9 Oct 2024As summer approaches, many of us are excited to hit the road with trailers, caravans, boats, or jet skis in tow.
With busier roads, longer trips, and holiday adventures ahead, ensuring towing safety is essential for a smooth journey.
Here are some key tips to help you tow safely this summer:
Know Your Vehicle's Towing Capacity and Weight Ratings.
Before towing, always check your vehicle's towing capacity, you can look this up online, find it in the owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door. Additionally, the data plate on the towbar will display the maximum tongue load, which is the weight your towbar can safely support at the hitch point. Exceeding these limits can lead to unsafe driving and potential vehicle damage. Each vehicle has a Maximum Towed Mass (MTM), which is the maximum weight your towbar can handle. This varies depending on whether the trailer has brakes. For example, a 2015 BMW X5 has an unbraked towing capacity of 750kg and a braked capacity of 2700kg. Keep in mind, trailer brakes are only required when the total weight exceeds 2000kg.
Follow Safe Towing Guidelines.
• Ensure you can see behind the trailer using your mirrors or install special towing mirrors.
• Keep the distance between your vehicle and the trailer under 4 meters.
• At night, the rear of the trailer should show a red light, and if towing a disabled vehicle, its headlights must illuminate the towing connection.
• When towing without a rigid system (like a rope or a strop), keep your speed under 50 km/h; if using a rigid system, the limit is 90 km/h.
• Be mindful of other traffic. If you're slowing down vehicles behind you on narrow or winding roads, pull over safely to let them pass.
• Ensure the load is evenly distributed across the trailer to prevent swaying. Consider using a weight distribution hitch or sway control devices for added stability, especially for heavier loads like caravans or boats.
*Learn more about towing safety from the official NZ Transport Agency here.
Perform a Pre-Trip Inspection.
Before heading out, perform a thorough pre-trip inspection of both your vehicle and the trailer. Check hitch connections, tyre pressure (on both the vehicle and trailer), lights, and brakes. This ensures everything is secure and functioning properly. A small issue can become a big problem on the road, so don’t overlook these checks.
Service Your Vehicle Before the Trip.
Before embarking on your summer adventures, make sure both your vehicle and trailer are in top condition. A full service or our Summer Safety Check will help identify any potential issues and ensure your brakes, tyres, lights, and engine are all functioning properly. Remember, the extra weight behind you means you’ll need more space to stop, so ensure your vehicle is performing at its best.
Towing opens the door to endless summer adventures, but safety should always come first. By knowing your vehicle’s towing capacity, following safe towing practices, and ensuring your vehicle is fully serviced, you’ll be well-prepared for a smooth journey. If you need assistance or a Summer Safety Check, SD European is here to help you get ready for your summer on the road.
Book now to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure!
