7 Tips for Safer Towing – The Beginners Guide

By Gary Gardiner,

Hayman Reese Technical Towing Expert

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Towing Tip # 1
Identify Your Holiday And Towing Requirements

Before you go on your next towing adventure, ask yourself the following questions;

1. Where do you want to go?
2. What type of roads are you likely to be travelling on?
3. How long are you travelling for?
4. Do you have suitable towing equipment?

 

The type of towing equipment you will use on your trip will depend entirely on the roads that you will be travelling on in conjunction to the type of towing you will be doing.
Eg: towing a caravan vs towing a trailer.

Weight Distribution Systems are not recommended for off road use.

 

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Towing Tip # 2
Know Your Vehicle

1. Know your vehicles maximum tow rating.
2. Know your trailer ball weight.
3. Know the fully loaded weight of caravan/trailer.

Your caravan’s maximum weight/ trailer ball weight, must not be greater than your vehicles maximum tow rating.

 

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Towing Tip # 3
Know Your Towbar Capacity

If you have an existing towbar:

1. Identify if you have a Standard or Hitch Receiver towbar.

2. Identify the maximum towing capacity of your towbar.

If you need to purchase a towbar:

• Contact your nearest Hayman Reese distributor so they can recommend which towbar will suit your towing application.

• View our SmartCat Product Catalogue to see what towbars are available for your vehicle make and model.

• If required email info@haymanreese.com.au for some friendly towing advice. Or phone 1800 812 017

The type of towbar you have will determine what accessories you can use. NEVER exceed your towbars maximum towing capacity!

Click Here for more information on the different types of Hayman Reese towbars available.

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Towing Tip # 4
Install A Brake Control Unit

All trailers with a GTM exceeding 750kg must have brakes

Different options of Hayman Reese brake controllers include;

Pendulum / Proportional Guardian IQ (Part Number 5900)	Electronic Brake Controller Hayman Reese Electronic Brake Controller (Part Number 5300)

 

Click here for more information on Hayman Reese Brake Controllers.

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 Towing Tip # 5
Use A Weight Distribution System

• Why do you need a Weight Distribution System?
• Ensure your system is set up correctly

When using the Weight Distribution System the ball weight remains the same, however the load is evenly distributed through the vehicle's chassis to all four wheels. It is important that the capacity of the system is correctly chosen and that the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations are always followed.

 

Did You Know?

Towing without a Hayman Reese Weight Distribution Systems can cause unnerving trailer sway, reduced steering and braking responsiveness, less traction and misaligned head lamps? Overtime you may also notice a reduction in economy and in increased tyre wear.

Click Here To View Hayman Reese’s Range Of Premium Weight Distribution Systems.

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Towing tip # 6
Use A Sway Controller

When travelling with a trailer, strong winds and wind buffets from large trucks and buses can result in unnerving trailer sway.

A sway controller is designed to be used in conjunction with a Hayman Reese Weight Distribution System and prevents trailer sway by retarding the pivotal movement between the tow hitch and the trailer.

 

Click Here to view information on the Hayman Reese Friction Sway Controller & Dual Cam High-Performace™ Sway Controller

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Towing Tip # 7
Use Common Sense!

Educate yourself before you tow. It is better to take time to prevent problems from occurring than dealing with them when it’s too late. Make sure to contact your nearest Hayman Reese distributor before your next trip!

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Summary

1. Identify Your Holiday And Towing Requirements
2. Know Your Vehicle
3. Know Your Towbar Capacity
4. Install A Brake Control Unit
5. Use Weight Distribution System
6. Use A Sway Controller
7. Use Common Sense