Know What You Can Tow

It sounds simple enough, but towing a camper, boat, trailer or another vehicle safely involves a lot of know-how. Here are some basic tips:

• Learn the Lingo
  Towing has a language all its own. Despite what it sounds like, gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is something different than just the weight of a vehicle, for example. GVWR is the combined weight of a vehicle with all its passengers and cargo added in, and it's a key number to know before you start to tow. There's also gross combination weight rating (GCWR). This is the maximum allowable weight of the loaded-up trailer and the tow vehicle — with all its passengers and cargo, too—added together. It's a key measure for you to check to ensure you are not putting too much of a burden on your tow vehicle and risking costly damage. Tongue weight (TW) is another odd term. It relates to the amount of trailer weight that presses down on the trailer hitch at the back of a tow vehicle. Having too much or too little tongue weight can affect the safe handling and driving of your tow vehicle.
  
  
• Use the Proper Vehicle
  You need to know the tow capacity of your vehicle and make sure it's sufficient to tow the trailer, boat or camper.
  
  First, determine the approximate weight of the trailer or boat. Include the weight of any equipment; cargo and fluids the trailer or boat will have in or on it. Some tow experts advise that you add 10 percent or 15 percent on top of this, just to be on the safe side. This is the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW). Then, check to see if the tow vehicle — the truck, sport-utility vehicle, van or car you plan to use — has enough towing capacity. Vehicle manufacturers provide a tow rating in their owner's manuals. Cars tend to have lower tow rating than trucks, and light-duty trucks have lower tow rating than do heavy-duty models. If you are purchasing a new vehicle that will be used for towing, review the available options to see if you want to add a transmission-oil cooler, a heavy-duty battery, heavy-duty shock absorbers and other tow equipment. These kinds of items can help your tow vehicle manage the stress of a heavy load, and oftentimes some or all of the items may be available as a towing package. In addition, consider adding trailer mirrors for the front doors of your tow vehicle. These larger mirrors can improve a driver's view out to the side and back of the trailer when compared with standard vehicle mirrors.
  
  No matter if your tow vehicle is new or old, keep the owner's manual and vehicle manufacturer towing guide handy. They contain many of the important numbers — tow rating, GCWR, etc.—that you will need to know.
  
  
• Have the Right Hitch
  There are many hitches for towing, covering several rating classes. You need to find one that will fit your needs. Obviously, your hitch has to be able to handle the GTW you plan to tow. For example, a Class I hitch can handle up to 2,000 pounds GTW and up to 200 pounds of tongue weight.
  
  Hitches also differ in how they mount on a tow vehicle. Weight-carrying hitches bolt on the tow vehicle's frame and/or bumper, and are commonly used for small- to medium-size trailers. Weight-distributing hitches, used with hitch receivers, distribute the load among the wheels of the tow vehicle and the wheels of the trailer to provide improved steering and braking. Ford's RV and Trailer Towing Guide notes that these hitches "are only 'required' for Class IV applications" and generally aren't used for loads under 5,000 pounds. The fifth-wheel hitch is uniquely mounted inside the bed of a pickup truck and puts more of the trailer weight directly over the tow vehicle, rather than behind it. Hitches may need to be supplemented for improved sway management of your trailer.
  
  
• Pack Carefully
  It is important to think about weight distribution as you pack your trailer or camper. The goal should be to properly position weight to keep your vehicle and trailer as stable as possible. Therefore, refrain from piling heavy items on the sides of a trailer or camper. Also don't load everything into the back of a trailer. According to Ford's RV and Trailer Towing Guide, you want 60 percent of the cargo weight in the front half of the trailer and 40 percent at the rear, within limits of the tongue weight. "The key is to not exceed the tongue weight," adding that tongue weight is determined by the manufacturer of the hitch. Secure items in and on the trailer tightly. You don't want them to break loose or jostle around and affect weight balance and handling.
  
  
• Brakes Are Crucial
  Most states require a separate brake system on trailers weighing more than 1,500 pounds when loaded. And many safety experts advise putting a separate working brake system on any towed trailer or vehicle so you have maximum stopping power. There are three types of trailer brakes — electronically controlled electric, hydraulically controlled electric and surge/hydraulic. Make sure before you head out that these brakes — and the brakes on the tow vehicle — are in top condition. By law, every trailer has to have working brake lights, turn signals and hazard flashers. Be sure you wire these items correctly and that they are in good working order before you start out. Don't Forget Safety Chains, Safety chains are an extra physical connection between the tow vehicle and its trailer. They are insurance in the event the trailer coupler or ball becomes disconnected. Follow the directions in your vehicle owner's manual for safety chain attachment information.
  
  
• Check Your Tires
  The only physical connection between the road and your tow vehicle and trailer are the tires. So check them regularly, making sure they are damage-free and properly inflated. Remember that tires have ratings for speed and load-carrying. They can be found in the owner's manuals. For example, owner manuals of Dodge Trucks may show that significantly higher tire pressures are needed when a truck is doing serious towing? Be sure you're following the correct tow tire pressures. Worn tires and tires with low air pressure can make driving a vehicle with a trailer dangerous.
  
  
• Vehicle Behavior Affected
  Monitor vehicle and trailer behavior as you travel. Be aware of potentially dangerous conditions, such as when a trailer is so heavy it puts too much weight on the tow vehicle's rear axle and starts to lift weight off the front wheels. This can affect steering. Towing, especially in hilly terrain, also can strain a vehicle's transmission. Some newer model trucks include a "tow/haul mode" that works to lessen the transmission's tendency to shift up and down a lot when towing. Excessive shifting also can be reduced in vehicles with automatic overdrive by having the overdrive gear locked out. This will help provide engine braking on downgrades, too, thereby saving wear and tear on brakes. Remember that when you tow, your vehicle's ability to accelerate and stop is affected. Acceleration is slower because of the additional weight, so factor that in when you decide to pass another vehicle. And give yourself a lot more time to come to a stop.