Travel Trailer Towing Tips
Your travel or vacation trailer is a convenient and comfortable way to travel, whether you’re exploring the Midwest or heading further afield this summer. However, if you’re new to towing, there are some things you’ll want to keep in mind while you’re getting ready to tow your trailer. Towing isn’t hard, exactly, but it is certainly different than driving your vehicle without anything behind it. These tips should help to keep you and your passengers safe while you’re hauling your vacation trailer to your favorite destination.
Be Prepared
It’s important to make sure that both your vacation trailer and your towing vehicle are in good working order before you head out. Air up the tires and inspect them for signs of wear, change your vehicle’s oil, fill up your fuel tank, inspect your trailer’s hitch, and perform any other maintenance tasks that need to be done. If you need some assistance with maintaining your travel trailer, you can always get in touch with the Noteboom RV service department to schedule an appointment.
Backing Up
In order to reverse with your travel trailer in tow, you’re going to have to turn your steering wheel in the opposite direction of the turn you want the trailer to make. Otherwise, the trailer will awkwardly jackknife and you’ll have to straighten it out again. It can be helpful to have a spotter who stands outside and guides you as you reverse.
Taking Turns
With your travel trailer hitched up, taking turns may be slightly more challenging than usual. You’ll want to pull ahead a little bit and take the turn wider than normal to avoid hitting the curb. Don’t take any turns that are steeper than a right angle.
Additional Advice
Try to stay five to ten miles below posted speed limits when driving with your travel trailer in tow. Going too fast means that you won’t have the time you need to bring your towing set-up to a complete stop. Also, increase your following distance between yourself and the cars in front of you so that you have several seconds’ stopping distance. Watch for vehicles that may try to wend their way into this space.
Stick to the right-most lane of traffic and avoid changing lanes. If you must change lanes or if you’re about to take an exit ramp, make sure you use your signals and move with care. Always check your blind spots and be aware of the traffic around you.
In search of a new vacation trailer? Stop by our dealership near Harrisburg, SD, to take a look at our fine selection of new and used travel trailers for sale. Talk to our staff if you’d like financing assistance on your vacation trailer purchase, along with price quotes or trade-in values. Noteboom RV is proud to be your South Dakota family-owned and operated Heartland RV dealer, serving Sioux Falls, SD, and Sioux City, IA.