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Frequently Asked Questions

Towing and trailers open up a world of options for outdoor exploration, job opportunities, and travel. With the power to pull bulky masses behind your truck, you can bring equipment, power tools, a fishing boat, or even an entire home. The key to pulling it off is safe towing practices. These will allow you to tow successfully and sustainably, now and in the future. It’s incredible what you can haul and what you can do with a top-notch setup and proper towing techniques.

To tow safely, you must first know how much your vehicle can successfully tow. This doesn't just include the load of the cargo you're hauling but the weight of the trailer and accessories, too. The consequences of overloading a trailer beyond the vehicle’s towing capacity could include increased wear and tear, issues with control and handleability, and dangerous conditions on the road. There are many ways to calculate your towing capacity, along with methods to increase it for greater ability to haul cargo. Doing the extra bit of research beforehand to follow proper towing techniques will save you trouble in the end!

Choosing the right trailer and accessories is essential for safe towing (and for any towing at all). First, figure out the trailer weight your vehicle is rated for. You’ll need to learn its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and tongue weight. Using the right trailer, ball size, receiver hitches, and other accessories is crucial for a solid connection and safe towing. Determine the class of receiver hitch you need to connect towing accessories to our trailer. Regardless of specifications, choose a trailer and accessories constructed of durable materials, like aluminum or steel. Aluminum will be lightweight, but steel will be more durable and indestructible. Opt for trailer accessories by trusted, renowned brands. Gen-Y, Draw-Tite, and Curt Manufacturing are all quality brands that buyers can depend on. Using the right equipment is paramount for following proper towing techniques.

Once you’ve determined that your load isn’t over your towing capacity, the next task at hand is to ensure a secure hitch connection. The hitch must match your vehicle's towing capacity, and it should make sense for the type of trailer you’re using. Hitch accessories must fit each other, such as a trailer coupler and ball or a ball shank and receiver tube. Ensure your hitch is correctly attached, and its locking mechanism is installed. Add some safety chains crossed under the trailer tongue as a backup to stop it from detaching in case the hitch fails, too. Weight distribution and sway control units can also help. They limit unwanted movement, keep the trailer level, and overall create a more stable and safe towing setup.