Towing Speeds/Tips:
The hubs on your trailer are already fulled packed with a high-speed, high-temp grease,
allowing you to
safely tow at any posted speed limit. Including highway speeds
.
You need to allow for extra time and room when switching lanes, stopping, and passing other
vehicles when towing a trailer. You must also swing out wider when traveling around bends and
corners as the trailer does not follow the exact path as the vehicle on turns.
Travel at moderate speeds to conserve fuel. Use a lower gear to ease stress on your transmission and
engine when climbing long steep hills. Shifting out of overdrive and into a lower gear may also
improve vehicle gas mileage.
Use extra caution around potholes and other large bumps. They can damage the tow vehicle, trailer
hitch, and trailer. When pulling a trailer,
take your time and be careful
.
If for some reason (a gust of wind, a downgrade, a pass by a larger vehicle, etc.) the trailer does
begins to sway, the driver needs to assess the situation to determine the proper course of action.
Here is a list of dos and don’ts to think about.
Good Towing Practice:
Gradually reduce speed
Steady the steering wheel - sudden turns can cause more sway
Pull to side of roadway if needed
NOT Good Towing Practice:
Do not slam on the brakes - jackknifing could occur
Do not attempt to steer out of a sway situation
Do not increase speed - trailer sway increases at faster speeds
Do not tow a trailer that continues to sway
Consider reloading the trailer or perhaps adding a sway control or a weight distribution
system with sway control
An unbalanced load can also create trailer ‘sway’ when in tow. When loading gear keep in mind the
tongue weight, downward pressure on the ball by the coupler, shouldn’t exceed 10%-15% of the
overall weight. If you experience any sway when towing, stop and adjust your payload forward or
back as needed.
DON”T FORGET: When loading gear keep in mind the tongue weight, downward pressure on the
ball by the coupler, shouldn’t exceed 10%-15% of the overall weight. If you experience any sway
when towing, stop and adjust your payload forward or back as needed.
