Whether it’s a car, boat, RV, house trailer or trash to the dump, towing requires attention to details.  Here are nine key details to pay attention to for safe towing and longer vehicle life.

1) Weight

Make sure your trailer and whatever you’re hauling is within the tow capacity of your vehicle. Check the owner’s manual to find the trailer types that your vehicle can haul and the maximum load weight it can pull. Use the right trailer hitch and make sure it is hitched correctly.

2) Weight Distribution

If you experience fishtailing or your trailer sways while accelerating, back off the gas and see if it stops. If it continues when you accelerate again, check to see how the weight is distributed and adjust accordingly.

3) Lights

Connect brakes and signal lights. Double check to make sure the trailer’s brakes, turn signals and tail lights are synchronized with those of the tow vehicle.

4) Tires

Avoid hauling too much weight for the tires.  Blowouts can be bad news. Be sure you keep the proper air pressure in your tires, too.

5) Handling

When towing, you’re operating a vehicle combination that’s longer and heavier than you’re used to. So you’ll want to make some compensating adjustments in your normal driving practices.

Backing up is tricky, but it is a skill you can learn. Till you’re experienced, have someone direct you from outside in those tight spots or places where you have limited visibility.

When barreling down the highway, avoid sudden turns.

6) Buckle Your Seat Belt

In case your tow vehicle ends up upside down.

7) Stopping

It’s a matter of physics. When towing, you have more momentum than you would without a trailer. Be sure you keep in mind that it therefore takes more time and distance to stop. Avoid tailgating and pay attention to what’s happening a little further down the road than you normally would.

8) Use AMSOIL Synthetic Transmission Fluid and Gear Lube

Towing is one of the most demanding activities on a vehicle’s drivetrain system.

In fact, because of the heat generated, towing is probably the number one killer of transmissions. For this reason many people install an oil cooler. An alternative is to use a high end synthetic lubricant. As a result of the reduced friction, the tranny will run cooler, and transmission life will be lengthened considerably. Tests have shown that AMSOIL synthetic automatic transmission fluid provides useful service up to twice as longer as conventional fluids.

9)  Pay Attention To Details

Right now many states, including Minnesota, are calling for stiffer penalties when there are accidents caused by trailers that break loose. It will be criminal negligence, not a mistake. Pay attention to the details, including hitches, safety chains, signal light hookups, handling, weight, the capacity of your tow vehicle, tires and all the rest.

Visit Amsoil ^[1] for more information .

Variations on these tips have appeared in National Oil & Lube News and other publications.

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