b" Insurance Towing - Remember the basicsYour 4WD is a versatile vehicle and towing any loose itemsto keep them from shifting. Make Wider Turnsa camper trailer or caravan can open up If your loaded trailer isn't level with the When you are pulling a trailer, remembernew horizons for you and your family and ground, then you are going to compromise that as you go around curves and cornersfriends but many people are not fully your steering and stopping ability.the trailer's wheels may not track the sameaware of the dangers that follow. Pulling a Trailer as the tow vehicle. They will generallyDo your Homework Connecting a trailer or caravan to your track tighter. So if you are making a curveBefore you head out and hook up your 4WD changes just about everything about to the right, and the tow vehicle's righttrailer or caravan, read your vehicle's the way the vehicle will drive. It takes a wheels are just left of the centre line, theowners manual to determine the maximum harder push on the accelerator to get trailer's right wheel will be on or past theload limit and to find out if the manufacturer moving, a greater distance to get it up to line, putting the trailer in the path ofhas included any special notes associated speed, and an extended distance to stop. oncoming traffic. Make wider turns towith towing. Drive changes mean you have to be more compensate for the tracking difference.It is a good idea to learn about different prepared than ever to avoid cars that pull Towing Uphill and Downhilltypes of trailer hitches to ensure your hitch out in front of you or a ball rolling into the Downshifting provides more uphill poweris appropriate for where and what you street, possibly with a child not far behind. and helps slow the vehicle on a downhillwant to tow.But since quick braking can cause jack- grade.The key safety tips when preparing to tow knifing, and abrupt steering changes can Brakes will overheat if you keep your foota trailer or caravan are to check your tyre make the trailer sway, it's important to train on the brake pedal when going down longpressure on the tow vehicle and the trailer, yourself to look as far ahead as possible and steep hills.make sure you check all the lights and so that you can anticipate what might be Backing Upindicators are working properly, the safety in your path, and make slow and steady Move slowly and don't over-steer whenchains are connected (with rated shackles), movements to handle the problem. backing up slight movements of thethat your brakes are in good working order Slow it down in built up areas or in traffic. wheel are all it takes.and your mirrors have been adjusted Put more space between you and the Practise, Practise, Practiseproperly. vehicle ahead of you than you normally Read everything you can find before youLoading a Trailer would. head out, but safe towing takes practise.The way a trailer or caravan is loaded is Watch what is happening several vehicles Get out there and practise your curvesvery important. ahead. and back-ups in empty parking lots andPut too much weight at the front or too Pass only on straightaways. Allow more take some trial towing runs on roads thatmuch at the back of the trailer or caravan distance between you and potential aren't packed with traffic. Ask a friend whoand it will negatively affect the handling. oncoming traffic and make sure there's is experienced in towing to go with you forBalance weight from side to side and enough room to pull back into your lane a drive, there is always more to learn whenalong the length of the trailer and secure after you pass. towing! ENJOY THE JOURNEY.28 MARCH2020 TRACKWATCH"