Frequently Asked Questions About Towing a Trailer

Towing a trailer doesn’t have to be a daunting task. As long as you have the right experience, knowledge, and equipment, you can easily tow a trailer without any difficulties. It is always a great idea to review some helpful trailer towing tips before executing your voyage, especially when it comes to towing safety. Not only do you want to ensure you are protected on the road, it is important to do what it takes so that others are protected as well. In addition to your safety and the safety of others, you want to protect your cargo too.

Continue reading to learn some common questions and answers about trailer towing, and what options are available for those who are not equipped to tow a trailer themselves.

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Should I Rent or Buy a Trailer?

Although you can choose to rent a trailer for towing needs, you also have the option of investing in one. In order to determine which avenue is most cost-effective, you must consider various factors, including trailer type, trailer cost, trailer storage, and most importantly, frequency of use. If you are going to use a trailer often and for many years, purchasing one would pay for itself overtime.

Which Vehicles are Suitable for Towing a Trailer?

You can use virtually any make or model car to tow a trailer as long as it is equipped to fit a hitch. Not all cars and trucks are built with hitch receivers. These vehicles, although rare, are not equipped for towing a trailer. Check the owners’ manual to confirm the trailer towing capabilities of your vehicle.

What Do I Need to Tow a Trailer?

There are six paramount parts you will need for any tow. These parts include a trailer hitch receiver, safety chains, pin and clip, ball mount, trailer hitch ball, and wiring harness. Although many towing guidelines will not mention safety chains as a “necessary” component for towing, they are actually mandatory under law.

Which Hitch Do I Need for My Trailer?

There are a variety of tow hitches available, so it is recommended to learn the different types before choosing one for your truck or trailer. Refer to your trailers’ manual to determine the tongue weight and trailer weight when empty. Then add the weight of the load you expect to haul. The total amount of weight of the trailer can help you determine which size hitch to use. It is a good idea to always get a larger setup then you actually require, so that you have room to change and adjust as you need.

Do I Need a Hitch Lock?

Hitch locks are meant to stop thieves from stealing trailers and the commodities they carry. They are lock a trailer hitch and hitch receiver together, which makes it impossible to lift the receiver and “un-hitch” a trailer. The trailer hitch can only be removed when the hitch lock is open. There are a few different hitch locks available for purchase, all with different features and qualities.

Do I Need a Permit to Tow a Trailer?

To tow a trailer, you do not need any special permits. You do, however, require a valid drivers’ license. On top of a drivers’ license, you will need to abide by your states towing regulations. All states will require safety chains, trailer lights, and a license plate light to tow a trailer legally.

Where Can I Find Reputable Towing Assistance in Indianapolis?

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for safe and affordable Indianapolis tow truck services you can trust. Our licensed and insured tow truck operators provide punctual and prompt tow truck services, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week! We also provide numerous community services, roadside assistance services, wrecker and recovery services, and much more. Call 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate, anytime!