Towing Tip # 1
Identify Your Holiday And Towing Requirements
Our first tip is to ask yourself questions before your next towing adventure;
- Where do I want to going?
- How long will I be away for?
- What kinds of roads will you be travelling on?
- Will my towing equipment stand the test?
Depending on the roads you are travelling and what you will be towing depends entirely on your towing set up.
Eg: towing a caravan vs towing a trailer in different road conditions.
Towing Tip # 2
Know Your Vehicle
It can’t be emphasised enough…know your vehicle! Ask yourself the following questions;
- Do I know my vehicles maximum tow rating?
- What is my trailer ball weight
- What is the weight of my fully loaded weight of my caravan or trailer?
Your caravan’s maximum weight/ trailer ball weight, must not be greater than your vehicle's maximum tow rating.
Towing Tip # 3
Know Your Towbar Capacity
If you have an existing towbar:
- Identify if you have a Standard or Hitch Receiver towbar.
- Identify the maximum towing capacity of your towbar.
If you need to purchase a towbar;
- Contact Autokit Bundaberg so we can recommend which towbar will suit your towing application.
- If you would like some free towing advice contact us at online, or phone 4151 6211.
The type of towbar you have will determine what accessories you can use. And remember…NEVER exceed your towbar's maximum towing capacity!
Click here for more information on the different types of Hayman Reese towbars available.
Towing Tip # 4
Install A Brake Control Unit
All trailers with a GTM exceeding 750kg must have brakes to be legal.
For more information on brake controllers, contact us here or on 4151 6211
Towing Tip # 5
Use A Weight Distribution System
- Tip #5 asks why do you need a Weight Distribution System? And how to guarantee it is set up properly! The diagram below shows the problem with not having a weight distribution system compared to having a weight distribution system
When using the Weight Distribution System the ball weight remains the same, however the load is evenly distributed through the vehicle's chassis to all four wheels. It is important that the capacity of the system is correctly chosen and that the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations are always followed.
Towing without a Hayman Reese Weight Distribution System can be costly as it leads to;
- Reduced steering
- Less braking responsiveness
- Less traction
And over time…
- Reduction in fuel economy
- Increased tyre wear!
Click here to contact us for more information on Hayman Reese Weight Distribution Systems.
Towing Tip # 6
Use A Sway Controller
No one wants the nightmare of looking in your revision mirror to see your trailer or caravan swaying from side to side, whether it be from wind buffets from large trucks or strong winds.
A sway controller is designed to be used in conjunction with a Hayman Reese Weight Distribution System and prevents trailer sway by retarding the pivotal movement between the tow hitch and the trailer.
For more information, on the Hayman Reese Friction Sway Controller contact us here.
Towing Tip # 7
Use Common Sense!
Educate yourself before you tow. It is better to take time to prevent problems from occurring than dealing with them when it’s too late. If you have read the article, you will know the questions you should ask yourself before towing. Use these to your advantage. Before your next trip, make sure to contact your nearest Hayman Reese distributor as the saying goes…it’s better to be safe than sorry!!!
