Did you rent or buy a trailer for traveling, but aren't quite sure what to do or how to act to make everything go well? Here are some tips so you can tow your trailer like a pro. And safely, of course, because it's not enough to reach your destination, you have to arrive in one piece. Joking aside, let's get to the tips.
Have a car that can really handle the job
We've already said here that the minimum requirement for a car to tow a trailer is a 2.0 engine or 140 hp, right? But, as the words themselves say, that is a minimum requirement. For your trip to be safe and to avoid damaging your car, look for one that, besides meeting the minimum conditions for towing, can truly handle the mission of carrying your home on wheels smoothly down the roads of life.
Even if your trailer is a small one, you will be pulling at least 450 kg. So it's best to buy a car with a towing package or have one installed on your car. Usually, this package comes with a hitch, cables that connect your car's lighting system to the trailer's, suspension and brakes. That way, you have more control of your trailer and don't risk causing disturbances or accidents in traffic.
Also, keep in mind that, according to the law, not just any car can tow. And if you tow your trailer (or any type of towed vehicle) with an unsuitable car, you may be fined.
We recommend watching the Opinião Sincera video on YouTube. They talk a little more about this in this video.
Still on the subject of upgrades to your car, another necessary change is a towing mirror. That is nothing more than a mirror extender that can be attached to your car's original mirror. It helps you see the full length of your trailer and what comes up behind it. That makes it much easier to avoid damage. Besides, highway police will complain or even fine you if they see you towing a trailer without mirror extenders.
If you don't have them yet, you can find them at Meu trailer, a website with everything for trailers and motorhomes.
Do a test run before you travel
Assuming you are reading this article because you are about to tow your first trailer, your trip hasn't started yet. So, even if it isn't a trip to somewhere very far, take a test drive to make sure everything is working properly. Take a spin around town or a neighboring town, camp there if you can, and only then start the actual trip. This is useful even for finding out whether you forgot anything else.
Empty the water tanks
When you start towing your travel trailer around, you will notice that water is one of the heaviest things. So, a handy tip is not to wait for the grey and black water tanks to fill up completely before emptying them. Whenever you stop at a gas station or campground that has a place to dump this water, don't think twice, empty the tanks.
Depending on the occasion, you may even not fill the fresh water tank completely, but to avoid running out of water, only do this when absolutely necessary.
Besides not carrying more than you need, organize your trailer so that the weight is evenly distributed. Or at least, avoid putting the heaviest things at the rear. If necessary, put the heaviest items at the front and the lightest at the back. But never the other way around.
Overall, towing your trailer will be a simple task, but you will need to be very careful when changing lanes or making turns. So something that will help a lot is driving below or at the speed limit the route requires. Besides, driving more slowly lets you save more fuel and visit all the places you want in a relaxed way. You might even go farther than planned because, during a chat with other travelers, they recommended visiting a place that wasn't in your plans. Life is full of surprises, isn't it? Be ready for them.
This tip may sound overused, but excitement or reserved campsites can make you want to reach your planned destinations quickly, so remember to relax. The reason most overlanders decide to hit the road is to escape the rush of the city.
So, take it easy. Enjoy the scenery! Savor every moment.
Tired or been driving for several hours straight? Take a short break (in a suitable place, of course!), make a coffee or gather the family for a picnic in the shade of a tree.
Besides, you are learning to tow a trailer, that is, your home on the move. Tired? Take a nap inside the trailer, which, if it was made by Easy Transport, modesty aside, has one of the most comfortable beds around.
Anyway, these are some tips that, if you follow them, will give you a much better experience. Drive carefully and find your place in the world. Until the next journey, camping friends.
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