Towing with Confidence
Towing changes the physics of your vehicle. It requires patience and the right setup.
Know Your Payload, Not Just Towing Capacity: Most trucks run out of payload capacity (weight the truck carries on its axles) long before they hit the "max towing" limit. Remember: Tongue weight + Passengers + Cargo = Payload.
The "Cross-Chain" Safety Trick: When connecting safety chains, always cross them (left chain to right hook, right chain to left hook). This creates a "cradle." If the trailer hops off the ball, the chains will catch the tongue before it digs into the pavement.
Speed Limits: Most trailer tires are rated for a maximum of 65 MPH. Exceeding this generates excessive heat and is the #1 cause of blowouts.
The Art of Backing Up
Reversing is the biggest source of anxiety. Use these tricks to look like a pro.
The "Hand at the Bottom" Trick: Forget "turning left to go right."
Place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel (6 o'clock).
Move your hand in the direction you want the rear of the trailer to go.
Want the trailer to go Left? Move your hand Left.
The Swoop: Don't pull straight past your campsite. Swing your tow vehicle out wide (away from the site) just before you pass it. This angles the trailer tip toward the spot before you even start reversing.
G.O.A.L: When in doubt, Get Out And Look. It takes 30 seconds to check your clearance, but weeks to fix a crunched bumper.
Smart Storage
How you store your rig determines how long it lasts.
Tires: UV rays destroy rubber. If storing outside, cover your tires and inflate them to the max PSI listed on the sidewall to prevent flat spots.
Batteries: If you aren't plugged in, disconnect your batteries via the disconnect switch. Phantom power drains (CO detectors, radio clocks) will kill a battery in two weeks.
The Fridge: Crucial: Prop the refrigerator doors open. If you store an RV with the fridge doors closed, mold will grow immediately.
