Must-know towing tips when hitting the road over Easter weekend

We have just received a long-term Ford Ranger XLT 4×2 single turbo with the six-speed auto box. It’s not the top-of-the-range 4×4 bi-turbo Ranger Wildtrak or V6 Ranger Platinum models we are used to, but one thing for sure it is perfect for our everyday needs.

And at this time of the year, being Easter, we hit the roads for some fun away from the everyday grind with our families.

This in turn translates into towing caravans, trailers, boats, quads… you name it.

But towing a trailer or caravan in a bakkie or SUV necessitates adjustments to your driving techniques. Ford South Africa was keen to offer a few quick and handy reminders that will help us, as much as anybody else, when towing this weekend.

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How to tow like a pro in a Ford Ranger

• Plan your journey carefully, considering height restrictions, weather conditions, and extra travel time.
• When loading a trailer, it is essential to distribute the weight evenly, with approximately 60% of the load positioned over the front half of the trailer and the centre of gravity slightly ahead of the axle.
• Safety chains must be correctly attached and crossed under the trailer tongue. These act as a backup in case of coupling failure.
• Always adhere to vehicle manufacturer guidelines regarding weight limitations.
• Understand the lingo. Towing capacity is the maximum weight a vehicle can tow. The tongue weight is the pressure exerted by the trailer on the hitch. And aggregate trailer mass is the total loaded weight of the trailer. The Ford Ranger has a maximum braked towing capacity of 3 500kg.
• Inspect tyres for damage and correct tread depth, verify the functionality of trailer brakes and lights, ensure secure and lubricated tow couplings, and check wheel bearings.

• Maintain a safe following distance, as braking distances will be longer.
• Take turns wider than usual to accommodate the trailer’s path.
• Avoid sudden steering manoeuvres that might cause the trailer to sway.
• Be gentle with the accelerator and brakes, and steer smoothly, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
• Slow down well before entering corners and curves.
• Expect stronger effects from wind gusts and wind shifts caused by large trucks.
• Only overtake when you have enough space and time.
• Be mindful of your trailer’s size and load height when driving, parking, and navigating roads with height restrictions.
• Consider the trailer’s tendency to “cut in” on corners and curves when merging or turning.

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