Common Equipment Trailer Towing Mistakes You Should Avoid

Not all equipment trailer towing accidents can be prevented. However, taking some proactive measures and being a responsible driver surely minimizes the probability of being involved in one. Keep reading to discover some of the most common towing mistakes you should avoid for you to reach your destination safely. 

Overheated Engine

Always take a glance at your towing vehicle’s pressure, temperature gauges, and exhaust gas temperature gauges. If there are any indications of overheating, stop for a while, allow your vehicle to cool down, and top off with fluids before going another mile. Letting your engine become overheated is a recipe for damage to your pistons, engine head, and cylinders, among other components, which are costly to repair.

Worn-Out Brakes

Brakes are one of the most important parts of the tow vehicle and the equipment trailers. Traveling and hauling with an unhealthy brake system leads to life-threatening situations, so ensure that they are well maintained and replaced when needed. Schedule frequent maintenance and inspections for the brakes of both your tow vehicle and equipment trailer, and never hit the road with worn-out brake pads, brake drums, or brake discs. 

Wrong Ball Size

You might think that towing with the wrong ball size never happens, but it does. Sometimes it’s because of lack of information, or simply because of neglect. If you use the incorrect ball size, it will most likely make your equipment trailer bounce, and you run the risk of your equipment trailer detaching from your vehicle, putting other drivers’ lives at risk.

Unhealthy Tires

One of the leading causes of equipment trailer towing accidents is tire blowouts. So, ensure that all your tires, from both your tow vehicle and equipment trailer, are inflated to the right psi level. Having them properly inflated allows them to wear evenly and helps you avoid a blowout on the road. 

Generally, tires should be replaced every 5 to 6 years regardless of mileage and use, assuming they were stored in a controlled environment between the manufacturer date and the day they were mounted. However, change them according to how much you travel and their wear and tear condition.

Are you in the market for an equipment trailer? Check out the selection at Wholesale Trailers & Marine. We are located in Nisku, Alberta, and also serve those in Edmonton and Red Deer.