Towing a trailer – here’s what you need to know

With all the hard lockdown restrictions this year, many people have foregone their usual mid-year holiday and will be making their way to the coast in a week or so.

Whether it’s a trailer, a boat or a caravan, towing should be done correctly to avoid damage to your vehicle and accidents on our roads.

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Chairperson of the Motor Industry Workshop Association Dewald Ranft said the first thing to ensure is that the trailer or caravan has been properly serviced by a competent person.

“These trailers have probably been standing idle since last December.”

During the service, the following areas should receive special attention: brakes (if fitted); electrical connections and components such as lights, cables; wheel bearings (these need to be greased if the trailer has been standing for a lengthy period); and tyres, with emphasis on the tyre age.

He added that it is also important to ensure you have the correct licence and what you are towing falls within the legal requirements in terms of weight in relation to your vehicle.

“Many motorists don’t realise their driver’s licence regulates what vehicle they can drive and what type of trailer they can pull. The AA provides a break-down of licence codes and the corresponding trailer weight.

“It also explains how to calculate the trailer to car weight ratio. It is important that motorists don’t attempt to tow an item that is too heavy for their vehicle.”

The cost of fuel and fuel consumption is also a factor to consider before heading off on holiday with a trailer, boat or caravan in tow.

Ranft added that speeding is the number one cause of accidents when towing.

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“Drivers need to be aware that the stopping distance is far longer when towing and allow for this.

“Ensure you are not caught unaware. Do not use excessive braking when descending a steep descent as this may overheat the brakes on the units and lead to premature brake failure.

“Rather select a lower gear to assist with the braking force and keep to the recommended speed limit.”

Weight is also a key consideration when towing. Towing a trailer can be dangerous with the wrong weight distribution, as illustrated in the following youtube clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mW_gzdh6to

If more than 40 per cent of the load is on the back it becomes unstable. At least 60 per cent should be in the front.

A tail-heavy trailer could whip you off the road and cause an accident.

“Every December and January we have many fatalities on our roads. Let’s make sure that we tow responsibly and take it easy on our roads this festive season.”