Best Tips For Towing
Bumper pull trailers are essential for hauling everything from vehicles and tiny homes to lumber and heavy machinery. However, whether you’re towing a trailer for business or pleasure, you need to follow more than just the rules of the road. As a manufacturer of premium, handcrafted trailers, Bigfoot understands the critical importance of safe towing.
To ensure you and your haul arrive safely, here are our best tips for towing.
Know Your Weight Limits
Before loading your equipment trailer, familiarize yourself thoroughly with the weight ratings for both your tow vehicle and Bigfoot trailer
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The maximum permissible total weight of the loaded trailer.
Payload Capacity
The maximum weight your trailer can safely haul.
Towing Capacity of Your Vehicle
The maximum weight your vehicle can tow safely. You can find it in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a placard on the driver-side door panel of your truck.
Caution! Never exceed weight and capacity limits. Overloading can lead to compromised handling, increased braking distances, and even structural failure of your trailer or tow vehicle.
Secure Your Connections
A properly connected trailer is essential for safe towing. Follow these steps to ensure your hitch, couple, and safety chains are connected correctly
Match the Hitch
Ensure the size of your trailer hitch ball matches the coupler size on your Bigfoot trailer.
Secure the Coupler
Lower the coupler onto the ball and ensure it’s fully seated and locked. Double-check the locking mechanism.
Cross Your Safety Chains
Connect the safety chains in a crisscross pattern beneath the trailer tongue. This pattern creates a cradle effect should the coupler detach. Ensure there’s enough slack for turning, but don’t allow it to drag. Dragging safety chains along the pavement could create sparks and start a fire.
Connect Electrical Harness
Connect the trailer’s electrical harness to your vehicle’s receptacle. Test that all lights (brakes, turn signals, and running lights) function correctly before driving off.
Distribute Weight Evenly
Distribute the load so that approximately 60% of the weight of the trailer axle(s) is positioned slightly forward. This will create a positive tongue weight to help prevent trailer sway while towing down the highway.
Tie Down Your Payload
Use appropriate tie-downs such as straps, chains, and nets to secure your load and prevent shifting during transit firmly. Shifting items can drastically alter the trailer’s center of gravity and lead to instability. Periodically check your load and tie-downs, especially during longer trips, to ensure everything is secure.
Adjust Driving for Hauling
Remember, towing a trailer differs from driving a car or truck, especially when fully loaded. The trailer changes your vehicle’s dynamics, so you will need to adjust your driving accordingly with these tips:
Increase Following Distance
Allow more space between your vehicle and the one ahead. Braking distances increase when towing.
Drive at a Safe Speed
Adhere to posted speed limits and consider reducing your speed, especially on curves or in adverse weather conditions. Trailer sway is more likely at higher speeds and in windy conditions.
Brake Gradually
Avoid sudden, hard braking. Apply the brakes smoothly to maintain control.
Watch Trailer Swing
Trailers have a much wider turning radius than your tow vehicle. When turning or maneuvering in tight spaces, watch the trailer’s swing and allow extra room to avoid hitting curbs, obstacles, or other vehicles.
Use Your Mirrors
Regularly check your mirrors to monitor the trailer’s position and traffic around you. Consider using extended towing mirrors for a wider field of vision.
By following Bigfoot’s Best Tips for Towing, you can greatly improve your safety and the safety of others on the road while towing. Happy trailering!
Where to Buy a Bumper Pull Trailer Near Me
Bigfoot delivers premium bumper pull trailers handcrafted in the USA! We take the guesswork out of purchasing rugged bumper pull, equipment, utility, and dump trailers for any haul. As a factory-direct manufacturer, we provide service in the entire Eastern United States with locations in Amherst, VA; Orlando, FL; Raleigh, NC; Springfield, MA; and by appointment with retailers in Fort Myers and Marianna, FL. Contact us for a free quote. Ask about our financing and rent-to-own options.
