I hope my previous articles were helpful to you, that was the intention. I am going to postpone my promise in the next article, as title's issue raises more importance. We all think about how we are going to enjoy our time while camping with our camper trailer, and not taking into consideration all those issues that come along with its installation and its use.
So, briefly I will explain what things you should pay attention to while towing your camper trailers on your vehicle and starting your vacation. I always say experience is priceless. All the advices that follow are not mine, but the company's producing australian camper trailers I bought my off - road trailer from. Advices can be applied not only for an off - road trailer and on - road trailers but for all kinds of trailers as they are general.
First, vehicle's rating for towing. We know from the previous articles that when buying camper trailers we consider its gross weight only because of the vehicle's tongue weight. Be careful while making your choice.
Second, open flat area for setting up the towing. Provide a place where your camper trailer and vehicle will be easily and safely towed, to prevent unwilling actions from occurring like damaging not only your vehicle, but others in the area as well, including living beings.
Third, hook up the camper to your tow vehicle. Be assured you have the right hitch, because not all towing hitches are identical. Every camper has a recommended hitch for itself. But be precise of how you will add safety chains beside the hitch, as a second connection.
Fourth, complete inspection before departing. Make this for both the tow vehicle and the trailer,
- check the pressure and condition of tires to ensure full performance
- inspect thoroughly that all lights are working properly, especially the brake lights and turn signals to ensure that the electrical brake system works excellent. This system involves a battery (make sure that is charged) that should be integrated on the trailer
- also ensure you have a high-quality wiring connection from the tow vehicle to the camper (in regard of previous issue)
Fifth, towing mirrors. If your camper is larger than your vehicle, buy some towing mirrors. They are practical and indispensable. I am not indicating this from my own experience but that of my brother's, as I got one of the off-road trailers (which are smaller than a vehicle) and a camper tent. Even some local laws have been written about this issue, thus take this seriously.
Sixth, distribution of the loading weight. When loading the vehicle/trailer be careful not to exceed the limits written in the manual. Distribute the weight throughout the camper evenly; to make sure it balances out, half of the load at the front and the other at the back part of the camper. Or just load only the things that cannot be stored in your vehicle.
In this connotation, never let anyone to be in the camper at the time of towing it.
Seventh, test driving. Adjust your driving when towing a trailer. Practice the issues mentioned in the fourth part. Further, trailer swaying is a concerning issue. If a swaying occurs, investigate the problem, maybe the load had shifted in the trailer or perhaps the problem could be of a bigger importance.
Hence, there are many other issues that should be discussed before you go out to a road trip. Next time I will continue on with this subject, with special concern on hitch adjustments and driving tricks with your tow vehicle.
So, briefly I will explain what things you should pay attention to while towing your camper trailers on your vehicle and starting your vacation. I always say experience is priceless. All the advices that follow are not mine, but the company's producing australian camper trailers I bought my off - road trailer from. Advices can be applied not only for an off - road trailer and on - road trailers but for all kinds of trailers as they are general.
First, vehicle's rating for towing. We know from the previous articles that when buying camper trailers we consider its gross weight only because of the vehicle's tongue weight. Be careful while making your choice.
Second, open flat area for setting up the towing. Provide a place where your camper trailer and vehicle will be easily and safely towed, to prevent unwilling actions from occurring like damaging not only your vehicle, but others in the area as well, including living beings.
Third, hook up the camper to your tow vehicle. Be assured you have the right hitch, because not all towing hitches are identical. Every camper has a recommended hitch for itself. But be precise of how you will add safety chains beside the hitch, as a second connection.
Fourth, complete inspection before departing. Make this for both the tow vehicle and the trailer,
- check the pressure and condition of tires to ensure full performance
- inspect thoroughly that all lights are working properly, especially the brake lights and turn signals to ensure that the electrical brake system works excellent. This system involves a battery (make sure that is charged) that should be integrated on the trailer
- also ensure you have a high-quality wiring connection from the tow vehicle to the camper (in regard of previous issue)
Fifth, towing mirrors. If your camper is larger than your vehicle, buy some towing mirrors. They are practical and indispensable. I am not indicating this from my own experience but that of my brother's, as I got one of the off-road trailers (which are smaller than a vehicle) and a camper tent. Even some local laws have been written about this issue, thus take this seriously.
Sixth, distribution of the loading weight. When loading the vehicle/trailer be careful not to exceed the limits written in the manual. Distribute the weight throughout the camper evenly; to make sure it balances out, half of the load at the front and the other at the back part of the camper. Or just load only the things that cannot be stored in your vehicle.
In this connotation, never let anyone to be in the camper at the time of towing it.
Seventh, test driving. Adjust your driving when towing a trailer. Practice the issues mentioned in the fourth part. Further, trailer swaying is a concerning issue. If a swaying occurs, investigate the problem, maybe the load had shifted in the trailer or perhaps the problem could be of a bigger importance.
Hence, there are many other issues that should be discussed before you go out to a road trip. Next time I will continue on with this subject, with special concern on hitch adjustments and driving tricks with your tow vehicle.
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