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Tow Far, Tow Good: Handling a Trailer

Tips for successful handling and compensating

In our first installment on towing tips, we covered five basic points on preparing for a trip, from maintenance to practicing various maneuvers. Now we'll go into a bit more detail on the actual handling of your tow vehicle and trailer while underway.

These tips don't cover everything there is to know about towing, but they cover some of the most important aspects. The most important thing is to be careful and use common sense. And remember, the more you practice, the better you'll become.

Parasitic Power Loss

Actually, your tow vehicle has the same power with a loaded trailer in tow. It's just that that power is being utilized differently. Much of your vehicle's zip is being zapped by the extra load you're pulling and you must allow for it.

Where you really feel the difference is in acceleration. Merging and passing need to be calculated differently than when you're not towing. Under normal non-towing driving conditions you may be accustomed to using your accelerator to "beat" merging traffic, or to pass another vehicle quickly to avoid oncoming traffic. It is imperative, though, that you understand hitting the gas pedal will not have the same effect when towing. Of course, the amount of acceleration deficit you will experience depends on the power of your tow vehicle and the amount of load you're pulling. Nonetheless, there will be a difference. Therefore, learning to be a patient driver is an attribute to successful towing.

Allow More Room

Never forget that your overall length has greatly increased. Even if you're towing a small boat or cargo trailer, your combined length is likely more than double what it is when not towing. You'll need to compensate for this in more than one way.

For instance, regardless of your speed, it will take you at least twice as long to pass another vehicle because your combined rigs are physically twice as long (or longer). That's not even taking into consideration that your added load also affects acceleration, so you'll need to allow more room, and, consequently, time, when passing vehicles and switching lanes.

The added length also requires being aware of not cutting other vehicles off when pulling in front of them. When passing professional towers, you'll notice that they often flash their lights to indicate when you've put enough distance between them and you to safely pull back into their lane. This is a good courtesy to imitate.

Greater Stopping Distance

The added weight of several thousand pounds in motion can dramatically increase the distance it takes you to stop. Granted, most trailers are required by law to come equipped with their own set of brakes. Nevertheless, your tow vehicle's stopping ability still isn't as good as when you drive it alone. If you're not careful, a loaded trailer can push you too far into an intersection, or into the back of another automobile. You can allow for this by driving slower and giving yourself greater distance in which to stop.

Driving slower not only permits you to stop quicker and in less distance, but it also provides you more time to react. And with several thousand extra pounds pushing you forward, you need every second you can get. Regarding distance, it's recommended you leave the equivalent of one length of your car and trailer combination for every 10 mph.

Adequate Mirrors

Many tow vehicles today come with side mirrors that provide meager rear visibility. If that is the case with your tow vehicle, then buy aftermarket mirrors to remedy the problem. Small circular convex mirrors that can be attached to your existing mirrors will help eliminate blind spots. Larger mirrors that extend farther out from the vehicle provide a better view of what's behind you. There are several portable mirrors now available that can be put on and taken off with ease. Some even attach to your existing mirrors. Most RV stores carry a variety to choose from.

Don't Be Swayed

Trailer sway is one of the more serious—and intimidating—things you may experience when towing. In worst case scenarios, trailer sway can force the tow vehicle out of control and cause a serious accident. If your trailer begins to sway, or "fishtail" from side to side, the first thing you want to do is slow down and, if necessary, stop, to determine the cause.

Realize that gusts of wind generated by topography (canyons and bridges for instance), or from passing vehicles (especially large trucks), can cause a temporary sway. So can a quick turn of your vehicle's steering wheel. The key here is to slow down and don't overreact. If the sway stops, proceed cautiously. However, if the swaying persists or is drastic, you need to stop immediately and do some inspecting.

Check to see that the hitch is still fastened securely to the tow vehicle and that the hitchball and coupler haven't worked loose. Check that the tire lug nuts are tight and that the tires have adequate air. One of the chief causes of sway, however, is that the load is not situated properly. Too much weight in the rear of the trailer-whether it's gear, loaded fuel and water tanks, etc.-can result in too light a tongue weight, which contributes to sway. Rearrange the load and try again. Also make sure the load is properly situated on the trailer.

Bottom of the Wheel

Backing a trailer is perhaps the most difficult part of towing to master. Once you learn this art, though, it becomes second nature and you don't even have to think the process through. Initially, however, you'll find it easier to put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and face forward using the side mirrors to direct you. All you need to remember is that if you want the trailer to go left, move your hand to the left, and if you want it to go right, move your hand right.

Pretty simple, right? And so should your overall towing experience be, if you keep these tips in mind.