| A levelheaded and vigilant approach to tow driving will | | | | the trailer. |
| guarantee you have a pleasant journey the first time | | | | The safe way to load your trailer: |
| around and many more times thereafter. | | | | Sometimes the obvious things aren't so obvious. And |
| Even if you only tow once in your life, your truck is | | | | they can get overlooked. This part may sound |
| capable of great things. Most pick-up trucks, at some | | | | straightforward and it is basically - being all about |
| point in their lives, are used to tow trailers - frequently | | | | weight distribution. Goods or items need to be packed |
| these are obliged to bear the load of a boat, car or | | | | level and evenly, and in all cases, strapped down or |
| different cargo. First-timers, unsurprisingly, might | | | | secured with a tied tarpaulin to prevent accidents or |
| experience nervousness, but provided they take the | | | | cargo loss. |
| time to brush-up on the subject and prepare properly | | | | Newcomer or old hand. The rules are the same. You |
| for the journey, everything should run efficiently. | | | | may be very familiar with driving your trucks, but if you |
| Before a towing journey, ensure that you do the | | | | are a beginner at towing you will find that it feels very |
| following things: | | | | different to drive when it is pulling a load. Acquaint |
| 1. Familiarise yourself with your vehicle's owner manual. | | | | yourself with these changes by going on a short test |
| This will allow you to ascertain what the truck's | | | | drive before venturing on your maiden journey and |
| maximum load is and read up on any specific pointers | | | | keep in mind the following salient points: |
| the manufacturer has included regarding towing a | | | | 1. Reduce your speed in crowded areas. |
| trailer. | | | | 2. Maintain a greater distance between yourself and |
| 2. Check that your tow hitch is the correct one for the | | | | the car in front of you than you might otherwise be |
| trailer you intend to tow. | | | | inclined to. |
| 3. Confirm that your truck's tire pressure as well as the | | | | 3. Keep abreast of what is happening on the road, not |
| tire pressure on the trailer is correct and take a look to | | | | just in front, but behind you and several vehicles ahead. |
| see that all wheel fixings are secure. | | | | 4. Only overtake on straightways. |
| 4. Once the trailer is wired to the main vehicle, have | | | | Think differently when you tow. There are two of you |
| someone with you who can check to see that you | | | | now, truck and trailer! When driving with a trailer in tow, |
| have a full set of working lights. | | | | bear in mind that it will not be so straightforward to turn |
| 5. For added security connect the truck and trailer with | | | | corners as the towed vehicle's wheels don't track in |
| safety chains. | | | | the same way as the truck's so you'll need to make |
| 6. Review the positioning of your truck's rear-view | | | | wider turns in these conditions. |
| mirrors - you should be able to see the side panels of | | | | |