Three Trailer Hauling Mistakes People Make (That Have Nothing to Do With the Trailer)
Whether people are about to move to a new location or just love to go out on hiking excursions, there’s plenty of reasons to haul heavy equipment and with the need to haul equipment come many inherent risks for first-timers.
There’s a reason why professional movers and towing services exist. It’s not only difficult to move heavy equipment – it can also be quite dangerous. This may be surprising, but the vast majority of hauling mistakes have little to do with the actual hauling equipment, and much more to do with the vehicle people are using. If you’re going to be transporting things with a trailer for the first time, keep yourself safe by avoiding these three common mistakes.
You didn’t check your tire pressure
Did you know that tire pressure can have an impact on the likelihood of your tire overheating or having a blowout? Too many people believe that tire pressure is only important for stability and the way your car drives, but proper tire pressure is much more of a safety issue than a comfort one. You’re going to want to make sure that your tire pressure is perfect before you haul anything with your car. If not, you could be putting yourself and others on the road in danger.
You didn’t account for extra fuel usage
Your car normally gets a steady 30 miles to the gallon when you’re driving regularly, but you should expect to use a little more gas when you’re hauling things. Your engine is going to need to work a bit harder to haul everything, so you should account for some extra gas usage. Also, make sure that your cars other essential fluids are well maintained before you start hauling.
You overworked your vehicle
Your car is fast, powerful, and seems like it can go for miles. People can often forget that driving down the highway on your way to work is very different from hauling heavy material. You can have a sturdy trailer and a collection of bulldog jacks at the ready, but they won’t make any difference if your car can’t handle the haul. Overworking your engine can lead to a litany of future auto problems, and could even leave you stranded on the road with your trailer. When you start hauling, you need to pay attention to any signs that you’re headed for trouble. Keep a close eye on your pressure, exhaust, and temperature gauges when you’re on the road. When you start to creep into the red, it’s time to stop and find a different vehicle.
