Towing Safety
TOWING SAFETY
Summer time brings lots of trailers to the road being towed behind the family sedan or pick up. Before you hook anything to the rusted bumper on your car be aware of a few safety tips.
Winter in Central New York brings lots of foul weather and, in turn, Rust. Be sure to inspect your trailer mounting before hook up. Check for cracks or loose bolts. Check for a secure area to attach safety chains. If there is any doubt in your mind, have it checked at your body shop or repair shop. U-haul is probably the largest installer of trailer hitches across the country and they would most certainly perform a check for free.
Check the wiring to the trailer. I usually replace both the male and female ends of the trailer connection every spring just to eliminate any problems later. Apply some dielectric grease to keep it clean and free of corrosion. Check the bulbs in the rear- if replacing bulbs does not correct any lighting problems check back at the original splice at the main harness. On Japanese made automobiles, a converter box will be installed in series for proper trailer lighting operation. This box may fail during harsh winter months and may need replacing every spring.
Check the trailer hardware including the front coupler and tongue. Check the tires for condition and inflation. Check the spare. The wheel bearings should be physically removed and inspected for damage every year. They should only be reinstalled after thorough cleaning and repacking with a lithium based grease (water resistant). If they are pitted or damaged in any way be sure to replace them along with the bearing race as well. Replacing the bearing and not the race is just asking for trouble. Remember, just pumping a lot of grease into a bearing is not the same as a visual check.
Lastly, be sure that what your towing is appropriate for what you are towing it with. Always check your owners manual for towing specifications. If your vehicle came with a towing package than most likely it is a Class 3 Hitch which means you can tow up to 5000 lbs. Just don’t try to tow anything heavy in Overdrive, keep the transmission in lower gears where it is less apt to overheat. The #1 cause of automatic transmission failure is overheated transmission fluid. If your vehicle didn’t come with a tow package and you added a Class 1 (2000 lbs. Towing capacity) or Class 3 hitch than maybe a transmission cooler would be appropriate. Consult your owners manual or hitch installer.
Before you head to the lake, beach, canyon, mountain, jungle, desert or forest, slow down and take another look. Did you remember the life preservers? Did you remember the gas? Did you remember to latch and lock down the trailer coupler? I can’t tell you the number of times I caught myself. Have fun.
P.S. Check out U-Haul’s web site, it’s full of helpful information.
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