Important tips on How to Tow a RV Safely
When it comes to choosing between a self-powered, motorized coach and a recreational vehicle (RV) travel trailer, many opt for the latter, given that they have a good towing vehicle. It also helps that these travel trailers are much more affordable compared to their self-powered counterparts. RV towing is generally pretty easy and it goes more smoothly if the driver is confident about his/her driving skills.
How to Tow an RV Safely?
In case this is your first time towing an RV, here are some tips that will help you to navigate, park, and drive your trailer safely.
1.Hitch Your RV to the Towing Car In the Right Way:
Once the RV is hitched to the car properly, it is safe to tow it down the road. Use the right RV car towing equipment provided by your car manufacturer to ensure a secure and safe connection between your car and the travel trailer. The basics of hitching an RV to the car are quite simple. All you need to do is to get the hitch on and locked in and ensure that the tie cables are connected properly and working in the right manner.
2.Ensure Proper Weight Distribution:
A well-balanced RV is safe to drive around. However, if you notice the trailer tipping towards the hitch or away from it, then keep adjusting the weight till the RV is properly balanced. An imbalanced trailer is prone to swaying and can lead to an accident on the road, compelling you to call for RV towing services for roadside assistance. The best way to check the weight distribution of an RV is to use the truck scale and measure the weight of all the tires of the trailer taken together.
3.Check the Brakes and Brake Controller:
Before you get excited about traveling with your RV, ensure that you have checked the brake controller of your travel trailer. When you apply brakes in your towing vehicle, it is the brake controller of your RV that turns on the trailer brakes in synchronization with the towing car. The brake controller of the towing vehicle determines the intensity at which it will apply the trailer brakes. To ensure that the brake controller of your RV has the right setting, take your trailer out on the road and drive it at a speed of 10 mph and then apply the brakes for a normal stop. If you feel a tiny tug at the back of your car, then understand that the brake controller is working just fine. However, if you feel your trailer pushing your car forward, then you must turn up the setting of the brake controller. And if your stop was very jerky, turn down the setting of the controller. Improper brake controller settings can cause an accident and you will require the help of a professional RV towing service to help get back on the road.
4.Do You Own a Capable Towing Vehicle?
If you think that your car can tow an RV just because it comes with a tow hitch, then you might be wrong. Not all cars, even large SUVs, have adequate towing capacity to lead a trailer out into the road. Owning a proper vehicle with sufficient capacity is one of the key elements of safe RV towing. If you want to buy a vehicle that can also work as a towing car, then you should ask the retailer for official documentation stating the vehicle’s towing capacity. Furthermore, you must compare the weight of your towing car to the weight of the RV and the stuff that it will carry with it on the road. If the towing capacity of the car is at or above the total weight of the RV and materials it will be carrying, only then is it safe to hitch it to the trailer.
5.Packing Light:
Did you know that one gallon of water alone weighs more than eight pounds? So, it is better to fill up your water just before you set out your camp, rather than carrying it with you on the trailer. However, given that water is a necessity and you will be required to carry some amount of it in the RV at all times, it is much better to pack light with regards to food, clothes, gear, and accessories. Too many items like these will not only increase the weight of the trailer but will also make the interiors of the RV feel more cramped.
6.Take it Slow:
While different people will give you a variety of advice, there is one rule that should never be broken, no matter what anyone else says. Take it slow during RV towing. You must always remember that you are not just driving a car but also pulling a great amount of weight behind you. Therefore, it will take longer for you to slow down, speed up, stop. While there is no set safe speed for RV towing, going fast might lead you to lose control of the trailer, causing an accident. So stay patient, take it slow, and always stay in the right lane while enjoying the journey.
In Conclusion:
Safe RV towing is not a complicated matter and can be accomplished easily once you have spent an adequate amount of time in front of the hitch and behind the wheel. Take the other factors into consideration as well and once you get the hang of it, be sure to enjoy the road!
