Safely Tow Your Trailer With These Tips!

Now that the warm summer weather is here, you may find yourself packing up your trailer to enjoy a relaxing family vacation. While hooking up your trailer may seem as simple as backing up your car, there are some steps that you should take to help make sure that you arrive at your destination safely. Keep these safety tips for towing a trailer in mind to ensure that you have an enjoyable trip.

• Check the owner’s manual – figure out what the maximum towing capacity of your car is, as well as the gross combined weight rating. Never load up your car with more than it can actually handle.
• Be aware of the tongue rate – the tongue rate is the amount of weight that is pressing on the trailer hitch while towing. Try to keep the tongue weight between 10 and 15 percent of the trailer’s loaded weight.
• Connect the safety chains – always connect the safety chains that are between the car and the trailer. The chains should crisscross under the trailer tongue and have slack.
• Pack strategically – make sure that all of the cargo is secured in your trailer, and that the weight is distributed as evenly as possible.
• Check the tires – if the tires on your trailer look worn, it is time to invest in new ones. If your tires are more than 10 years old, replace them, even if they look fine.
• Drive carefully – with all the extra weight that is behind your car, it will take much longer to get going and come to a stop. Give yourself enough room, and make wide turns to ensure that you do not flip over the car or trailer.

For all of your auto insurance needs when towing a trailer, contact the insurance professionals at Michelle Lim Insurance Services Insurance in Alhambra, California.