Trailer Towing, Weights, Hitch Work and Backing

Review

Before you even purchase your trailer you have to do a bit of homework to make sure you get the right one for your purposes. In Trailer Towing, Weights, Hitch Work and Backing

 Mark and Dawn Polk teach what you need to know and the calculations you need to make in determining the best tow vehicle and trailer combination for your needs.

Weight Ratings

Tow vehicles and trailers have various weight ratings that are critical to match up to stay within safe towing limits. This video shows how to calculate the various weights you are likely to add to each vehicle, including manufacturer add-ons. Weights include more than passengers, supplies and gear, and Mark shows you what you need to know, before you even buy your vehicle or trailer, and how to make choices that will serve your purposes. "Do the math" is all it takes to make sure you have a safe combination, and Mark shows you the math in very simple terms.

Hitches and Sway Control

Once you have chosen the right tow vehicle and trailer, you need to purchase a hitch that is matched to their weight ratings. While there's more math involved in choosing hitch equipment, Mark makes this a simple calculation, as well. He explains the different classes of hitches and discusses the advantages and uses of each, including their weight ratings. Then he covers the hitch ball and mount sizes and designs, and how to choose the right ones.

If you've never hitched a trailer before, the section on hitching and unhitching both trailers and fifth wheels will answer your questions with close ups shots and explanations of Mark demonstrating each step. He makes it very clear not only how to do it, but everything you will need to do it safely.

An important feature of hitches is sway control. You'll learn how different hitches can reduce or eliminate sway. You'll also learn about other factors that cause sway and how to reduce or eliminate the effects of sway altogether, keeping you in full control of your vehicle while you are traveling. He emphasizes the importance of matching the trailer to the tow vehicle, and how to break under different conditions should the trailer start to sway.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Towing a trailer or fifth wheel requires a different mindset than when driving a vehicle by itself. You're overall length can be nearly three times the length and weight of the vehicle you're accustomed to maneuvering. Making sure all of your connections, tires and safety equipment are connected and working properly can make the difference between a safe trip and a disaster.

Mark lists a number of items to check, specifying what conditions to check them in, and what qualifies as a safe state. Many RVers keep a checklist for pre-trip, mid-trip, end-trip (for end of the day), and often have one for inside and one for outside the rig. Regularly inspecting these items for safety will alert you to the need for maintenance or repair long before your safety is at risk.

Driving Tips

Mark follows his safety checklist with a list of safe driving tips, specific to towing a trailer. Driving in traffic with the additional weight and length is, essentially, learning to drive all over again. Though not much harder than learning to drive, it is vastly different. Mark points out all of the differences and how to maneuver safely with them in mind, emphasizing the need for practice in a large open area.

Backing the Trailer

If you're new to pulling a trailer, backing a trailer may be the single, most intimidating aspect of towing a vehicle. Mark takes the techniques used by professional, commercial driver trainers, and adapts these to backing your trailer. He shows how to do this with and without assistance, with and without mirrors, and what simple, inexpensive tools will make the process much easier. With a little practice, you'll be backing like a pro.

It wouldn't be an RV Education 101 video without an abundant supply of tips and hints to make any job easier. Keep a notepad handy to jot these down. As usual they're peppered throughout this video.

You can view this 52 minute video instantly, online. All you need is a computer running Windows XP or Vista.

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If you use a Mac or don't use computers, you have the option to purchase this video on DVD.