Ahh, summer. It is a time filled with gorgeous weather, days at the pool, and the best thing of all, summer vacations!
There is no right or wrong way to plan a summer vacation with your friends or family, but road trips are always a popular option. What makes them even better, however, is when you use your trailer to bring the fun with you!
Whether you’re interested in towing a boat, jet skis, or ATV’s, it’s crucial to ensure that your trailer and tow package are up to the challenge of a long-distance road trip.
At Bulletproof Hitches, we believe in doing everything we can to make your towing experience as safe as possible. That’s why we’re here to offer you an industry-leading solid steel drop hitch, along with the top towing safety tips for your upcoming road trip!
1. Figure Out Whether Your Vehicle is Fit to Tow
Have you ever used your vehicle for towing? If the answer is no, the first thing you should do is make sure your car, truck, or SUV, is up to the task! While many larger vehicles have the capacity to at least do minimal towing, there are other considerations to think about, such as:
- The age of your vehicle
- The maintenance of your vehicle
- The towing capacity of your vehicle
- The overall performance of your vehicle
If you’re unsure whether your vehicle has the general towing capacity you need, check your manufacturer’s guide for more information.
2. Learn About State Towing Laws
Every state has its own set of guidelines regarding the maximum weights of trailers and tow vehicles. Do some research for any state you’ll be driving through to determine whether you’re meeting those regulations.
3. Perform General Maintenance on Your Trailer
From tire tread to brake lights, it’s essential to make sure your trailer is in good working condition before setting out on a big road trip. You should look over all significant systems, such as your trailer’s braking, electrical, and suspension.
If you want to ensure you have an even safer towing experience, the Bulletproof Hitches team also suggests investing in a high-quality sway control system.
4. Use a Trailer Hitch That is Strong Enough to Support Your Trailer for the Entire Road Trip
Your trailer hitch is going to be one of the most important pieces of equipment to ensure a safe road trip towing experience. The hitch that you are using helps to level out your trailer to ensure a smoother ride and also ensures that your trailer is properly connected to the tow vehicle.
Check your trailers overall weight and tongue weight and compare that with the capacity of your hitch. If the trailer weight exceeds the hitches rating, then you definitely need to upgrade and there is no hitch that is stronger or more reliable than the BulletProof Hitch™.
Learn More About Preparing Your Trailer for a Road Trip
When you’re out on the road, getting ready for your big summer vacation, the last thing you want to deal with is a frustrating towing incident. By considering these safety tips, you can ensure your hitch and trailer have everything they need to tow your belongings safely and comfortably.
Do you still have questions about the best way to tow your belongings during a long road trip? Give our expert customer service representatives at Bulletproof Hitches a call today at 941-251-8110. Or, simply fill out our easy-to-use online form for more information.
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