Towing with Your Vehicle

Tips for Safe and Efficient Hauling

Towing is a useful feature for many vehicle owners, whether you're hauling a trailer for a weekend camping trip or transporting equipment for work. However, towing with your vehicle requires proper preparation and care to ensure safety for both you and others on the road. At Victory Auto Body and Paint in Burbank, California, we understand the importance of towing safely, so we’ve compiled this guide to help you make informed decisions when it comes to hauling loads.

1. Know Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity
Before attempting to tow anything, it's crucial to know your vehicle’s towing capacity. This is the maximum weight your vehicle can safely pull, which includes both the weight of the trailer and the cargo.

• Check the owner's manual: Your vehicle’s towing capacity is usually listed in the manual. Exceeding this limit can strain your engine, transmission, and brakes, potentially leading to costly damage.
• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): This is the total allowable weight of the vehicle and its contents, including passengers, fuel, and cargo. Make sure your combined weight doesn’t exceed this rating.
• Tongue weight: This refers to the amount of weight the trailer’s tongue places on the hitch. It’s typically 10-15% of the total trailer weight. Too little or too much tongue weight can affect stability and control.

2. Use the Right Equipment
Using the correct towing equipment is essential to ensure that your vehicle can tow safely and effectively.

• Hitch: Make sure your vehicle is equipped with the right hitch for the job. Hitches come in various classes depending on the weight you’re towing, so choose one that matches your load.
• Brake controller: If your trailer is large enough to have its own brakes, you’ll need a brake controller to synchronize the trailer’s brakes with your vehicle’s braking system.
• Tow mirrors: When towing larger trailers, you may need extended side mirrors to see around the load. This is crucial for changing lanes and backing up.

3. Distribute Weight Evenly
How you load your trailer can impact both your safety and the efficiency of your towing.

• Balance the load: Distribute the weight evenly from side to side and front to back. This ensures that the trailer stays level and is easier to control.
• Secure the cargo: Make sure that everything inside the trailer is securely fastened to prevent shifting during transit, which can throw off your balance and lead to accidents.

4. Drive Carefully
Towing a trailer changes the way your vehicle handles, so you’ll need to adjust your driving style.

• Increase stopping distance: Towing adds extra weight, which increases your stopping distance. Give yourself more space to slow down and avoid sudden stops.
• Take turns wider: Since your trailer’s wheels don’t follow the same path as your vehicle’s, you’ll need to take turns wider to prevent the trailer from clipping curbs or other vehicles.
• Watch your speed: Towing at high speeds can lead to instability, sway, or jackknifing. Stick to slower speeds, especially in windy conditions or when going downhill.

5. Be Aware of Towing Laws
Each state has specific laws regulating towing practices, so make sure you’re familiar with the rules where you’re driving.

• California towing regulations: In California, vehicles towing trailers are limited to a maximum speed of 55 mph. Additionally, if your trailer weighs over 1,500 lbs, you’re required to use safety chains and trailer brakes.
• Insurance considerations: Verify with your insurance company that your policy covers towing. Some policies may require additional coverage for trailers or cargo.

6. Perform Regular Vehicle Maintenance
Towing can put extra strain on your vehicle, so it’s essential to keep up with regular maintenance, especially if you tow frequently.

• Brake inspections: Towing heavy loads puts additional stress on your brakes. Ensure that they are in top condition to handle the extra weight.
• Transmission care: Towing can cause your transmission to overheat. Consider installing a transmission cooler if you tow regularly to prevent overheating and extend its lifespan.
• Tire pressure: Check your tire pressure before towing. Overloaded or underinflated tires can blow out under the added weight of a trailer.

7. Know How to Handle Trailer Sway
Trailer sway can occur when winds, passing vehicles, or uneven road surfaces cause the trailer to swing from side to side. If you experience sway:

• Don’t overcorrect: Avoid turning the wheel sharply, which can make the sway worse.
• Slow down gradually: Gently ease off the accelerator and steer straight. Don’t slam on the brakes, as this can cause jackknifing.
• Install a sway control system: These devices can help stabilize the trailer and prevent sway before it starts.

Final Thoughts
​Towing with your vehicle can be safe and efficient as long as you’re well-prepared and aware of your vehicle’s capabilities. By understanding your towing capacity, using the right equipment, and driving carefully, you can avoid accidents and ensure a smooth haul. At Victory Auto Body and Paint, we’re here to assist with any towing-related damage or repairs your vehicle may need. Contact us for a free estimate or for advice on how to keep your vehicle in top shape for towing.
​