Towing a travel trailer comes with risk, but with proper knowledge and safety precautions, you can prevent problems from happening on the road. One major concern is tipping your travel trailer, so we’ve put together a guide to help you prevent this safety risk.
Why Is Your Travel Trailer at Risk of Tipping?
Travel trailers can be a bit bulky in size and weight, so unexpected events on the road make them susceptible to tipping. There are a few common causes that can result in this. By knowing the potential causes, you have a better chance of preventing a travel trailer from tipping.
Trailer Sway
Trailer sway is when the trailer begins to move back and forth uncontrollably from side to side. This can be caused by improper weight distribution, underinflated tires, or a damaged hitch.
You should always test your coupling before driving at high speeds. Double-check the condition of your hitch, make sure you are not towing too much for your vehicle to handle, and ensure the weight is distributed correctly.
Tire Blow Out
Checking your trailer tires is just as important as checking your truck tires! Before each trip you should check that each tire is properly inflated, can support the weight of the trailer, and are not past their mileage rating.
Emergency Braking
When you’re on the road, you can’t always predict how other drivers will react or what obstacles you’ll face. Stomping on the brakes without an adequate amount of time to slow down can cause you to tip.
Before you travel long distances or on the highway, find an empty parking lot or a neighborhood with low traffic so you can practice braking. Get a feel for how much time and distance your vehicle will need to come to a complete stop. Once you are comfortable with braking normally, try driving and stopping at different speeds so you can feel how the trailer and vehicle will react in different situations.
On the road, do your best to avoid slamming on the brakes. Give yourself plenty of space behind the vehicle in front of you!
Turning Too Quickly
Probably the most common cause of tipping is taking a turn too sharp. Don’t overestimate a curve or turn! Slow down more than you think you need to.
Bad Weather Conditions
You should always check the forecast before you travel, but the weather can change quickly and become unpredictable. If you are driving and experience unexpected bad weather, find a place to pull over so it can pass or drastically slow your speed for safer travel.
We hope that these tips have been helpful. If you’re looking to buy a travel trailer, be sure to visit Rebel RV Motorsports in Indio, CA, to see what we’ve in stock. We welcome all our patrons visiting us from San Bernardino, Hemet, and Anaheim.