Safety Tips for Driving Trailers

Driving a trailer with pressure washing, car washing, lawn mower equipment is much different from driving a car or anything else for that matter. Here are some driving safety tips to make sure that when you drive with a utility trailer you follow the rules and are safe. It is advised to always practice a bit before you head out on the major roads. These driving safety tips must be used each and every time that you drive with a utility trailer on a road. One of the most important rules to follow is to NEVER allow passengers in your trailer. These driving safety tips can help you greatly while you are driving a trailer.

Universal Handling

• Use the driving gear that is suggested for towing.
• Drive at reasonable speeds so your utility trailer does not sway.
• Don’t stop quickly as it can result in skids or jackknifing.

• Don’t use any swift steering maneuvers as it could cause swaying.
• Reduce speed when driving over rough roads and railroad crossings.
• Make wide turns since your utility trailer has wheels that are nearer to the inside of a turn and are likely to strike the curb.
• Release the accelerator so you can decrease speed when bigger vehicles pass from each direction.

Braking

• Allow extra room for stopping.
• Electric trailer brake controllers ought to be controlled manually if there is a lot of swaying as opposed to applying the tow vehicle brakes.
• Always expect to reduce speed at a moments notice.

Acceleration and Passing

• Make sure that you let other driver’s know well in advance when you intend to pass or change lanes.
• Before you pass you have to make sure that the ground is level and you have ample room for clearance. Never pass on upgrades or downgrades.
• If you pass on a narrow road, downshift and watch your speed.

Downgrades and Upgrades

• When you must brake and you are on a downgrade or attempting to gain momentum to go uphill it is best if you downshift.
• If the downgrade happens to be long then space out the brakes to maintain speed. Using brakes consistently can cause the brakes to overheat.

Backing Up

• When you are backing up with a utility trailer attached it is impossible to depend on mirrors. Always back up slowly and use a guide if you can to stand outside while you back up as an extra precaution.
• Remember that any sudden jerks of the steering wheel will cause the utility trailer to move, often quite a bit. To avoid this it is imperative to move the steering wheel only slightly.

Parking

• Always park your utility trailer on level ground. Guides can be very helpful when parking. Putting blocks on the under side of the utility trailer wheels will ensure that your trailer is parked safely. It is important to do this before you shift into Park.
• When disconnecting the utility trailer it is a good idea to put blocks under all tires. Without this assurance it is possible that the trailer could roll away once it is disengaged.
• Before uncoupling it is a good idea to put a jack stand in the back of the trailer for support. If the load on the trailer is not balanced it can cause problems and the jack will prevent that from happening.

Final Driving Safety Tip

• Always check your itinerary and limitations in regards to bridges and tunnels prior to departure.

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