Here are nine items to check each time you’re getting ready to tow a trailer. We're not saying these are the ONLY items that you should check, but they're pretty important.
1. Brakes: Make sure your brakes are in good working order. When towing, you need more stopping distance and so having brakes that are even slightly worn could be a hazard.
2. Cooling System: Your vehicle will get heated up by pulling an extra load so your cooling system needs to work optimally to safely tow.
3. Hitching Devices: Check the hitch ball regularly to make sure that it hasn’t loosened and that any tow bar used is parallel to the ground when the towed vehicle is attached.
4. Safety Chains: If your trailer becomes unhitched when you’re towing, the only thing keeping the two vehicles together will be your safety chains.
5. Springs and Shock Absorbers: Consider upgrading your tow vehicle's suspension. Add heavy-duty springs and shock absorbers and make sure they're in good shape before each tow.
6. Tires: Tires with the correct load rating and proper inflation are important. Also, the trailer tires are more likely to wear out from dry rot and age instead of highway miles.
7. Wiring: Perhaps your truck came prewired for trailer towing from the factory or maybe your pre-installed hitch already contains the necessary connector. Make sure that nothing has short circuited before you tow.
8. Mirrors: Visibility can be a challenge when you’re towing something behind you. You can choose replacement mirrors or wide-angle clip-on mirrors, so test options out to see what works best.
9. Fluids: If you're going to tow a trailer, you should be following the severe maintenance plan from your vehicle's owner's manual. Check and replace fluids more often, including engine oil. The added weight when towing adds stress to the towing vehicle, causing it to run hotter than normal.
Auto Select offers a summer travels/towing inspection for only $49.99 this month if you want some additional peace of mind from your mechanics before traveling this season!
