Tow Hitch
Which
hitch should you buy? What is the difference? What
are the most common hitches and what are hitch chains for?
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Trailer
Towing
You
need to always keep in mind the trailer behind you and where the
wheels will be tracking. What other hints and tips do you
need to know when towing a trailer for the first time?
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Towing
Terms
Ball
Mount, Brake Controller, Class 1 - 4, Coupler, Drawbar, GTW,
GCVW, Hitch Ball, Payload - what does it all mean? Common towing
terms explained here.
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Tow
Vehicle
Which
is the best tow vehicle for your trailer? Is your vehicle
compatible with the weight of your trailer? Can it last the
distance?. Ensure your trailer does not exceed the
manufacturer's specifications for your tow vehicle.
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Weight Distribution
Weight
Distribution hitches assist in returning traction to the front
wheels of the tow vehicle when towing your trailer. It prevents
the loss of braking by more evening distributing weight.
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Tongue
Weight
How
heavy should your tongue weight be? Measure the tongue weight of
your trailer using bathroom scales. This is a simple method to
determine the correct tongue weight of your trailer which should
be 10-15% of the total weight of your trailer.
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Weight Ratings
Base
Curb Weight, GVW, GVWR, Tongue Weight. What does it all mean?
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Braking
Will
your trailer brakes stop you in an emergency. What types of
brakes are there for trailers. Do you need a hand controller and
hints and tips on braking safely. |
What
is trailer sway and what causes it. When is trailer sway more
likely to happen? It can be avoided with some planning.
Learn how to not be at risk.
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Sway
Prevention
What
to do when trailer sway happens. Safety precautions every
driver should know. How not to react incorrectly and tips
on how to bring your trailer back into line.
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Scale Weights
What
does your rig weigh when empty. What does it weigh when full.
You need to know. Overloaded suspensions can cause serious sway
and are extremely dangerous. You should know how much camping
gear you can pack before being overloaded.
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Loading the Trailer
Where
do you put everything and how best to pack your trailer to avoid
overloading and trailer sway. It's not as hard as it
appears and a few simple tips will have you stablising your
trailer for safe travel.
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Trailer Tires
Properly
inflated tires are a must when towing the heavy weights
associated with your trailer. What type / brand of tire is
best suited to your trailer?
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Trailer Wiring
You
are required by law to have taillights, brake lights, side
marker lights, turn signals, and side and rear reflectors.
What is a tail light converter?
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Backing
Up
Everything you
need to know on how to back up a trailer or motorhome. Tips on
making it easy. Be the envy at every trailer park.
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General
Maintenance
Regular
maintenance is extremely important with not only your trailer,
but your tow vehicle. Brakes, hitch and wiring should all
be checked before each trip. |