Top Trailer-Towing Tips
June 12th, 2017
In order to have a successful tow trip, you need to know how to properly set up your trailer and maintain it. Driving your trailer is completely different than driving a car, and even with a top-of-the-line trailer brake system, it is much more of a process to come to safe stop. Everything takes longer when you are towing a trailer behind you—slowing down, speeding up, and turning corners are all going to be different than just driving your vehicle alone. We at Performance Trailer Braking are here to help you know what to do in order to have a safe and worry-free trip!
Proper Tongue/Pin Weight
On bumper pull type trailers, to get good stability, make sure to set your tongue weight to 10 to 15 percent of the trailer's total weight. If your vehicle doesn't have the rear suspension spring rate to make this work, you can always find an equalizing hitch to transfer some of the tongue weight forward. It can move it to the front axle.
On fifth wheel or gooseneck type trailers, the proper pin weight is 20%-25% of the gross vehicle weight.
Use Safety Chains
Your safety chains should be crossed under the hitch from side to side in an X pattern. This keeps your trailer safe in case the hitch comes adrift. The trailer tongue will drop onto the chains and not fall to the ground, allowing you to better control your vehicle and limit any damage. Also, with crossed chains, you'll be able to turn in a tighter circle without worrying about them binding.
Tire Pressure
Make sure to test the tire pressure frequently. If you keep them at their max recommended pressure, then the tires will run cooler and you won't need to use as much gas to successfully tow the trailer.
Do An Inspection
Every time that you make a stop on your journey, take a minute to inspect the hitch, the wiring, and the tires. The trailer harness connector and the breakaway cable should still be connected. Ensure that the hitch pin and its hairpin are still keeping the drawbar in place. We also recommend checking the temperature of the brake drum and wheel-bearings. If one is hotter by quite a bit, then there is an issue that needs to be resolved before you get back on the road.
Check Load
It doesn't matter how tight you make the tie-down for the load. They will begin to loosen as everything moves and wiggles during the journey. Check this when you stop and ensure that everything is still properly secured.
Bearing Life
Make sure to pack the trailer bearings with the axle manufacturer's recommended wheel bearing grease. On disc brakes, we recommend a high quality heavy red high-temp disc brake like Lucas Red 'n' Tacky or Pennzoil 707L Premium Wheel Bearing Grease. The better the quality, the more likely it is that you will keep the bearing life long. Do this every year, if not twice a year if your boat trailer is regularly immersed in water.
Check Brake Lights
Once you have the trailer connected, make sure to check that the lights are properly connected. You should be able to see both turn signals, as well as the brake lights before you hit the road. This is arguably one of the most important things to check before you begin your trip, as it can put other drivers in danger if it isn't properly connected.
Brakes
If you have electric brakes, check the function as soon as you can. You can do this by sliding the brake controller lever by about an inch. If you feel the trailer brakes actuate, then you are ready to go! If you have electric over hydraulic brakes, then this should be an easy process. Electric over hydraulic brakes will reduce your stopping distance by as much as 50% delivering safe, smooth and consistent braking giving you the confidence to handle your long voyage with both your vehicle and your trailer.
If you are in need of a trailer braking system that will keep you and your trailer safe, as well as everyone else on the road, it's time to contact Performance Trailer Braking. We know that our professional brake kits will meet your needs, and our network of installation experts would be happy to test the brake functionality for you. Shop our kits today to find the best fit, and reach out with any questions you may have about our products. With electric over hydraulic disc brakes, you will feel the difference when it comes to smooth braking, durability, and confidence in even the steepest of roads. Let's get you on the road safely!
"Truly one of a kind amazing people!!!!"
Hi Kelly,
I just wanted to take a minute and thank you for all your help getting this done but most importantly I wanted to really thank you for setting us up with John & Barbara for th Read Moree install.
Professional, polite, fun, knowledgeable and just simply decent people doesn’t even to begin to describe them. Your company is truly blessed to have them!! What an amazing team they are.
They both explained every step of the way what was going on, explained every part being used and it’s purpose. We left for a couple hours during the install and our campground neighbor was totally impressed that even while we were not there they kept working and never missed a beat!!!
After the install was complete John & Barbara hung around for a while going over everything and making sure I had no questions. I’ll be honest.. I’m not the most mechanical person and John made sure I understood everything and the proper way to maintain it as well as making sure I had all their contact information if I ever needed anything or had a problem or questions!!
Truly one of a kind amazing people!
Don & Gayle Huggans
Weymouth, MA
"Dennis Knows His Stuff!"
Dennis knows his stuff! We connected through Performance Trailer Braking when I inquired about upgrading the brakes and suspension on our Momentum Toy Hauler. Dennis and his assistant, A Read Moresher, arrived right on time and got right to work. We had them swap out the factory suspension for the Road Master Comfort Ride slipper spring set up with shocks, Kodiak disc brakes, and Dexter 8k axles.
Super nice guys, very professional and efficient. They did all the above in about 8 hours. Dennis travels the west helping customers upgrade their suspension and braking systems. He also attends RV rallies to do prearranged upgrades.
I highly recommend Dennis of SonChaser RV for any suspension & brake upgrades you may be considering.
Craig R.
Canyonville, OR
"Wow, what a difference!"
Just finished having Disc Brakes installed yesterday by "Bill" the installer for Performance Brakes. Wow, what a difference! After completing yesterday we left on a 175 mile test journey Read More. Drove two lane twists, small towns, and freeway. The braking ability is much more than I expected. During my test ride with installer he had me do a hard brake situation going about 25 mph and we came to a stop in about half the distance of my old brakes. These brakes give you a lot of comfort when driving knowing I can stop quickly if needed. Interestingly, the old brakes which we took off only had about 8k miles on them and the pads were half worn and the electromagnets were badly worn on two of the wheels. Granted we do more two lane twisty road driving than freeway driving. Bill the installer was very meticulous about his work and in addition found some wires that weren't crimp right (not related to brakes) and fixed them without saying anything until he was done. I would recommend him without any hesitation for Brakes and suspension work. I will report back if there's any change after our 175 mile trip home tomorrow.
Dave Lannoy
NROA Forum Member