Safety on the road is a constant topic in public media and government campaigns. As a relatively more hazardous use of the road, towing needs to be addressed with the requisite attitude of responsibility. It is an extremely useful technique of carrying more goods or, in the case of RVs (recreational vehicles), going on an enjoyable and very private holiday. But people who tow should observe some obvious standards, no less so in their use of pop up hitches.
An important point to remember is that the sheer weight involved is more than what people ordinarily encounter in their daily activities. A light truck or 4x4 vehicle can easily weigh in excess of one ton. Once the trailer or RV has been added, the entire train has an exceptional weight by everyday standards. This requires the use of a hitch that is strong enough to sustain that mass, not only in a stationary parked position but also through the twisting and turning of ordinary driving.
The hitch should be able to endure a gross trailer mass of 30 000lb. That might seem like an enormous weight, but it illustrates just how dangerous towing can be, especially if the trailer swerves independently or comes loose.
This is why those who use towing as a transport strategy, whether recreationally or professionally, should incorporate some simple measures into their activities. These measures are easy to understand and have a positive impact on the safety of the situation.
To begin with, and this may seem so mundane as to be irritating, the weight restrictions published by the manufacturer should always be adhered to. No matter how experienced or intelligent the driver may think he or she is, this is not negotiable. Trained engineers design the hitches, and they base their weight restrictions on issues such as metallurgical strength and load dynamics. It is not wise to try to argue with the estimate of a graduate engineer.
Secondly, in attaching a trailer to the vehicle you should make sure that there is enough space or clearance between the two. This does not only apply when they are standing still in a straight line, but also when the vehicle turns. They constitute an articulated unit, so the trailer will not turn at the same time as the vehicle.
The use of safety chains is very important, even though some people are negligent and don't use them. The chains must be tightened to an appropriate tension: not too tight or too loose. Too much slack will render them ineffectual if the coupling comes undone, while too much tension will interfere with ordinary driving, such as when the vehicle takes a turn.
When you load a trailer, follow the instructions provided by its manufacturer. The load should be properly balanced inside the load area. Do not place everything at either end, or to one side. This will make steering more difficult, or uneven.
The mirrors, indicators and other lights on the trailer might seem like a discretionary detail, but they are not. They are legislated features of the vehicle and making sure that they work properly is mandated by law. The law tries to protect other motorists through this stipulation, and so should the driver of the towed vehicle.
Towing is an effective method of cutting costs or securing accommodation during long-distance holidays. Those who use this method, however, need to maintain the correct attitude through their observance of the relevant safety measures. This is not only to ensure their own peace of mind, but the safe use of our roads by other people as well.
An important point to remember is that the sheer weight involved is more than what people ordinarily encounter in their daily activities. A light truck or 4x4 vehicle can easily weigh in excess of one ton. Once the trailer or RV has been added, the entire train has an exceptional weight by everyday standards. This requires the use of a hitch that is strong enough to sustain that mass, not only in a stationary parked position but also through the twisting and turning of ordinary driving.
The hitch should be able to endure a gross trailer mass of 30 000lb. That might seem like an enormous weight, but it illustrates just how dangerous towing can be, especially if the trailer swerves independently or comes loose.
This is why those who use towing as a transport strategy, whether recreationally or professionally, should incorporate some simple measures into their activities. These measures are easy to understand and have a positive impact on the safety of the situation.
To begin with, and this may seem so mundane as to be irritating, the weight restrictions published by the manufacturer should always be adhered to. No matter how experienced or intelligent the driver may think he or she is, this is not negotiable. Trained engineers design the hitches, and they base their weight restrictions on issues such as metallurgical strength and load dynamics. It is not wise to try to argue with the estimate of a graduate engineer.
Secondly, in attaching a trailer to the vehicle you should make sure that there is enough space or clearance between the two. This does not only apply when they are standing still in a straight line, but also when the vehicle turns. They constitute an articulated unit, so the trailer will not turn at the same time as the vehicle.
The use of safety chains is very important, even though some people are negligent and don't use them. The chains must be tightened to an appropriate tension: not too tight or too loose. Too much slack will render them ineffectual if the coupling comes undone, while too much tension will interfere with ordinary driving, such as when the vehicle takes a turn.
When you load a trailer, follow the instructions provided by its manufacturer. The load should be properly balanced inside the load area. Do not place everything at either end, or to one side. This will make steering more difficult, or uneven.
The mirrors, indicators and other lights on the trailer might seem like a discretionary detail, but they are not. They are legislated features of the vehicle and making sure that they work properly is mandated by law. The law tries to protect other motorists through this stipulation, and so should the driver of the towed vehicle.
Towing is an effective method of cutting costs or securing accommodation during long-distance holidays. Those who use this method, however, need to maintain the correct attitude through their observance of the relevant safety measures. This is not only to ensure their own peace of mind, but the safe use of our roads by other people as well.
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