travel, hotel and booking Information

Getting Hitched

The ugliest towing accidents can be blamed on a bad union between the trailer and tow vehicle.

Maybe you've gotten away with one of the following mistakes. But don't press your luck. Avoid them, period.

The breakaway trailer braking cable is not attached correctly. Should the trailer break away from the tow vehicle, the cable is supposed to activate the trailer brakes. If the cable is attached to a link in the safety chain, it may not pull taut enough. Instead, fasten it to the metal loop on the receiver hitch.

The hitch ball is too small for the trailer. This can result in the trailer decoupling from the tow hitch. Make sure the diameter of the hitch ball matches the size stamped on the trailer.

The trailer coupler doesn't set down completely on the hitch ball, so that the metal shoe wraps around the base of the hitch ball. You may need to lubricate it and manually pry the shoe back for the coupler to drop down.

Your hitch is rated to tow a certain weight, but the hitch ball carries a lesser rating. Make sure the hitch ball's shank is strong enough for the job by checking its length and diameter on the manufacturer's rating list.

Your trailer tongue is too heavy or too light, which can result in steering problems. Sometimes shifting weight in the boat can help.

TONGUE CHECK

One of the handiest towing accessories is Sherline's Trailer Tongue Weight Scale, which helps ensure that you have the recommended 5-8 percent tongue weight. The unit retails for $110 at drawtite-hitches.com and sherline.com .

[ Comment, Edit or Article Submission ]