The idea of tucking something big behind your truck or SUV and drag ahead is more like a great fun adventure. However, if you’re not familiar with the process or doing it for the first time, it can be appalling. As per to Foremost insurance group, there are eight common and costly mistakes that people who often tow make. To avoid any unnecessary expenses due to damages from towing and the obvious hassles, read this list before you begin your journey the next time.
1. Exploiting your engine: The number one mistake that most people do while towing is exhausting their vehicle. Exploiting your towing machine can invite an avalanche of engine problems. Repeating this mistake could lead to the breakdown of the engine and you might require a brand new transmission. If you want to avoid something like this, keep an eye on your pressure, temperature and exhaust gas temperature gauges.
2. Tagging wrong weight distribution bars: If your towing weight distribution system isn't properly set up, your truck and trailer will be bouncing from each other. While you will experience a bumpier ride than usual, the hitch and the frame will get damaged. Bigger is not better when it comes buying a weight distribution system. Bars with chains and tunables come in various strengths and weights. Check with a mechanic before you purchase your next distribution bars.
3. Not checking or maintaining brakes: While brakes are the most essential, they’re often one of the most overlooked systems in any vehicle. The brakes in your trailer are not self-adjusted just like the brakes of your towing vehicle. In fact, you need to adjust the brakes manually on your own. Again, trailer brakes wear out just like any other breaks. So, keep an eye on those.
4. Loading a vehicle poorly: It’s crucial to follow the weight restriction and never cross the cap. You should closely follow the weight restrictions just for your own safety and the long life of your tow vehicle.
5. Wrong ball and mount: Do you have the right ball and mount for your trailer? You might not know but there are three different sizes of balls - 1 7/8 inches, 2 inches, and 2 5/16 inches — each with a different weight rating. If you use the wrong mount or ball, it’ll pitch your trailer up or down on your axles and put additional stress on your brakes and tires. This will eventually make your brakes wear out faster.
6. Keeping low-pressure tires: Make sure you have the right pressure on both of your trailer and truck tyres. Having the right pressure on both of your vehicle’s tires will help you keep your tires for long in use and those won’t blow-out due to overheating. Tires wear out fast when not is use. So it’s wise to inspect your tires whenever you hitch and go after a long gap.
7. Not lubing your components: You need to oil your own machine to keep it healthy. Since your truck and trailer both travel a lot, you need to do health check-ups ofthose on a regular basis. You should grease all the pivot points and the axles where steel meets steel.
