Trailer Towing Mistakes To Avoid
Are you making one of these common trailer towing mistakes? Small mistakes can have a big impact on the ease and safety of the trailer towing experience. Keep reading to figure out how to prevent these common issues. When you are ready to visit a trailer dealer in Utah, head over to Mountain West Trailers. Our dealership is based in Heber City, Utah, and we also serve Salt Lake City.
1. Badly Distributed Cargo Weight
When cargo weight is not evenly distributed inside the trailer, it can cause a host of problems. These include damage to the trailer, damage to the tow vehicle, a tire blowout, and increased trailer sway.
The solution? Balance the cargo weight from left to right. Be sure to have about 60% of the weight towards the trailer front and about 40% towards the trailer rear.
2. Using Bad Tires
The tires on the trailer and tow vehicle can suffer from wear and damage. If you don't catch this in time, you could be towing your trailer and seconds away from an accident.
Be sure to check your tires often. Make sure they are inflated to the correct air pressure, have enough tread, and are free from damage.
3. Forgetting to Lubricate the Trailer Parts
Many parts on a trailer need to stay lubricated with grease. Otherwise, they will struggle to remain mobile and working well. Axles, bearings, and trailer pivot points will need frequent greasing. The tongue jack also needs regular greasing.
4. Forgetting to Check the Brake System
One of the biggest safety threats is damaged or broken brakes on the tow vehicle and/or trailer. Brakes in poor conditions can struggle to control the speed of the tow vehicle and trailer, which can lead to an accident.
Take the time to frequently look over the brake systems on the tow vehicle and the trailer. It's also wise to let professionals take a look every now and then. Remember you can always bring your trailer to the experts at Mountain West Trailers!
5. Putting Engines Into Overdrive
Some folks mistakenly think that putting their tow vehicle engine into overdrive will make going over inclines easier. The problem is that this will strain the transmission and cause it to overheat. Putting the engine into overdrive puts too much strain on the tow vehicle. Instead, stick to the cargo weight limits and stay within your tow vehicle's capacity for conquering inclines.
Looking for a trailer dealer in Utah? Look no further than Mountain West Trailers. We carry a range of trailers for sale and our friendly staff can help you find the perfect match. Contact us or stop by our dealership in Heber City, Utah. We also proudly serve those in Salt Lake City, Utah.