Hello fellow Sojourners. I’m your host Dave Laton and welcome to Travel With A Purpose, a podcast designed to keep sojourners and friends informed, entertained, and inspired.
In today’s episode I want to provide a list that I found on Pinterest about how to safely tow an RV. It was originally posted by Mark and Angela Hardman.
I thought the points they bring up in their post were very interesting and helpful so I thought I'd share them with you. All of us have faced challenges when towing our rigs so this information is very applicable to us.
Well let's get started.
1. Never trust that every truck, car, or SUV will pull the same. We've owned three rigs, two were bumper pull and our current rig is a 5th wheel. Yes, each one pulled differently and had their challenges.
2. Always obey the speed limit and slow down while in inclement weather. Getting to the destination safely trumps getting there fast every time. This is very important and makes the trip more enjoyable. Afterall, traveling to a destination should be as much fun as the destination itself.
3. If the weight of the trailer gets close to the weight of the vehicle, it will throw you around like a ragdoll if not equipped with surge brakes or electric. It can also cause problems with tires. I can't imagine not having brakes on my rig. Sometimes we carry quite a load in our tow vehicle and rig as we journey to a sojourn. Just be careful here.
4. For anyone getting ready to tow, you should know the weight if the trailer being towed and the capacity of the pulling vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) will determine whether you need a weight distribution hitch and class of vehicle hitch. This goes along with the previous tip. Knowing vehicle weight is important for safely towing.
5. There are anti-sway bars on the market with controllers to help steady a trailer. If you are in doubt, put one on. It might save your life. And make certain your anti-sway bars and leveling hitch are installed properly.
6. If you have ever passed a semi and felt the vehicle shake a little from the turbulent air getting pushed around you, multiply that by a whole lot and you will understand what it feels like to be pulling a trailer when a sheer wind hits you or another large vehicle. This is one of the major reasons why we moved to a 5th wheel. We have a lot more stability in windy conditions or when passed by a large vehicle.
7. No one can teach you every scenario you will face while traveling, so simply be careful. Always be aware of your surroundings. Always be alert and take breaks to rest. We're getting older and can't nor shouldn't travel the long distances we might have when we were younger.
8. Always check your tire pressure. It does not take much to make a little movement worse when your tires are not inflated properly. Our tires are one of the most important safety equipment items with our rig. Pay attention to their pressure and condition. I never start a day of travel without checking tire pressure and condition. I also visually check the tires each time I stop for a break or to gas up.
9. Tires are not all the same. There are tires designed for heavier loads or light passenger tires. To Prevent a blowout, make sure you check. Also, make sure your tires are adequate for pulling. Don't skimp on your tires. As I stated earlier, they are an important part of our safety and equipment.
10. Always check your trailer ball size. The size is almost always stated on the top of the ball. Smaller trailers usually have 2″ ball. Most travel trailers I’ve seen have 2-5/16”. This may seem obvious, but you should have a tight fit on the trailer ball to ensure it remains connected to the rig. Don't assume one size fits all.
11. Safety chains. Use them every time. They are the only thing keeping your trailer from veering into oncoming traffic if the trailer comes loose from the ball. I would add to this not only connect safety chains if applicable, but also your emergency brake cable.
12. If you are unsure whether to tow something or not, always err on the side of caution. Safety is critical for ourselves, our loved ones, and others on the road.
Bonus tip. Visually check everything before you start your trip. Make this a part of your checklist for hook up and set up. As we get older or in a hurry we might overlook something and it could lead to a disaster.
Well, friends, that wraps up this episode of Travel With a Purpose. I hope you practice all of these tips as you travel. They will keep us safe as well as add to the enjoyment of our Sojourning activities. If you have any tips to add to this list, please let me know and I'll include them in a future episode.
If you are interested in being a guest on our podcast or know someone we should have as a guest, or if you would like to hear about a specific topic, please email me at: sojournersevangelize@gmail.com.
I’m your host Dave Laton and remember we glorify God as together we, “Travel With A Purpose”!
