1. Why do you need to brake when towing a trailer?
Most drivers are reluctant to admit it, but it happens to almost everyone eventually. Briefly turning your attention from the road ahead to the inside of the car, you are looking for a radio station you like to listen to, or you need to reset the destination of the navigation system, maybe you are fumbling for one you just pulled out of your coat pocket. A pen accidentally dropped under the car. Whatever the situation, whatever your speed, you are not paying attention to the road ahead. Finally, when you turn your attention to the road, you are surprised how much everything has changed. The car in front of you, moving at the same speed as you just now, has stopped. If you're lucky, you have plenty of time to react. You slam on the brake pedal with your right foot, of course harder than usual, or swerve into the pavement. You see a puff of blue smoke coming out of your tires and a squealing noise from the hard braking. You are lucky to avoid hitting the car in front of you. But you also realize that it's only inches away from the front car bumper.
But what if you were in a similar situation and you had a trailer behind your car that weighed more than three or four thousand pounds (1,360 to 2,721 kilograms)? Obviously, the results will be very different. Anyone who encounters this situation will have unforgettable memories. If you don't have first-hand experience, let us tell you that braking while towing a trailer brakes and drums in everyday traffic are two completely different things. The reason is very simple, it is because of inertia, or the object maintains its state of motion. The greater the mass of an object, the more resistant it is to changes in its state. The added mass due to the trailer can make slowing/braking more difficult.
Whether you're driving a giant recreational vehicle pulling the family boat, a pickup truck pulling a trailer full of firewood or a minivan pulling a pop-up camper, the truth is the same. Knowing basic towing and braking safety rules means getting to your destination safely and on time, not filling out an accident report form at your local police station on the weekend. For more informations about trailer accessories, please contact China ZY, we have trailer accessories wholesale at competitive bulk price.
2. What is the most important braking method when towing a trailer?
Towing with a vehicle with a manual transmission gives you additional options. If the speed permits, you can choose to downshift before applying the brakes. An added bonus is that the brakes won't overheat or wear excessively if you slow down this way. But the premise is that the distance between you and the vehicle in front is large enough that you have time to react and operate. Overall, it's important to remember that maintaining a low speed while towing is one of the best ways to stay safe.
Braking when towing a trailer can be a challenge for even the most experienced drivers. However, it turns out that the most effective way to prevent loss of control when towing a trailer is to control your speed and keep your distance. When your car has a trailer with hundreds or even thousands of pounds behind it, it takes longer to bring the car to a stop -- longer braking distances. With low speed and enough distance, you can handle it calmly even in an emergency.
Another simple but effective tip is to focus on the road ahead. An important part of towing safety is staying alert and giving you as much space as possible for you and the vehicle in front of you. If you stay focused, you can easily maintain the necessary distance, brake evenly, and bring the car (and trailer) to a safe stop, even if the car in front of you suddenly stops.