Common sense and courtesy, good trailer preparation, practice and experience are all essential factors for proficient trailers towing.
Prior to towing, you should always personally check that the trailer is secure on the vehicle and that all safety chains have been attached and secured. Check that the electrics are connected to the plug on the vehicle and that all lights on the trailer are working. Has the trailer been loaded so that approx. 60% of the load weight is over the trailers front half? Ideally about 10% of the trailers loaded weight should be on the tow vehicles towbar. And obviously, you should make sure the trailers load is tied down and secured and covered if necessary.
When towing, you should avoid sudden, abrupt lane changes and manoeuvres, leave extra space behind vehicles in front of you and always signal lane changes and turns well in advance. It is a good idea to select a lower gear while travelling down hill so you can travel slower without too much braking.
Always remember you are towing a trailer, that it will take longer to stop and that care is needed on corners to enter them at an appropriate speed and ensure you do not cross the centre line. Accelerate and decelerate smoothly to ensure the trailer does not start to sway and always brake before corners so you can drive though the corner at an appropriate speed without applying the brakes.
Safe towing is all about common sense, load the trailer properly, secure it to your vehicle safely and drive with care and you should have a happy and safe trip.
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