b"Dec 2021 Trackwatch.qxp_Trackwatch Layout 128/11/20215:31 pmPage 30 Insurance TOWING THE BASICSYour 4WD is a versatile vehicle and keep them from shifting. If your loaded Make Wider Turnstowing a camper trailer or caravan can trailer isn't level with the ground, then you When you are pulling a trailer, rememberopen up new horizons for you and your are going to compromise your steering that as you go around curves and cornersfamily and friends but many people are and stopping ability.the trailer's wheels may not track thenot fully aware of the risks involved. Pulling a Trailer same as the tow vehicle. They will gener-Do your HomeworkConnecting a trailer or caravan to your ally track tighter. So if you are making aBefore you head out and hook up your 4WD changes just about everything curve to the right, and the tow vehicle'strailer or caravan, read your vehicle's about the way the vehicle will drive. It right wheels are just left of the centre line,owners manual to determine the takes a harder push on the accelerator to the trailer's right wheel will be on or pastmaximum load limit and to find out if the get moving, a greater distance to get it the line, putting the trailer in the path ofmanufacturer has included any special up to speed, and an extended distance oncoming traffic. Make wider turns tonotes associated with towing. It is a good to stop. compensate for thetracking difference.idea to learn about different types of Drive changes mean you have to be Towing Uphill and Downhilltrailer hitches to ensure your hitch is more prepared than ever to avoid cars Downshifting provides more uphill powerrated for the towing weight andthat pull out in front of you or a ball rolling and helps slow the vehicle on a downhillappropriate for where and what you want into the street, possibly with a child not grade. Brakes will overheat if you keepto tow.far behind. But since quick braking can your foot on the brake pedal when goingThe key safety tips when preparing to cause jack-knifing, and abrupt steering down long and steep hills.tow a trailer or caravan are to check your changes can make the trailer sway, it's Backing Uptyre pressure on the tow vehicle and the important to train yourself to look as far Move slowly and don't over-steer whentrailer, make sure you check all the lights ahead as possible so that you can backing up slight movements of theand indicators are working properly, the anticipate what might be in your path, wheel are all it takes.safety chains are connected properly (with and make slow and steady movements to Practise, Practise, Practise rated shackles), that your brakes are in handle the problem. Read everything you can find before yougood working order and your mirrors have Slow it down in built up areas or in traffic. head out, but safe towing takes practise.been adjusted properly. Put more space between you and the Get out there and practise your curvesLoading a Trailer vehicle ahead of you than you normally and back-ups in empty parking lots andThe way a trailer or caravan is loaded is would. Watch what is happening several take some trial towing runs on roads thatvery important. Put too much weight at vehicles ahead. aren't packed with traffic. Ask a friendthe front or too much at the back of the Pass only on straightaways. Allow more who is experienced in towing to go withtrailer or caravan and it will negatively distance between you and potential you for a drive, there is always more toaffect the handling. Balance weight from oncoming traffic and make sure there's learn when towing!side to side and along the length of the enough room to pull back into your lane ENJOY.trailer and secure any loose itemsto after you pass. Perhaps the most important!CGUInsurance LimitedABN 27 004 478 37128 DECEMBER2021 TRACKWATCH"