Towing and hauling tips

[fordnut85]

Hey guys, I know I'm kinda new to the boards but definetly not to towing so I thought I would throw out some suggestions.

First of all, I'm no expert!! I do however Haul 4 cars on a wedge trailer all over the west side of the US so I do have some experiance.

#1--Know your truck and what it can do. This seems simple but I see it alot, The PSD will pull a house down the road but it has no way to stop it!! Invest in a good brake controler, I prefer the teknosha prodogy, it's a good unit for me. When your shopping for controlers make sure you get one that will handle the number of brake axles you have on your trailer.

#2--This is more for guys hauling frieght or cars around. SECURE YOUR LOAD!!!. All straps have a load rating printed on a tag at the end, make sure that the total load rating of all the straps are at least 150% of the total load weight. If you are using chains make sure to use GRADE 70 TRANSPORT chain, not the cheap stuff you get at the hardware store. Also, DOT regulations (don't aply to you) state that you must have 1 strap per 10' of cargo length with a minumum of 2. This is a good rule of thumb but my theory is if 2 will hold it 4 is what I use. Last, after you get it sucured an go about 30-40 miles stop and double check to make sure they are tight.

#3--This is all about how to drive. Remember your longer, taller and heavier than the other cars on the road, you gotta adjust for that. Give yourself some room around you. Know what's around you at all times so when you need to make evasive manuvers you know what your options are. This is the most important, Think for everyone on the road!! Because they won't!!!!!! It's sad but you have to assume everyone is a moron and think about what you will do if they do the dumbest thing you can imagine. My dad (also an OTR driver) always used to tell me to drive like I was invisable, like the other guy has no clue your there.

#4--Bieng prepared, It sucks to be along side the road in 100*+ weather. Most of the time this can be prevented with a little foresight. Check your rig over before every trip. Check tire pressure, belts, hoses, oil, tranny, diff's, elec system on both the truck and TRAILER. Check the coupler for proper enguagement and that all safety chains and breakaway cables are securely attached to the tow rig. Speaking of breakaway, I check mine everytime I change oil. While hooked to the trailer pull the cable out of the switch and try and pull forward and of course it should feel like your standing on the brakes. If it don't check the battery to make sure it is getting a charge and holding it. Make sure to carry spare fuses bulbs and other such things that you might need out on the road.

Well I hope this helps and I am sure there is a wealth of knowledge here that will add to what I have posted.

[Log Dog]

Good advice!!

Also if your in western Colorado.....Make sure to carry your trailer registration. Or an extra 200 bucks to get the trailer out of the impound lot.



Noooooooo....Im not speaking from experience.

[ndurbin]

One thing I have learned from some experiences is a good pre-trip inspection atleast one day before hand. That way if you have problems with the rig or trailer you have time to repair it. This can be a real lifesaver if it's a trailer you don't use all that often.

Tires probably can't be stressed enough! Check PSI, wear, condition, etc. regularly. It's no fun to change a tire on a loaded rig. I run trailer tires and trailer tires only on my bigger trailers. LT (truck) or P (light truck and car) tires are NOT suitable for trailer use. And remeber to check the PSI when the tires are hot, after about 15min of use as the PSI will change. I run both truck and trailer tires @ max PSI. The front truck tires you can get away with letting them down alil if the rig is balanced when loaded.

Handling is especially important. It's hard to predict everything people will do but be aware of your surroundings so you can react safely. Knowing which way you can go incase of an emergency can save thousands of dollars and lives.

Proper safety equipment is another thing. Fire extingushers, first aid kits, flares/hazard signals, extra parts (dont need to carry an extra of everything but the common things; belts, hoses, clamps, bolts/nuts, etc.), some basic tools (not just a pair of pliers), extra clothing for the seasons and emergency situtations. It's alot of stuff but it's a lifesaver when ya need it.

I'm sure I'll think of somemore stuff.

[fordnut85]

Originally Posted by ndurbin

Proper safety equipment is another thing. Fire extingushers, first aid kits, flares/hazard signals, extra parts (dont need to carry an extra of everything but the common things; belts, hoses, clamps, bolts/nuts, etc.), some basic tools (not just a pair of pliers), extra clothing for the seasons and emergency situtations. It's alot of stuff but it's a lifesaver when ya need it.

I'm sure I'll think of somemore stuff.

You bring up a really good point, what to carry. I went down and spent the $100 or so dollars for a craftsmen tool set with sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers. I also carry 2 Mag lights (4D and 2AA), 2 sizes of cresent wrenches, ball peen and of course a BFH lol. As far as safety stuff I am required to carry a fire ext., triangles, etc. If I head up north in the winter I have a bag I throw in with a very warm mac tools blanket, 2 MRE's, matches, and a candle. Then on to parts, I carry a small peanut can full of nuts, bolts and washers (the washers realy help if you don't have the exact size) I don't bother sorting them just throw them in a can so they take up as little space as possible. Like you said, seems like a pain but you will never say that again when it saves your butt and gets you home!!!!

[ndurbin]

Yeah, I probably carry to much stuff from an average person's stand point. But I have been stuck on the side of the road and it's not fun at all.

[fordnut85]

Too much stuf???? is there such a thing lol

[WD40]

Originally Posted by fordnut85

Too much stuf???? is there such a thing lol

I don't think you can have to much stuff.

[fordnut85]

Thought I would add that you should carry a small elec kit with you. I went down and picked up a small toolbox for like $5 at the auto parts store and keep my crimpers, test light, assorted elec conectors and a couple feet each of 18, 14, and 10 ga wire.

[stomper2]

You brought up something that alot of people forget fordnut. FOOD. Extra clothes, tools, and safety equipment usually are a given, but it is possible to be caught out for a long period of time. You don't want to starve. Another would be a fully charged cell phone battery or get a car charger. Everybody has a cell phone now a days, but if yours is dead, you can't bet on someone else letting you use theirs.

[fordnut85]

Good point stomper, I have even thought about picking up one of them 1 time use cell phone batteries from wally world or the like. seems extreme but if your truck dies and you have no power that chargers is worthless lol.

as far as food, I get MRE's (meals ready to eat) from my brother along with a couple of them heaters that you just add water to, they work really well. And contrary to popular belief some of them are actually really good!! And they are packed with all the carbs, protein, vitamins and minerals you need to survive. And some even come with a little bag of M&M's !!!!!!!