Camper trailer are very often intimidating for people who get to drive them for the first time. But, if you have just given them a try, you might be already aware that they are not so difficult to control, provided that you have made the necessary safety arrangements. Here, in this article, let’s see what all these arrangements are.
1. The Proper Hitch
Before anything else, a proper hitch is necessary. A lot of times what makes towing difficult isn’t the trailer but the hitch. In order to make the trailer stable, it’s always a better option to have a drop hitch like the ones that you can find on hidden hitches. These make sure that the trailer is elevated to the right level from the ground, which makes it not only easier to carry but safer too. Also, checking and making sure that the hitch is safe every hour or two hour is also a thing you should do on priority.
2. Know The Weight
First of all, you should know or at least calculate the GVWR or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating for your tow vehicle. That’s the maximum weight, which includes the weight of everything including all the passengers, cargo, and even the tongue weight of the trailer. The next thing you need to find out is the tow capacity rating of the vehicle. The GVWR should fit in within the tow capacity rating of the vehicle.
3. Distribute the Weight Evenly
Once you have got all the weight on the trailer, the next thing you need to do is to distribute it evenly. This knowledge comes instinctively to almost everyone. But it could create problems when things don’t look like they weigh. So be mindful of that. If you are likely to err, weighing things before you put them inside the trailer won’t be a bad idea.
4. Utilize a Safety Chain
Once you are done with all the three steps above, using a safety chain on top of all that would add an extra level of safety. Just make sure that you check the rating on the chain before buying it.
5. Measure the Trailer Yourself
Never fully rely on the user manual of the trailer for its dimensions, as that would certainly not include the other accessories that you add to it. At least double check the height of the trailer, so that you don’t end up in trouble when you are going under any overhangs.
6. See if You Can See
Sometimes after you have added the accessories to your trailer, it’s hard to see in the back using your mirrors. So, once you sit on the wheel, check if you can see the back of the trailer a little distance behind that. If you cannot, you can also add a wireless observation camera to compensate for that.
Final Words
Of course, driving slowly and carefully is a must with all these steps. But once you are done with them, it should put you to ease as these greatly minimize the chances of a mechanical failure or accidents.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
