Pulling a rental trailer can be a little stressful if it’s your first time. You shouldn’t worry too much, however, as the task at hand is pretty simple once you know a few basics. Continue reading to learn more about pulling a trailer from the team at Community Rental Car.
Know the Tow Rating
You can end up in trouble if you try to tow more than is advised. Before you tow, consult your owner’s handbook to understand how much your towing vehicle can safely pull and stop. Don’t forget to factor in the weight of the trailer when calculating the weight.
Take Your Time
Slow down. Allow yourself plenty of time to respond to various road conditions and oblivious drivers. Always keep in mind that you are towing hundreds or thousands of pounds more than normal, which needs a good amount of space to come to a safe stop.
Use Trailer Chains
Use a backup latching system in case your primary one fails. To secure the trailer to the vehicle, use chains. To prevent the chains from snapping, make sure they are rated for the weight of the trailer. Always cross the chains so that if the trailer tongue breaks loose, it will rest on the chains rather than scrape into the ground.
Examine the Trailer
The rental trailer should be in perfect working order when you pick it up, but it never hurts to double-check. You should walk around the trailer after reaching each destination. Make sure the tires are good, the lights are working, and everything is still hooked up.
Balance the Load
When loading the trailer, make sure to balance out the weight. Putting too much weight on one side of the trailer can cause the trailer to sway and be difficult to control. In worst-case scenarios, this can even cause accidents.
Community Rental Car provides Winston-Salem, NC, and the nearby areas of Greensboro and Winston-Salem, with our growing fleet of car rentals, minivan rentals, SUV rentals, and truck rentals. You can contact us today at (336) 448-2905 to receive a quote.