulic cylinder is compressed and pressure is transferred to the trailer brakes which slows down the trailer.
Electric trailer brakes: electrical power is used to tow the vehicle. An electric trailer brake system electrically connects to the tow, activating electromagnetic brake drums. The driver then has the control to apply the brakes willingly.
For an electric trailer brake system to work, the tow vehicle must also be equipped with a trailer brake controller.

What is the Best Type of Trailer Brake Controller?

With a trailer brake controller, the driver can not only activate the tow brakes on command but the driver can also monitor the trailer’s activity from the vehicle’s cab.

There are two trailer brake controllers to consider:

  • Inertia-Based Trailer Brake Controller: also known as a proportional brake controller that uses an accelerometer, an electrical component to sense the inertia, or idleness, of the tow vehicle. When the brake is activated, the brake controller applies pressure to the trailer brakes depending on the vehicle’s momentum.
  • Time-Based Brake Controller: the trailer brakes are activated immediately when the driver hits the tow vehicle’s brakes. Pressure is then applied to the trailer brake system slowly over time and the time is dependent upon what settings the driver initiates. It is important to note, that time-based brake controller systems are not as precise as inertia-based brake controller systems.

When shopping around for your trailer brake controller solutions, we offer a wide range of products for your towing safety, including brake controller wiring, electronic trailer brake controllers, trailer sway control hitches, and much more.

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How to Determine the Safest Way to Tow Your Trailer

Whether you’re heading out on a camping trip or you’re taking the boat out fishing, practicing safe towing habits is imperative not only to your safety, but the safety of other people on the road. And good safety habits begin with a solid knowledge of controlling trailer sway and towing protocols.

If you’re ready to learn about towing safety and how to select a proper vehicle and equipment for your next towing outing, keep reading.

Choose the Right Vehicle

The vehicle you’re towing with has a huge impact on the safety of your towing method. You wouldn’t tow an RV with a mini-coup, would you? No. In order to make sure you have the right towing vehicle for your trailer, it’s important to have a few pieces of information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: This figure (GVWR) refers to your tow vehicle. It details the maximum amount of weight your vehicle is capable of carrying. It also includes the weight of passengers, cargo, fuel, and the actual vehicle.
Gross Trailer Weight: If you already have a trailer, you’ll be able to find this number (GTW). If you’re looking into buying a trailer, make sure you find out what this number is before you buy! It encompasses the same weight information as GVWR.

Once you have those two numbers, compare them in order to have optimal sway control and to determine what kind of trailer sway control equipment you’ll need. If the GTW exceeds the GVWR by 50% or more, it’s recommended to invest in weight distribution. Without the proper precautions, you could be risking serious trailer sway and even accidents.

Determine How You’ll Be Controlling Trailer Sway

Unfortunately, factors like wind, towing speed, and poor trailer design can all contribute to trailer sway. In order to combat these common issues, you’ll need to choose the right equipment for the job. For instance, the right weight distribution system or trailer sway control hitch can make all the difference in the world. A few key pieces of equipment to look into include:

  • Trailer sway control hitch
  • Electric trailer brake controller
  • Weight distribution system

It may seem tedious, but understanding how to keep yourself and others safe while you’re towing a trailer means having both the proper knowledge and the proper equipment.

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