Safety on the road is a constant topic in public media and government campaigns. As a relatively more hazardous use of the road, towing needs to be addressed with the requisite attitude of responsibility. It is an extremely useful technique of carrying more goods or, in the case of RVs (recreational vehicles), going on an enjoyable and very private holiday. But people who tow should observe some obvious standards, no less so in their use of pop up hitches.
The dynamics of a towing setup may appear as alarming to some people. If you consider that the average SUV or smaller truck has a mass in excess of one metric ton (more than 2 000lb), the added mass of the RV or loaded trailer creates a very heavy vehicular unit on the road. Now think about the stress on the hitch as the vehicle takes a corner or slows down unexpectedly, even during a routine trip. The hitch has to have the capacity to tolerate that level of constantly shifting force.
Technically, the hitch should be able to withstand up to 30 000lb as the trailer's gross weight. This gives a rough indication as to how just how much weight can be present in a towing situation. Now, imagine taking a tight bend or braking sharply with all those pounds pushing onto the hitch.
This is why those who use towing as a transport strategy, whether recreationally or professionally, should incorporate some simple measures into their activities. These measures are easy to understand and have a positive impact on the safety of the situation.
To begin with, and this may seem so mundane as to be irritating, the weight restrictions published by the manufacturer should always be adhered to. No matter how experienced or intelligent the driver may think he or she is, this is not negotiable. Trained engineers design the hitches, and they base their weight restrictions on issues such as metallurgical strength and load dynamics. It is not wise to try to argue with the estimate of a graduate engineer.
Secondly, in attaching a trailer to the vehicle you should make sure that there is enough space or clearance between the two. This does not only apply when they are standing still in a straight line, but also when the vehicle turns. They constitute an articulated unit, so the trailer will not turn at the same time as the vehicle.
The use of safety chains is very important, even though some people are negligent and don't use them. The chains must be tightened to an appropriate tension: not too tight or too loose. Too much slack will render them ineffectual if the coupling comes undone, while too much tension will interfere with ordinary driving, such as when the vehicle takes a turn.
Putting the cargo in the trailer is another aspect of towing that should be handled appropriately. If the trailer's maker has provided guidelines, they should be followed. Otherwise, try to keep the load balanced or centralized in the load space. If it isn't, steering will be more difficult.
As a matter of course, you should inspect all the lights on the trailer to confirm that they are in working order. To some people, this might seem like unnecessary exertion, but it is considerate towards other road users and can prevent accidents. It is also legally required. The same applies to the use of mirrors, which should offer an unobstructed view to the driver.
Towing is an effective method of cutting costs or securing accommodation during long-distance holidays. Those who use this method, however, need to maintain the correct attitude through their observance of the relevant safety measures. This is not only to ensure their own peace of mind, but the safe use of our roads by other people as well.
The dynamics of a towing setup may appear as alarming to some people. If you consider that the average SUV or smaller truck has a mass in excess of one metric ton (more than 2 000lb), the added mass of the RV or loaded trailer creates a very heavy vehicular unit on the road. Now think about the stress on the hitch as the vehicle takes a corner or slows down unexpectedly, even during a routine trip. The hitch has to have the capacity to tolerate that level of constantly shifting force.
Technically, the hitch should be able to withstand up to 30 000lb as the trailer's gross weight. This gives a rough indication as to how just how much weight can be present in a towing situation. Now, imagine taking a tight bend or braking sharply with all those pounds pushing onto the hitch.
This is why those who use towing as a transport strategy, whether recreationally or professionally, should incorporate some simple measures into their activities. These measures are easy to understand and have a positive impact on the safety of the situation.
To begin with, and this may seem so mundane as to be irritating, the weight restrictions published by the manufacturer should always be adhered to. No matter how experienced or intelligent the driver may think he or she is, this is not negotiable. Trained engineers design the hitches, and they base their weight restrictions on issues such as metallurgical strength and load dynamics. It is not wise to try to argue with the estimate of a graduate engineer.
Secondly, in attaching a trailer to the vehicle you should make sure that there is enough space or clearance between the two. This does not only apply when they are standing still in a straight line, but also when the vehicle turns. They constitute an articulated unit, so the trailer will not turn at the same time as the vehicle.
The use of safety chains is very important, even though some people are negligent and don't use them. The chains must be tightened to an appropriate tension: not too tight or too loose. Too much slack will render them ineffectual if the coupling comes undone, while too much tension will interfere with ordinary driving, such as when the vehicle takes a turn.
Putting the cargo in the trailer is another aspect of towing that should be handled appropriately. If the trailer's maker has provided guidelines, they should be followed. Otherwise, try to keep the load balanced or centralized in the load space. If it isn't, steering will be more difficult.
As a matter of course, you should inspect all the lights on the trailer to confirm that they are in working order. To some people, this might seem like unnecessary exertion, but it is considerate towards other road users and can prevent accidents. It is also legally required. The same applies to the use of mirrors, which should offer an unobstructed view to the driver.
Towing is an effective method of cutting costs or securing accommodation during long-distance holidays. Those who use this method, however, need to maintain the correct attitude through their observance of the relevant safety measures. This is not only to ensure their own peace of mind, but the safe use of our roads by other people as well.
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