Towing safety can be difficult to understand without a solid industry knowledge. But when you’re choosing a provider, or getting ready for a tow, its important to properly prepare your vehicle for a safe tow, and ensure the towing services you hire are carried out to a hire standard. In this guide, we outline the main towing safety standards you should look out for and how you can ensure you’re properly prepared. 

How do you safely tow a truck?

Towing a truck can be tricky and come with a certain amount of risks, but there are ways to minimize them. The first step of towing safety is to ensure your truck has the capacity to handle the job; check its size, engine power, transmission type, wheelbase length, and payload capacity. Additionally, verify that it has the appropriate braking system and proper wiring for towing lights and brakes for a safe tow. When you are ready to tow, always maintain an even speed and use lower gears when going uphill; avoid sharp turns; keep your distance from other vehicles on the road; and practice good judgment while driving.

What is an important safety device to be used when towing?

A safety chain or cable is an important safety device used when towing a vehicle or trailer as it prevents runaway trailers if they become disconnected while in transit due to any number of reasons such as poor hitch connection or snapped straps. The cables should be attached securely at both ends for towing safety using clips according to manufacturer’s specifications. Additionally, make sure you have sufficient slack in each cable so that the car won't tug when turning, ensuring a safe tow.

What should you not do when towing?

When it comes to safe tow techniques there are certain rules of thumb that you should always follow in order to ensure safety on the road: never exceed the maximum load capacity of your tow vehicle; don’t try to tow too much weight; always maintain an even speed; use lower gears when going uphill; avoid sharp turns; keep your distance from other vehicles on the road; verify all brake lights work before starting out; and practice good judgment while driving. Following these guidelines will ensure complete towing safety for vehicles.

What safety device must be fitted when towing a trailer?

The most important towing safety device for towed trailers is a breakaway switch/cord attachment which is designed for emergency situations where the trailer becomes disconnected from its vehicle at high speed. This device causes the trailer brakes to activate automatically when separated from its source protecting both drivers and pedestrians from harm by preventing runaway trailers from rolling away uncontrolled.

How so I prepare my car for towing?

Before attempting any type of safe tow it’s important prepare your vehicle properly, ensuring all systems are functioning prior departure. Start by checking your tire pressure regularly as this affects how well you control the tow vehicle especially on long trips with heavy loads behind them. For towing safety, it’s important to make sure all lights are in working condition especially brake lights since stopping safely is essential during trailer hauling - replace any faulty bulbs immediately if needed. Finally, ensure all fluids levels (oil, coolant) are accurate otherwise it could cause major damage leading expensive repairs down the line.

Ensure towing safety by hiring our team

If you want to make sure you hire a safe towing team who can adhere to the towing safety standards outlined in this guide, reach out to the team at Tilt For You Towing. Servicing across Penrith and all of Western Sydney, we make towing safety our number one priority while we provide our services. Contact us today to get us for your towing needs.