Safer Towing

We're committed to your safety out on the road, and you play a role in that commitment too. Here are some helpful tips and checklists to make sure you're towing safely.

Towing Checklists

What Is Safer Towing?

Safety is a partnership between the product and the user. We at Carry-On Trailer value the safety of customers and our trailers...

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HOW TO SAFELY HAUL YOUR TRAILER ON THE ROAD

Now that you know the best way to load your trailer, it’s time to take to the road. However, making sure your trailer is loaded...

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HOW TO SAFELY LOAD AND TOW A CAR HAULER

A car hauler is no different from any other type of trailer. Whether you are transporting your antique car to the local car...

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Maintain a speed of 55 MPH or lower when towing your trailer.

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Anticipate stops and brake early.

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Inspect your vehicle and trailer connections each time you stop.

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Don’t use cruise control while towing your trailer.

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When going downhill, shift to a lower gear and ease off the gas pedal. Don’t ride the brakes.

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Check tire pressure at least once a month on all tires, including the spare.

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Make regular stops every 50 miles or after one hour of towing to check that the cargo, coupler and safety chains are secure and fastened.

Frequently Asked Safer Towing Questions

NEVER exceed the trailer’s GVWR posted on the VIN label located on the trailer. This is the maximum allowed weight of the trailer and cargo combined. Load 60% of the cargo weight in the front half of the trailer, and NEVER load cargo on the outside of the trailer or extend cargo out the rear of the trailer. Secure all cargo inside trailer. DO NOT transport hazardous materials, corrosives, explosives or flammables.

SIDE to SIDE MOTION (SWAY) THAT BEGINS as you reach a certain speed, will likely become WHIPPING at higher speeds. If you notice sway beginning SLOW DOWN IMMEDIATELY by letting off the gas pedal. Then stop to reload the trailer heavier in the front as soon as possible.

PREVENT WHIPPING by properly loading the trailer. Load 60% of the cargo weight in the front half of the trailer box. Loading heavier in the rear will cause the tow vehicle and trailer “combination” to begin WHIPPING, which is violent and uncontrollable sway.

IF WHIPPING or SWAY OCCURS, DO NOT steer, DO NOT apply your brakes, and NEVER speed up. Let off the gas pedal and hold the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position.

At each stop, check the following:

  • Towing hitch and hitch-ball are tight.
  • Coupler lever is latched and locked.
  • Safety chains are properly attached and secure.
  • All lights are connected and working.
  • Check all tires for correct pressure.
  • Check to make sure your load has not shifted.
  • Secure the load.