Dewald Ranft, Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), says the first thing to ensure is that the trailer or caravan has been properly serviced by a competent person.
“These have probably been standing idle since last December. During the service, the following areas should receive special attention: brakes (if fitted); electrical connections and components such as lights, cables etc; wheel bearings (these need to be greased if the trailer has been standing for a lengthy period); and tyres with emphasis on the tyre age i.e. cracks etc.”
Ranft says that speeding is the number one cause of accidents when towing.
Weight is also a key consideration when towing. Towing a trailer can be dangerous with the wrong weight distribution as illustrated in the following youtube clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mW_gzdh6to.
If more than 40% of the load is on the back it becomes unstable. At least 60% should be in the front. A tail heavy trailer could whip you off the road and cause an accident.
He also encourages drivers who stop to assist a broken-down vehicle to ensure they use the correct equipment before attempting to tow the vehicle. “Use only approved towing equipment such as towing bars and ropes.
Be aware when using a rope that it will slacken on deceleration. By using the correct rope you avoid the risk of the rope snapping on acceleration.
A tow bar should be used if the towed vehicle’s brakes are not working. Be aware that the steering on the towed vehicle may be extremely heavy when the engine is not running so too are the brakes without vacuum assistance,” he adds.
“Every December and January we have many fatalities on our roads. Let’s make sure that we tow responsibly and take it easy on our roads this festive season,” concludes Ranft.
