Driving safely not only depends on our conduct on the road while driving, but also with the use of various equipment or devices, with any preventive maintenance check we might have to do before and after we travel as well as with the securing of any load we might have to transport.
There is a series of checks that generally have to be carried-out prior to setting off—the famous walk-around checks that can apply to any type of vehicle. But if you are going to drive a vehicle of a special category or to pull a trailer, there are some extra checks you will need to carry-out and a few simple questions you will have to ask yourself before starting your journey.
But what are the questions you should ask yourself before you set off with a trailer?
#1 - Is my vehicle suitable enough to pull a trailer?
Pulling a trailer is risky and you have to make sure the vehicle is large enough to tow it as well as the load. Brakes have to be powerful enough to make the vehicle and trailer stop safely. The weight is also very important: the weight of the trailer, together with the one being carried, should never exceed the towing capacity of your vehicle.
#2 - Am I law compliant if I drive using a trailer?
As a driver, you are legally required to adhere to the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations for your vehicles. You also need to ensure you are in possession of the adequate driving licences/certifications, and you can, at the very least, legally drive using a trailer.
#3 - How will the vehicle perform with a trailer attached?
If you add a loaded trailer to a vehicle, the performance and behaviour of it will inevitably be affected:
• starting the vehicle and setting off could be more laboured and require extra care;
• when stopping you might need to keep longer distances;
• cornering will, no doubt, require extra care.
• when stopping you might need to keep longer distances;
• cornering will, no doubt, require extra care.
It is paramount that you follow these guidelines when driving with a trailer, as your vehicle could lose stability and control if you don’t do the proper checks before you start to drive.
