AH, the open road...the crisp air, and the beautiful scenery make it prime camping season, which means avid travelers are planning road trips through wine country, to the coast, the mountains, and much more! Long road trips are common to include some type of towing or hauling. Common things to tow on road trips are campers, recreational vehicles, boats, motor homes, motorcycles, and more. Be sure to catch up on some safety tips for towing one of these commodities before starting your journey. Making sure everyone and everything onboard is safe is the most important part of towing an RV or camper.
Smartly Position Your Towing Vehicle
Once you have the right hitch, it is helpful to simply back the vehicle up to the front of the RV or camper. The towing ball should be set directly under the hitch. Then you can lower the hitch over the ball and complete all the necessary connections. For example, the RV or camper latch must be secure and connected properly, safety chains should be used to provide extra security, and brake systems should be tested and inspected before any departures.
Distribution and Vital Weight Capacity Tips
Not only does your load weight need to be an appropriate match to your vehicle’s towing capacity, but it is also important to evenly distribute the weight in both vehicles. Many people pack up their cars, trucks, or minivans with luggage and supplies for their vacation, however, it is common and convenient to also pack up the camper or RV with supplies and other cargoes. This is perfectly safe and acceptable so long as the weight ratios remain similar. Packing too much in the camper or RV can outweigh the vehicle towing it, causing distress on the hitch and the vehicle doing the hauling.
Always be sure to consider the weight capacity of your vehicle and the distribution of all items inside the haul. This is very important in order to prevent a multitude of accidents on the road, as well as, damage to the vehicles. Your camper or RV should have come with a manual or guide. The heavier your vehicle is, the larger the load it can haul. If you have a lighter vehicle, it will only be able to tow light loads.
What's the Proper Towing Hitches?
If you are unsure about which tow hitch to use, ask a professional for advice. They can give you accurate information about using proper tow hitches, for free. Simply tell them what you are planning to haul, which vehicle is doing the hauling, and the weight of both. It is vital to be wise when buying a trailer hitch for the type of haul you’ll be performing. It should be able to hold the total trailer weight of the RV or camper. A stabilizer bar is another tool that can greatly reduce the chances of swaying and swerving on the road. It is highly recommended to use a stabilizer bar along with your tow hitch to ensure a safe and secure ride. You can call a professional towing company or a retail company that specializes in tow hitches and related towing accessories.
You Can Trust Carter's Towing and Recovery for 24 Hour Roadside Assistance and Emergency Towing in Central Florida.
If your towing vehicle breaks down while hauling a camper or RV in Central Florida, call Carter's Towing and Recovery @ 352.245.3123 for 24-hour roadside assistance and emergency towing. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, your safety is important to us!
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