10 Essential Items You Need to Tow a Trailer Safely

Posted on June 28, 2023 by Zores

Are you planning to tow a trailer? Whether it’s for recreational use or to haul goods, there are certain items that you need in order to safely and securely tow your trailer. From the right hitch equipment to the proper lighting, here are 10 essential items you need in order to tow a trailer safely.

By investing in these ten essential items, you can ensure safe and secure travel when hauling your cargo. Read on for more information about what they are and why they’re important!

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What You Need to Tow a Trailer Safely

1. The Right Hitch: The right hitch is essential for safe trailer towing. Choose a ball mount that’s compatible with your vehicle’s frame and can support the weight of the trailer and whatever you’ll be hauling. You might also need a trailer hitch adapter.

2. Safety Chains: Safety chains are an important item when it comes to towing safety. They provide a backup connection between your vehicle and the trailer. This helps in case something like a lost pin or broken coupler occurs while on the road.

3. Brake Controller: If you’re planning to tow a heavier load above 3,000 pounds, you’ll need an electronic brake controller installed in the vehicle. Trailer brake controllers will activate and control your brakes when slowing down or stopping. This is essential for maintaining safe control of your trailer.

4. Trailer Lights: Make sure you have the proper lights attached to your trailer before setting out on any journey. The law requires that you have brake lights, turn signals, and running lights when towing a trailer. So, make sure everything is connected properly prior to departure.

5. Hitch Lock: A hitch lock will not only deter potential thieves from stealing your gear, but it will also keep your trailer securely connected to your vehicle during transport.

5 More Items for Trailer Towing

6. Towing Mirrors: When hauling a trailer, the view in the rear view mirror may be blocked due to its size and length. Installing larger tow mirrors can help increase visibility while driving. This makes towing a safe and enjoyable experience.

7. Extra Fluid: Be sure to top up all the essential fluids in your vehicle prior to setting out on any long journeys. They may be needed when towing a heavier load. This includes checking engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid levels.

8. Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS): A tire pressure monitoring system is an important item for keeping track of your trailer’s tire pressure while you drive. It also helps detect potential problems with the tires before they occur. Problems include low or overinflated tires which can lead to dangerous situations on the road.

9. Jack Stands: When loading or unloading cargo from the trailer, jack stands will help to ensure that your trailer is securely supported and not at risk of tipping over.

10. Fire Extinguisher: Make sure you have a fire extinguisher in the vehicle in case anything goes wrong during transport. This could include an electrical fault or fuel spill whilst on the road. Having an extinguisher nearby can be invaluable if a fire were to break out.

In Summary

By investing in these 10 essential items, you’ll be ensuring safe and secure travel when hauling your cargo. Remember to check each item carefully before you hit the road, as well as periodically checking for wear and tear throughout the life of your equipment.

How To Prepare Your Trailer and Hitch Before Hitting the Road

One of the most crucial aspects of safe towing is ensuring that your hitch is properly secured–otherwise, it could lead to disaster on the highway. Additionally, take the time to inspect your trailer for any signs of damage or wear and tear, as well as ensure that your weight distribution and sway control systems are in good working order. By taking these steps, you can enjoy peace of mind and a smoother ride on your next trailer excursion–whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a cross-country road trip.

Looking for a professional towing service near you? Contact Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for a wide range of towing services in Indianapolis and surrounding counties. We offer everything from light-duty and long distance towing to heavy equipment transportation, wrecker service, and more. We transport all throughout Indiana and across state lines.

3 Simple Steps to Using a Trailer Hitch Adapter

Posted on December 29, 2020 by Zores

Trailer hitch adapters are great because they do just that: adapt. You can use them with a 2 inch hitch accessory with a 1 ¼ inch receiver. Even better, trailer hitch adapters can also be used with hitch-mounted bike racks and cargo carriers that are designed for a 2 inch receiver hitch. Keep in mind, you still must use cargo support straps to prevent your cargo from moving around or creating strain on your trailer hitch. Fortunately, using a trailer hitch adapter is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Continue below to learn the 3 simplest steps to using a trailer hitch adapter, as well as a lifesaving tip that will protect you in the case that your trailer hitch fails you on the road.

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A Vital Warning Before You Begin

Never use a hitch-mounted carrier lift with a trailer hitch adapter. Furthermore, when using a trailer hitch adapter, be sure to use a cargo support system, such as straps, to prevent movement of your load, as well as decrease extra stress on the adapter. Additionally, you much check your receiver hitch tongue weight rating before setting up. You want your tongue weight rating to be greater than your combined cargo weight. A review of gross vehicle weight ratings will help you calculate your numbers.

Now Let’s Put That Trailer Hitch Adapter to Good USE!

Okay, now before using your trailer hitch adapter, check again to be sure that the receiver hitch tongue weight is higher than the weight of your cargo, including the weight of your towing vehicle. Now that you have that ready to go, let’s put that hitch adapter to good use!

First, take your trailer hitch adapter and insert it inside your towing vehicle’s hitch receiver. Then secure it with your pin and clip.

Second, put on your 2 inch hitch accessory, and then safely secure it with another pin and clip set.

Third, further secure your hitch accessory by adding on a set of quality cargo support straps.

While Using Your Trailer Hitch Adapter…

On and off the road, be sure to routinely inspect and adjust your trailer hitch adapter as needed. This improves the setup’s safety, security, and overall performance. If you are ever in a jam while out on the road, do not try to “rig up” your trailer hitch or adapter to “just get you home.” Not only is this incredibly dangerous to you and your cargo, but it is also a danger to other drivers on the road. Instead, contact a 24 hour roadside assistance tow truck for emergency response service. They have the fleet, gear, and resources to ensure your trailer and towing vehicle are safe to hit the road again.

Who to Trust for 24 Hour Roadside Assistance and Emergency Towing in Indiana

If your towing vehicle breaks down while hauling a camper or RV in Central Indiana, call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and emergency towing. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. Request a free estimate, today.

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What is the Difference Between a Hidden Hitch and a Curt Hitch?

Posted on September 22, 2016 by Zores

Regardless of the vehicle you drive, almost any car, truck, or SUV can be converted into a towing vehicle as long as you have the right parts and components. One of the primary accessories you’ll need to tow with any vehicle is a trailer hitch. There are many versions of tow hitches on the market, ranging in size, capacity, and function. But also, you must choose among various tow hitch brands, and there are many to choose from. Two of the most popular tow hitch brands are hidden hitches and Curt hitches. Continue reading to learn more about these two highly-reliable tow hitch brands so that you can make a decision based on your personal preferences.

Hidden Hitch® Trailer Hitches

Hidden Hitch Trailer Hitch Receiver on Amazon.com

Hidden Hitch 87579 Class 3 Trailer Hitch Receiver on Amazon.com

Hidden Hitch® has been manufacturing quality towing accessories for over 40 years. They are widely admired for producing superior equipment that passes all vital safety standards and comes with a lifetime guarantee. The build every receiver hitch with choice-grade steel, using heavy-duty hardware and precision welds. One of the most admired features of Hidden Hitch® receiver hitches is that they are custom-designed to match your exact make and model vehicle, right down to the year!

This ensures a perfect fit every time. And to make towing even more convenient, their hitches are designed with removable drawbars, so they are nearly indistinguishable when they are not being used. No matter what you plan to tow or the size of your trailer, Hidden Hitch® receiver hitches come in a variety of sizes, from Class 1 hitch receivers to Class 4 for heavy-duty towing. That’s a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds!

Price Range: $75 – $300

Curt® Trailer Hitches

CURT 12343 Class 2 Trailer Hitch on Amazon.com

Another admired industry leader is Curt® Trailer Hitches. Using stare-of-the-art technology, these innovative, custom-designed hitches are built to be reliable and rugged. Special features include a rust-resistant clear coat and open-back receivers, which make them much simpler to clean. Their sleek black powder coat finish gives them a dynamic look, but also helps make them even more rust-proof and scratch proof. And to get the look that matches your towing vehicle, they give you the option of choosing between circle or square tubes. They are also very easy to install and come with a lifetime guarantee!

Curt® trailer hitch receivers are available in Class 1 to Class 5 hitches, allowing for up to 12,000 pounds of towing capacity. They also manufacture a wide variety of towing accessories, such as hitch balls to T-connectors, and much more.

Price Range: $65 – $300

Factors to Consider When Choosing:

⛟ Vehicle Type
⛟ Towing Capacity Needs
⛟ Desired Visual Style
⛟ Price

Indianapolis Towing and Recovery

Tow Truck Service Lawrence Indiana 317-247-8484

Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for prompt and professional tow truck service in Indianapolis, Indiana. For more than 75 years, we have provided trusted and affordable towing and recovery, as well as, 24 hour roadside assistance, and much more! Hoosiers all across the state have chosen Zore’s Inc. for quality assistance and friendly service. Call 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis towing and recovery, today.

How Do I Know Which Tow Hitch to Use on My Trailer?

Posted on December 11, 2015 by Zores

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As a novice tower, it is important to understand the different components and techniques associated with safe towing procedures. One of the most important parts of towing any type of trailer is using the proper tow hitch. There are a variety of hitches for different types of tows and loads; if you are unsure about which one to use; ask a professional or continue reading for tips and advice on choosing the right towing hitch.

Tow Hitch Options

It can be simple choosing the right tow hitch for your haul; but be sure to consider your needs carefully to ensure a safer tow. As for the variety of tow hitches available; it is recommended to learn the different types before choosing one for your truck or trailer. 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. 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.

One common style of hitch is called a Class I Trailer Hitch. These hitches are used for loads that are less than two tons, with a tongue weight below 200 pounds. For larger loads, a Class II Trailer Hitch is necessary. These hitches are used for trailers weighing more than 3,500 pounds, with a tongue weight up to 300 pounds. Class II hitches can be used for things like small boats, trailers, and campers. For even larger loads, something like a Draw Bar Hitch is required. These hitches can draw masses weighing up to 5,000 pounds with a tongue weight up to a half ton.

Professional Towing Services

If you are new to towing, it is important to understand the *common risks associated with novice towers* to protect yourself in any towing situation. If you are unsure about towing your trailer or camper, you should consult a professional towing company for advice and perhaps assistance. Reputable towing companies offer fair and reasonable rates to tow boats, trucks, trailers, and more. They often times offer across country towing services as well. If you are not ready to tow on your own, call a licensed and experienced towing service for assistance. This is the best way to ensure the safety of yourself, your haul, and other drivers on the road.

Zore’s Towing in Indianapolis

Towing Company Indianapolis, Indiana 317-247-8484

24 Hour Towing in Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for prompt and professional wrecker and recovery services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Not only are we highly trained and licensed tow operators with over 80 years in business, we offer free estimates, roadside assistance, emergency towing services, and much more! And we retain an extensive fleet of trucks and equipment, so we can tow just about anything you can imagine; including trailers, boats, semi-trucks, duplexes, planes, and more! Call 317-247-8484 for affordable
24 hour towing in Indianapolis, IN
and its surrounding counties.

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