Towing Tips for a Bossier City Travel Trailer

There are just a few things you might need to know how to do when it comes to recreational vehicles or related attachments, and within the realm of attachable travel trailers, one of these involves properly attaching and towing the trailer behind your vehicle. Knowing the proper approach here will ensure everything is connected properly, avoiding any damage or risks that might wear down your equipment sooner than you'd like.

At Campers RV Center, we're here to not only offer a huge selection of travel trailers, RVs and other vehicle types for clients in Bossier City and nearby areas, but also to assist with their basic functions and how to carry them out. Here are some simple tips on how to attach and tow a travel trailer safely and effectively.

Proper Hitching

One of the first and most important steps in attaching and towing a travel trailer is to properly hitch it. Start by lining up the trailer tongue with the ball on your tow vehicle. You should ensure that both parts are aligned properly before attempting to connect them, or else the connection may not be secure.

If you have difficulty at this stage, consider using an alignment bar as a guide for your trailer and tow vehicle. This can help you easily position both parts of the connection, allowing for a safe and more secure bond. Most of today's travel trailers also come with simple instructions on how to properly connect the trailer tongue and tow vehicle ball, so be sure to check those before beginning.

Safety Checks

Before you begin your journey, it's vital that you take a few quick safety checks on both your trailer and tow vehicle. Here are a few of the most notable:

• Brakes: When it comes to safety, the brakes are key. Be sure to check both your trailer and tow vehicle brakes before you get going. With travel trailers, the key item to be aware of here is the brake controller, which is what turns on trailer brakes when you activate the tow vehicle brakes.
• Tire Pressure: Similarly, tire pressure should also be checked on both the trailer and tow vehicle before beginning. Uneven or low tire pressure can cause serious issues while on the road.
• Weight Balance: When assessing the weight balance of the trailer and tow vehicle, make sure that your trailer is not too heavily loaded on either side. This can cause unpleasant vibrations while driving or even dangerous swaying.

Checking Route Visibility

Another important factor in safely towing a travel trailer is being aware of your route. Before you begin your journey, check the route for any low overhangs or tight turns that could potentially cause issues while driving. This can help you avoid any potential damage and ensure a safe journey for both you and your trailer.

In particular, if you notice any narrow lanes or low overhangs, you may need to opt for an alternative route.

Know Trailer Height

Throughout any trip involving a travel trailer, it's important to know the height of your trailer. This can help you avoid any potential issues with low-hanging signs or other obstacles along the route.

If you do happen to come across a road sign that is lower than the height of your trailer, be sure to slow down and take extra caution when passing by.

Generally, we actually recommend adding a foot or two to the height of your trailer when passing under any low-hanging signs or obstacles. This will help to ensure that you have plenty of clearance throughout your journey.

Turning Safety

Because you have significant additional weight attached to the back of your vehicle, it is important to take extra caution when turning. Take your time and make sure that the turn is wide enough for both your tow vehicle and trailer.

When negotiating tight turns, you should also slow down significantly as this can help reduce any potential swaying or loss of control. If you notice any significant swaying or instability, pull over and adjust the connection between your trailer and tow vehicle accordingly. We generally don't recommend attempting any especially tight or fast turns, such as U-turns in narrow settings.

Care When Backing Up

Another key safety concern when it comes to travel trailers is backing up. When reversing, you should move slowly and use your mirrors or a spotter if necessary. If possible, avoid turning the wheel while in reverse as this can cause additional swaying.

Additionally, be sure to practice backing up with an empty trailer before attempting it with your full load. This can help you become more familiar with the vehicle's response and make sure that you have enough room to maneuver in any tight quarters.

Longer Stopping Distances

Finally, it is also important to remember that travel trailers require longer stopping distances than regular vehicles. When driving, be sure to keep your speed reasonable and leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. This will give you enough time to stop safely while towing a trailer.

By following these steps and taking extra caution when necessary, you can ensure a safe and successful journey with your travel trailer. For more here, or to learn about any of our RV or travel trailer products for Bossier City and nearby clients, speak to our team at Campers RV Center today.