Towing a trailer on the road is very different from driving a car on its own. This might be whether you’re hauling a traditional trailer, a caravan, a horsebox, or a boat. You’re now responsible for extra weight, extra length and very different handling characteristics than your car. Add in narrow country lanes, tight roundabouts and unpredictable weather, and safe towing becomes more complicated.
Here are our top tips to keep you, your load and everyone else on the road safe.
Make Wider Turns Than Usual
Work the Gearbox Properly
Towing puts extra strain on your engine and transmission and in manual vehicles, you’ll need to use lower gears more often, particularly when you’re pulling away or climbing hills.
When going down hills, use engine braking by selecting a lower gear rather than relying solely on your brakes.
Carry Spare Trailer Parts
Carrying a small selection of trailer parts, from a company such as autoandtrailer.com/shop/trailer-parts, is recommended. A trailer has no engine to “limp home” on – if something small fails, you can be completely stranded. Carry a properly inflated spare wheel, a suitable jack and wheel brace, and spare trailer light bulbs to fix the most common problems.
Watch for Hazards
Strong crosswinds can cause a trailer to sway, especially on exposed motorways and bridges. Also, when being overtaken by large vehicles and lorries, their air displacement can quickly destabilise your trailer.
