Towing a trailer increases the load on the vehicle: the engine, transmission, and brakes operate in a mode of increased wear, which directly affects the service life of the main components. The car consumes more fuel, and the loaded systems require more frequent monitoring and replacement of consumables. In addition, an overloaded trailer, improperly adjusted coupling, or insufficient knowledge of the car’s limitations can not only lead to urgent or scheduled repairs costing thousands of dollars, but also jeopardize your safety and the safety of other road users.
But in practice, a huge number of drivers calmly tow everything they need, and you can too. The first step to safety is renting a well-maintained trailer from Hetman Rental, with serviceable braking systems, flawless tires, and reliable coupling devices. Next, ask yourself a few very logical questions: what is the cause of the damage and how can it be prevented? As experts in trailer rental Calgary, we share towing safety tips.
Know Your Limits (GVWR & GCWR)
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is treating weight limits as “recommendations.” Don’t take GVWR and GCWR figures as mere advice from the manufacturer — they are the actual limits of your vehicle’s endurance.
- GVWR indicates how much the vehicle itself can weigh with passengers and tongue weight;
- GCWR is the limit for the entire vehicle combination.
Overloading is not just a risk of damaging the suspension or causing a crack in the frame that you will notice too late. It is primarily about whether you will be able to maintain control of the vehicle in an emergency.
Check the sticker on the driver’s door — all your numbers are listed there. And don’t be lazy to drive up to the scales at the nearest gas station once you’re loaded up. Don’t forget to take into account the weight of passengers and a full tank.
Protecting the Drivetrain and Transmission
The transmission is expensive and is also a fairly sensitive component that is subjected to significant loads during towing. In the mountains around Calgary, the transmission operates at its limits. The transmission can overheat to the point where the fluid effectively “boils,” losing its protective properties. Here’s how to avoid smoke under the hood and an emergency call to a mechanic:
- Turn on Tow/Haul mode, if available. With this mode, the transmission shifts to a higher gear later and to a lower gear earlier, which reduces temperature and increases the engine’s braking effect.
- Before traveling, check the oil level and quality. It should be red or pink with a neutral odor. Dark oil with a burnt smell must be changed immediately.
An additional transmission oil cooler can reduce the operating temperature by 20-40 degrees Celsius. If you plan to regularly tow heavy trailers through the Rocky Mountains, consider installing one. It’s cheaper than replacing the transmission.
The Importance of Proper Hitching and Hardware
The point where the car connects to the trailer is the weakest link. The slightest play or error in size creates constant shocks, which over time simply break the mountings and bumper.
- Choose the correct hitch ball. The 2″ and 1 7/8″ sizes look very similar to the naked eye, but they are not interchangeable. Even a millimeter difference will cause the trailer to disconnect right on the road.
- Check the strength class. Both the ball and the mount itself have their own weight limits. If you put a weak mount on a heavy load, the metal may simply burst from overloading.
- Use the “X” rule. Always cross the safety chains under the drawbar. If the clutch fails, the chains will act as a hammock — they will hold the iron so that it does not stick into the asphalt.
Eliminate any unnecessary play in the connection. The connection must be tight. Constant shaking transmits vibration to the entire structure of the machine, which gradually destroys the mounting points.
Weight Distribution and Balance
There are clear rules for placing cargo. It is important to follow them for trailer sway prevention. Incorrect balance can also lead to damage to the suspension and possibly a flat tire.
- Maintain a 60/40 balance: place most of the weight in the front of the trailer (closer to the car) and the rest in the back. Place the heaviest items as low as possible, closer to the axles.
- Keep an eye on the rear of the car: it should not rise. This will make driving more difficult, increase the braking distance, and your headlights may blind oncoming drivers.
Before setting off, check how the car and trailer look from the side. Ideally, they should form a straight horizontal line without any skewing in the coupling area.
Braking Systems and Tire Care
If you are pulling something heavier than a regular garden cart, your vehicle needs assistance; otherwise, its brakes may overheat and fail under excessive load.
- Adjust the brake controller, which coordinates the brakes of the car and trailer. If the setting is too low, the trailer will push the car from behind; if it is too high, the trailer wheels will lock up. Test this on an empty stretch of road before driving into traffic.
- Inflate your tires correctly. When you are carrying a load, the pressure in your car’s tires should be higher (look for the “Full Load” figures on the sticker in the door). Trailer tires usually have much higher pressure than passenger car tires — often up to 3.5–4.5 bar. Underinflated tires overheat instantly, which is a direct path to a tire blowout at speed.
Do not expect your vehicle to handle all the braking force alone. Without serviceable brakes on the trailer itself, all the inertia of the combined vehicle and trailer is transferred to your vehicle’s brake discs, and they are not designed for this.
Driving Habits for Longevity
Even the best drivers find it difficult to drive with a trailer at first, because the usual physics of movement now change. All movements must be slow and smooth, because every sharp maneuver is a risk of burning out the gearbox or leaving the road.
- Keep a greater distance and maintain a safe following distance. The braking distance will be much longer, so increase the gap by at least twice what you are used to. If the road is wet, multiply this distance by three.
- Use engine braking. On descents (such as on the Trans-Canada Highway), do not burn the brakes. Shift to a lower gear in manual mode and let engine braking control the load. This will save the brake pads from overheating and you from brake failure.
- Forget about sudden movements. If you press the gas pedal sharply, you will damage the gearbox. If you turn the steering wheel sharply, the trailer may destabilize the entire vehicle.
- Slow down, drive 15–20 km/h slower than usual. This will give you time to react and significantly reduce the load on the engine.
A trick for reversing: to avoid confusion about which way to turn the steering wheel, keep your hand at the bottom of the rim. Wherever this hand moves, the rear of the trailer will follow. Practice before you set off.
The essentials in brief
When you know your weight limits, take care of your transmission on hills, and distribute your load correctly, you can transport your cargo calmly and safely. Every little thing, from crossed chains to the correct tire pressure, contributes to your car serving you for years to come.
Contact our experts at Hetman Rental, and we will provide you with a proven serviced trailer, all the necessary accessories for loading and securing cargo, and advise you on what to pay attention to with your particular car. Call us today and take advantage of our experience for your next trip with a trailer.
