Towing a trailer doesn’t have to be an intimidating experience. Whether it’s your first time, or you have done it before, having a greater knowledge of some basic towing techniques can help to make your journey safer and more enjoyable.

From allowing extra braking distance to taking corners wider, driving while towing a trailer requires you to take a different approach than when you are driving your vehicle on its own. By following a few simple tips, you can become much better prepared to tow your trailer confidently and safely.

Before You Leave

A few key points to remember, which we discussed in our previous blog How To Use A Trailer Safely, (link to previous blog) can make all the difference to your journey. Safety checks such as double checking the trailer coupling has been locked securely to your tow ball, ensuring safety chains are attached properly, testing trailer lights, indicators, brake lights and tyres on both the trailer and your vehicle, and ensuring your load has been secured before you take off will add to your on-road confidence.

Take Your Time

Remember that there is no rush and it is always better to have additional travel time if it means safe arrival at your destination. Towing a trailer alters the way your vehicle accelerates, brakes and generally handles on the road. So, when you are pulling away, make sure to accelerate smoothly and avoid any sudden movements that could cause the trailer to become unstable, or shift.

Throughout your journey, accelerate gradually from any stop-start or slow-moving position, avoid turning sharply and increase your speed steadily.

Allow Time To Brake

One of the biggest differences between towing or not towing that people may not always be aware of, is your stopping distance. A loaded trailer will increase the amount of time and distance that is needed to come to a complete stop. Remember to increase the distance between yourself and the vehicles ahead of you, brake earlier than you normally would, avoid sudden braking and always be aware of the traffic conditions ahead of you, so that you are prepared at all times.

Take Corners Wider

Because trailers don’t follow exactly the same path as your vehicle, especially around tight corners, you will need to be more mindful when turning. Allow yourself time to slow down before taking the turn, turn a little wider than you usually would, always check your mirrors and be aware of curbs, gutters, animals, pedestrians and other parked vehicles.

Drive To The Weather Conditions

Weather can have an impact on towing stability, especially with crosswinds or heavy rain. Some key points you will need to remember include reducing your speed in wet or windy conditions, taking extra caution when passing large trucks, ensuring you hold the wheel of your vehicle firmly during strong gusts and avoiding sudden steering corrections. Taking these factors into consideration will increase your confidence when the conditions are less than ideal.

Reversing Takes Practice

Reversing a trailer is one of the most challenging parts of towing a trailer, especially if you’re a beginner. But don’t worry, with practice you will become much more confident and will be able to tackle it with ease. Remember that the trailer will move in the opposite direction of the steering wheel, so be sure to take your time, and don’t rush or over accelerate. Only make small steering adjustments at a time, use your mirrors consistently and monitor what is happening around you. Ask for someone to guide you if there is someone else on hand, and practice in an open space before attempting to reverse into tight areas.

Awareness Of Your Surroundings

Because a trailer will make your vehicle longer and wider than usual, it’s important to remain aware of your surroundings. Always allow for extra room when changing lanes, check your mirrors frequently, always watch for pedestrians, cyclists and other cars and be mindful of overhead clearances, if your trailer and load are much higher than you are used to.

Trailer Sway

If your trailer begins to sway, it’s important to stay calm as you ease off the accelerator, reducing your speed slowly and gradually. Avoid any sudden braking and keep your steering wheel straight, holding firmly. When you can, pull over safely and check your load, and ensure everything is still secured and in place.

Arriving Safely

Towing a trailer becomes much easier with experience. Allowing yourself extra time, driving smoothly and remaining aware of your surroundings, you will develop confidence behind the wheel quite quickly. Whether you are towing a short distance, or heading on a much longer trip, being patient and prepared will help you to make sure that every trip is stress-free.

Towing Different Trailers

All trailers can behave differently depending on their size, weight and intended use. Whether you're towing our 8x5 Single-Axle Cage Trailer, an 8x5 Tandem Cage Trailer, a 14x6 Enclosed Trailer or our Luggage Trailer, it's important to adjust your driving style to suit both the trailer and the load you're carrying.

Key Points To Remember

Before you head off with your trailer, remember these simple yet effective towing tips.

• Plan your journey and allow extra travelling time

• Smooth acceleration, braking and steering is vital

• Leave a larger gap between you and the vehicles ahead of you

• Take corners wider than usual

• Use your mirrors frequently and remain aware of your surroundings

• Reduce speed in wet, windy or difficult weather conditions

• Practice reversing safely

• Don’t rush – arriving safely at your destination is more important than arriving quickly.

Whether you’re a beginner or have towing experience, preparation and diligence will always lead to the safest outcomes, ensuring a much more comfortable journey.

Happy Towing!