Beginner’s Guide to Towing a Cargo Trailer
If you’re new to towing a cargo trailer, the idea of pulling extra weight behind your vehicle can seem a bit intimidating. Whether you’re transporting materials for a project in Calgary’s downtown or moving furniture to a new home in Kensington, towing a trailer safely and confidently is essential. At Hetman Rental, we provide not only reliable trailers but also the guidance to help you get started. This beginner’s guide is designed to give you the knowledge you need to tow a cargo trailer with ease.
Choose the Right Trailer for Your Vehicle
The first step in towing is ensuring your vehicle can handle the trailer. Not every vehicle is suited for pulling a heavy load, so you’ll need to check your vehicle’s towing capacity in the owner’s manual or online. You’ll want to consider:
- Trailer Size and Weight: At Hetman Rental, we offer various trailer sizes. If you’re towing with a smaller vehicle, such as an SUV or pickup truck, choose a lightweight cargo trailer.
- Tongue Weight: This is the downward force exerted on your vehicle’s hitch by the trailer. Proper tongue weight is crucial to maintaining control of the trailer, especially when driving through Calgary’s varying terrain.
If you’re unsure, we recommend our article on Choosing the Right Cargo Trailer Size in Calgary to find the right fit for your vehicle.
Hitch the Trailer Correctly
Properly attaching the trailer to your vehicle’s hitch is a critical safety step. If you’re unfamiliar with the process, our team at Hetman Rental can walk you through it before you leave the lot. Key things to remember:
- Align the Hitch: Back your vehicle up until the trailer coupler is directly above the hitch ball. You may need a spotter to help with alignment.
- Secure the Coupler: Lower the trailer coupler onto the hitch ball and lock it in place. Always double-check that it’s secure by pulling on the trailer.
- Attach Safety Chains: Cross the safety chains beneath the coupler and hook them to your vehicle. This is an extra precaution in case the hitch comes undone.
Practice Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer affects how your vehicle handles, especially in Calgary’s busy urban streets or when navigating curvy roads around the foothills. If this is your first time towing, we recommend practicing before hitting major highways. Here are a few tips:
- Start Slow: Drive at lower speeds until you’re comfortable with how the trailer affects your acceleration and braking. Towing requires a longer stopping distance, so keep extra space between you and other vehicles.
- Take Wide Turns: When turning, remember that the trailer will take a tighter path than your vehicle. Make wider turns to prevent the trailer from hitting curbs or other obstacles.
- Reverse with Caution: Reversing with a trailer can be tricky. Steer gently and remember that the trailer will move in the opposite direction of the vehicle’s steering wheel. Practice in an empty parking lot if possible.
Adjust Your Mirrors and Blind Spots
Towing a cargo trailer creates larger blind spots. Adjust your side mirrors so you can see the trailer and traffic behind it. Some drivers choose to add towing mirrors, which extend further out to provide a clearer view. This is especially important when merging on busy Calgary roads like Deerfoot Trail or Crowchild Trail.
Load the Trailer Correctly
Improper loading can lead to trailer sway, which is dangerous, especially at higher speeds or on uneven roads. Always follow these basic loading tips:
- Distribute the Weight Evenly: Place heavy items in the front and center of the trailer, near the hitch, to keep the tongue weight balanced. Lighter items can go toward the back and sides.
- Secure Your Load: Use ratchet straps or bungee cords to ensure nothing shifts while you’re driving. Sudden stops or turns can cause unsecured items to move, increasing the risk of losing control.
Know Calgary’s Road and Weather Conditions
Calgary’s weather is notorious for being unpredictable, and that can make towing more challenging. From icy roads in winter to gusty winds in the foothills, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Winter Driving: Make sure your vehicle and trailer are winterized. Drive slower and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns on icy roads.
- Windy Conditions: Wind can cause the trailer to sway, especially on highways like the Trans-Canada. Slow down and maintain control if you feel the trailer swaying.
At Hetman Rental, we’re locals, so we understand the challenges Calgary’s climate presents. Don’t hesitate to ask our staff for advice before your trip.
