10 Essential Items You Need to Tow a Trailer Safely

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!

Call 317-247-8484 if You Need Trailer Towing in Indianapolis Indiana
Call 317-247-8484 if You Need Trailer Towing in Indianapolis Indiana

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.

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Towing a Car

When towing a car, it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers and take the necessary precautions to avoid them. Continue below to review some of the most vital Do’s and Don’t of car towing, plus where to turn if you require professional tow truck assistance or long distance towing service in Central Indiana.

Call 317-247-8484 if You Need Help Towing a Car in Indianapolis Indiana!
Call 317-247-8484 if You Need a Tow Truck in Indianapolis Indiana!

Car Towing: What You Should and Should Not Do

If you’re towing a car, there are some things you should and shouldn’t do. Here are the most important Do’s and Don’ts to remember when towing a car.

1. DO make sure your appointed tow vehicle is up to the task. If it’s not, you could end up damaging both vehicles.

2. DON’T exceed the towing capacity of either vehicle. You could end up causing serious damage to both cars.

3. DO use a tow strap or chain to connect the two cars together. This will help distribute the weight evenly and reduce the risk of damage to either car.

4. DON’T forget to apply the parking brake on both cars before disconnecting them from each other. This will help keep them in place while you’re disconnecting them.

5. DO ensure that the towing vehicle is firmly attached to the car being towed before you start to drive. This will help to avoid any nasty surprises!

6. DON’T attempt to tow a car without proper towing equipment and instruction. Improper towing could lead to personal injury or damage to both vehicles. 

7. DO check to make sure that the towing vehicle’s brakes, steering, and lights are working properly before towing a vehicle.

8. DON’T forget to double-check the tow bar and straps to make sure they’re secure before you start to drive.

9. DO keep an eye out for road hazards and other drivers to make sure that you’re towing safely.

10. DON’T forget to read the owner’s manual of your tow vehicle to make sure you understand any specific towing instructions.

Practice Safe Towing and Car Care

Following these dos and don’ts will help to ensure that you tow your car safely and securely, and can avoid any potential damages to either vehicle. You may need to consider long distance towing service for extended trips if you do not have much experience with towing a vehicle.

Do you think a professional tow truck operator might be the better option for your towing needs? Contact Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour tow truck and roadside assistance services you can afford. We serve all of Central Indiana, including Lebanon, Greenwood, and Avon areas.

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Can My Car Tow a Full Size Trailer?

Trailer towing safety is a serious issue that all drivers should be aware of. When towing a trailer, it is important to remember that your vehicle is now longer and wider than normal. You need to take these factors into account when driving. Make sure you are aware of the maximum weight your vehicle can tow. And as always, use caution when turning or changing lanes. But before you even think about operating a vehicle with a trailer in tow, first ensure your car can handle the load.

Continue reading to learn how to determine your vehicle’s tow capacity, plus a backup plan if you cannot get the job done safely.

Call 317-247-8484 For Trailer Towing Service in Indianapolis!
Call 317-247-8484 For Trailer Towing Service in Indianapolis!

Calculating Towing Capacity

When asking yourself, “Can my car tow a full size trailer?”, there are several factors you should take into consideration. While some small to mid-sized cars are capable of towing heavier loads than others, the size and weight of the trailer are key components in this equation.

Before getting started, you’ll want to check your vehicle’s manufacturer-specified towing capacity. Compare this rating to the size and weight of the trailer you are towing. This information is typically located in your car manual or online. Make sure to account for any additional factors that might affect its payload. This includes the number of passengers, cargo, engine size or type, and fuel economy.

Safety Tips For Towing a Trailer

Once you’ve determined your car is capable of towing the trailer, there are several additional steps you should take to ensure a safe towing experience. You should always check that all lights, brakes, and hookups are functioning properly. Additionally, you can create a checklist before setting out to help you stay organized and prepared. Some important items you should check off the list include double-checking tire pressure, ensuring all cargo is properly secured and balanced, and making sure you have enough fuel for the journey.

If your car isn’t capable of towing a trailer with the payload you need, or if you’re new to trailer towing, it’s a good idea to consider renting a larger vehicle. Your cargo and passengers are safer during the trip with this option. It can also avoiding additional wear and tear on your own car. Or just hire a professional Indianapolis transport company to tow your trailer for you!

If you take these precautions before setting out on any towing journey, you’ll be better prepared for a successful trip. With the right vehicle and a bit of planning, you can safely tow your trailer and enjoy the ride. 

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.

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Should I Install a Transmission Cooler to Tow a Trailer With My Car?

If you are new to the world of trailer towing, you are already on the right track. Research and preparation are critical parts to towing safety. In order to tow your trailer, you need to fully understand the parts, process, laws, and safety regulations involved. On your way to learning how to tow, you have probably already gathered most of your towing parts, including your hitch receiver, ball mount, hitch ball, pin and clips, safety chains, and more.

But if you plan on using an automatic transmission vehicle to tow your trailer, there is another towing accessory that should never be overlooked, and that is an aftermarket transmission cooler. This is especially important this time of year when seasons are warming up.

Continue reading to learn what a transmission cooler is and what it does, and better understand their importance.

24 Hour Towing Roadside Assistance Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484
24 Hour Towing Roadside Assistance Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

The Importance of Transmission Protection When Towing a Trailer

When towing a trailer, a vehicle’s automatic transmission must work harder to manage the extra weight and resistance of its load. And when a transmission works harder, it creates more heat, which is not good for transmissions. An aftermarket transmission cooler is a towing accessory that prevents an automatic transmission from overheating as it tows. This allows a vehicle to perform at its strongest while towing.

They operate by cooling heated fluid from the transmission, power steering, and engine. The heated fluid passes over the fins in the cooler, cools down, and then flows back to its original source in a loop-like pattern. This process keeps the transmission and other vehicular components from overheating as you tow your trailer.

How to Install a Transmission Cooler

There are a few different installation methods for transmission coolers. Most often, they are attached to the radiator or air conditioner condenser with narrow plastic rods, pads, and fasteners.  You can also install them using a metal bracket mounting kit. Be sure to choose a cooler with quality cooling performance. The general rule of thumb is, “the bigger the cooler, the better the cooling capacity.”

Also, “plate-and-fin” coolers tend to perform better than “tube-and-fin” coolers. So that is something to think about when choosing one for your vehicle. Consider talking to a local and trusted tow truck operator for advice on mounting a transmission cooler for towing purposes.

Do you need professional trailer towing? Or are you dealing with a roadside trailer emergency? Contact Zore’s Towing for economically-priced towing and recovery service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve all of Central Indiana.

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Towing Wrecker Company Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484
Towing Wrecker Company Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

Trailer Towing Tips You Need to Know Before You Hit the Road

No matter how much experience you have, it is important to do a basic trailer towing review before you hit the road on any long or short distance trip. Whether you are traversing the country or just to the other side of town, safety is the most important element of towing a trailer.

Continue reading to learn some of the most important trailer towing tips you need to know, including a recommended pre-trip checklist, road safety, and jackknife prevention.

24 Hour Trailer Towing Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484
24 Hour Trailer Towing Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

Top Considerations for Pulling a Trailer

Pulling a trailer is no simple feat. From safety and clearance precautions to regulation towing equipment like hitches and signals, towing laws, licensing, and more, there is much you need to know and stay on top of when it comes to trailer towing. Not only do towing vehicles require more stopping time when pulling a trailer, but they must also adhere to all local and state towing regulations and traffic laws.

For instance, some states require anyone towing a trailer to drive slower and remain in the right lane at all times, while other states have more specific or unique regulations for trailer towing. It is important to check with your county clerk’s office to ensure that you are in accordance with all local and state trailer towing guidelines.

It is important that you are properly equipped to safely to a trailer, which includes being properly licensed to tow, plus having all of your necessary safety chains, lights and signals, hitches, receivers, and all other towing components in order. It is important to check these components before leaving on every trip. This brings us to our recommended pre-trip checklist for trailer towing.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Before hitting the road with trailer in tow, check all of these components. First:

Hitch – if you have a standard ball hitch, your trailer tongue should be properly attached. According to manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure the locking mechanism is secured with the lock pin in proper position. Check that your hitch is secure by trying to pull it up. If you can pull it off, then it is not attached properly.

Trailer Connection Chains – check that the connection chains between your trailer in the towing vehicle are crisscrossed and in the right position, which would be directly in between the vehicle of trailer.

Brake Lights and Signals – Your next priority is to check that the trailer brake lights and turn signals are in sync with your towing vehicle. You will likely need a partner to help you with this step, but you can also use the reflection of another window or vehicle windshield.

Towing a Trailer on the Road

Once you do hit the road with your trailer in tow, there are still some more rules and considerations you need to keep in mind. It is strongly encouraged to drive directly to a large open area or a parking lot to practice your maneuvering skills. Practice backing up and parking, as well as stopping and turning. Allow yourself to get a better feel or reminder of just how big your caravan is. This little bit of practice can really help you be more confident on the road, which in turn can make you a safer driver.

Jackknifing prevention

One of the most common trailer towing errors is jackknifing, which usually results from backing up incorrectly. This can cause the trailer and towing vehicle to turn into an L or V shape, which can be damaging to both the hitch and the trailer. This is a very difficult position to get out of, which is what is important to learn how to avoid in the first place.

Practicing in an open area or parking lot, as mentioned before, can really help you get a better feel for your trailer and avoid jackknifing errors. To avoid jackknifing when towing a trailer, just take it slow and never let the trailer and towing vehicle get beyond an L or V shape.

Do you need professional towing assistance or have a roadside trailer emergency? Contact Zore’s Towing for economically-priced towing and recovery service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve all of Central Indiana.

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Towing Wrecker Company Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484
Towing Wrecker Company Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

The Importance of Using a Hitch Lock For Your Trailer

If you are somebody who has a truck and a trailer, you are someone who values your investment. For overall safety and protection, it is necessary to ensure that your trailer is secured. The best way to achieve this level of security is to invest in a quality trailer hitch lock system.

Continue reading to learn the importance of using a hitch lock for your trailer, as well as what to do if you find yourself in need of professional trailer towing service in Central Indiana.

Trailer Roadside Assistance Indianapolis IN 317-247-8484
Trailer Roadside Assistance Indianapolis IN 317-247-8484

Why You Do Not Want to Skimp on a Trailer Hitch Lock

If you are asking yourself whether or not you need a hitch lock for your trailer, just consider this very possible and all-too-common scenario: You are leaving town for a fun weekend at the lake with your family. You load up the boat and trailer to your truck and hit the open road. Along the way, you stop in a local diner for some lunch.

After paying the check, you and your family walk outside to find your truck parked exactly where you left it, but the trailer and boat are not where you left them, they are gone. You were just robbed in the middle of nowhere, and all because you didn’t have a hitch lock! Anyone with a hitch receiver could have come along and taken your get-up in a few short minutes.

Trailer Hitch Locks Boost Theft Prevention

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 disconnect 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. Consider investing in a coupler lock as well!

Make Sure Your Hitch Lock is Compatible With Your Trailer

Trailer hitch locks come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and attachments. A key or number combination is needed to open them. Some versions have curved ends so they cannot be pulled out, while other have standard metal pins with locks on them. There are even some that have two locks on each side. The version you choose will depend on your personal preference, as well as the class hitch receiver you have.

Hitch classes differ and are categorized by the maximum weight they can safely tow. Class 1 hitch receivers tow a maximum of 2,000 pounds, while the last class, Class 5, can tow a maximum of 30,000 pounds or more. Most trailer locks are a half of an inch and 5/8 of an inch in diameter. The hitch lock you buy will need to fit the Class hitch receiver you are using for your trailer. For instance, Class 1 and 2 hitch receivers use ½-inch pins, while Class 3, 4 and 5 receiver hitches use 5/8 inch pins.

Do you need professional towing assistance or have a roadside trailer emergency? Contact Zore’s Towing for economically-priced towing and recovery service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve all of Central Indiana.

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Zore’s Towing Towing Wrecker Service Indianapolis
Zore’s Towing Towing Wrecker Service Indianapolis

Why You Can Never Ignore Vehicular Towing Capacity

Whether you are planning to hook up a camper to your truck, tow a personal watercraft to the lake, or dinghy tow another car across the state, the most important factor to review first is the tow capacity of the vehicle you plan on doing the towing. Continue below to learn more about car and truck towing capacities, including why they are so important and how to calculate yours.

Indiana Towing Services 317-247-8484
Indiana Towing Services 317-247-8484

The Basic Rules of Towing Capacity

Towing capacity is the weight limit your towing vehicle can pull. These capacities vary from vehicle to vehicle, depending on make, model, year, features, and more. Towing capacity is formulated by comprehending five principal components of a towing vehicle. These include the transmission, brakes, axles, motor, and edge. Additionally, incorporating the towing vehicle’s weight, trailer weight, cargo weight, and the total combined weight of its occupants will provide a general understanding of how much weight your towing vehicle will have to pull.

From there, you must then check with the vehicle’s owners’ manual to see how much weight your make and model vehicle can tow, and compare that with the total combined weight you need to tow. If the total combined weight exceeds the recommended towing capacity, you cannot safely tow with that vehicle. You must either reduce the weight of the cargo and vessel, or get a towing vehicle with a higher towing capacity.

The Purpose of a Tow Capacity Rating

There is a reason why towing capacity exists. There are several consequences to ignoring a vehicle’s towing limit. This includes safety hazards, mechanical damages, and more. The most dangerous, and common, consequence to exceeding a vehicle’s towing capacity is losing the ability to brake. You never want this to happen to you, especially when accompanied by other passengers or carrying flammable cargoes.

When the towing limit is met or exceeded, they can easily achieve regular speeds on the road, but when it comes time to stop, problems arise. The vehicle is basically too heavy to come to a stop at the regular amount of time you expect. It takes much longer, especially at higher speeds, to come to a complete stop. In some cases, the load is so heavy, the vehicle cannot stop at all, or in time, to avoid a dangerous or fatal collision.

In less extreme cases, surpassing the towing limit can prohibit a vehicle from driving uphill, even at the slightest incline. Since the load is too heavy, the vehicle already has trouble getting up to speed, so when it comes time to drive up an incline, it could simply give out or burn rubber right in its place. Not only does this bring the towing task to a fast halt, but it can also cause major damage to the towing vehicle and tires.

Do you need tow truck assistance or long-distance towing services in Indianapolis, Indiana? Contact Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 to request free estimates for Central Indiana towing and recovery!

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Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

How to Do a Pre-Trip Check Before Hitting the Road With Your Trailer

Summer has officially begun, which means everyone is looking for ways to take full advantage of the amiable weather. From fishing and kayaking, to biking, camping, road tripping, and more, there are several summertime options to choose from, most of which likely requires the use of a trailer haul! But when you plan to hitch a trailer and hit the road this summer, whether driving a short distance or a long one, it is important to know how to stay safe. Fortunately, your experience puts you in a great position to haul your trailer from one point to another. So, all you really need is a reminder on how to perform a pre-trip inspection!

Continue reading to learn what to do when preparing your trailer haul for a road trip this summer!

24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance
24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Pre-Trip Trailer Check Guide

The most important part of your pre-trip inspection is to ensure your trailer is properly connected to the hitch. Equally important is to ensure the vehicle and trailer brake lights and signals are connected and compatible. Here are the steps to take to ensure all of this and more:

Step 1 – Check your hitch.

If you have a standard ball hitch, the trailer tongue should attach to the towing vehicle’s hitch, properly. Test the quality of this connection by physically lifting the trailer. If it is properly attached, you should not be able to lift it at all. Be sure that the lock pins and locking mechanisms are also snapped into place, correctly. Along with checking your hitch in this step, be sure your trailer safety chains are properly crisscrossed and connected. To complete this first step, also check that your trailer connection has enough clearance. Any trailer wheels or stands should be placed back in their UP or DRIVE position.

Step 2 – Check Brake Lights and Signals

As mentioned, checking that the brake and signal lights are functioning in alignment with your towing vehicle’s lights is a top priority. Not only do you check that they work, you need to also ensure they are aligned with your towing vehicle. When you apply the brake in your car, the brake lights should illuminate on your trailer lights, and so forth. If you are alone, use the reflection from other cars or windows to see the lights. You can also do this the night before in the dark. Also in this step, ensure that the electrical wires that make these brake and signal light connections are cleared from the ground, as well as all other undercarriage parts.

🏞 You are now ready to drive!

It does help to practice a little before the big drive day to give you some more confidence on the road. Practice turning, backing up, parking, and disconnecting the trailer from the hitch. See our blog, “Frequently Asked Questions About Towing a Trailer” to learn some more tips and tricks for safe trailer towing.

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

If your vehicle breaks down in Indiana at any point during your trip, call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing recovery services you can trust. 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.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

How to Install a Trailer Hitch Adapter

Our February blogs, seen to the right, “How to Transport a Car Across the Country”, and, “How to Test Tire Tread Using a Penny”, have certainly turned this month into the month of “How To’s!” So we why not end the month with one more “How To” blog?

After some thought, we realized that many novice towers are always asking questions about setting up hitch receivers and adapters. If you have a trailer and towing vehicle, you might want to review the steps for doing both. Continue reading to learn a quick guide to installing a trailer hitch adapter, as well as, some helpful tips for hitch receivers.

24 hour Towing Indianapolis IN
Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Trailer Hitch Adapters

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.

Before getting started, it is critical to DOUBLE CHECK the receiver hitch tongue weight rating. The tongue weight needs to be higher than the combined weight of the cargo and the apparatuses used to secure everything. See our article, “The 5 Hitch Classes and Their Maximum Load Capacities” to learn more about tongue weight (TW) and gross trailer weight (GTW).

Trailer Hitch Adapter Installation Guide:

Step ❶ – Insert the adapter into your vehicle’s receiver hitch. Then secure it with the pin and clip.

Step ❷ – Install the 2” hitch accessory, then secure it using the pin and clip.

Step ❸ – Secure the hitch accessory with cargo support straps.

Step ❹ – Periodically inspect the hitch accessory as you use it to ensure the trailer hitch adapter and cargo straps are still secure and in place.

When You Need Professional Towing in Indianapolis

Zore's Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484
Indianapolis Towing & Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for prompt, 24 hour towing and roadside assistance in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Our licensed towing and recovery division retains an extensive fleet of over 35 tow trucks and wrecker equipment, allowing us to assist drivers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, rain, snow, or ice. Request a free estimate, anytime.

What Should I Do If My Trailer Starts To Sway?

Regardless of experience, a driver can encounter a loss of control over their trailer at any time. Whether from a sudden and unexpected gust of wind or a simple steering wheel over-correction, a swaying trailer is a very scary situation that can cause serious accidents on the road. Fortunately, there is a particular course of action you can take if you are ever faced with a fishtailing trailer; furthermore, there are products available on the market that can help prevent trailer swaying altogether.

Continue reading to learn some common causes of trailer swaying, how you can prevent it, and how to stop it when it’s happening to you.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Common Causes of Trailer Swaying

If your trailer is connected to a hitch that is located behind the rear axle of your vehicle, it is capable of swaying. Since the hitch is essentially the acting pivot point between the centers of gravity of the trailer and vehicle, any sudden force can send it into a swaying motion if it is stronger than the road tire friction for the drive wheels on your towing vehicle. This can lead to your vehicle to spin out of control or tip over. The same can happen to your trailer.

Additional Causes:

🗸 Crosswinds
🗸 Descending Hills
🗸 Incorrect Braking
🗸 Fast-Passing Large Truck Drafts
🗸 Over-Corrected Steering
🗸 Improperly Loaded Trailer
🗸 Unbalanced Trailer Weight
🗸 Exceeding the Towing Weight of the Hitch

What To Do if Your Trailer Begins to Sway

According to this National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), you should immediately engage your manual brake control override with your hands in the case that your trailer begins to sway. If you apply the towing vehicle or trailer brakes, it will only make the swaying worse, as will speeding up. Attempting to control the movement by turning the steering wheel can make it much worse as well.

Here’s What You Should Do:

Slowly remove your foot from the accelerator to gradually reduce your speed.

Hold on to the steering wheel to keep it straight.

Wait for your vehicle to slow down and for the trailer to reduce swaying motion.

Pull over to a safe spot and re-organize your cargo with more weight at the front.

Continue driving, but at a reduced speed.

Have your hitch inspected for defects and consider having it replaced with a weight distribution model.

Consider having your brake control system upgraded too.

Indianapolis Towing and Roadside Assistance

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for prompt and professional towing and roadside assistance, regardless of time or day. Since 1927, we have a provided a wide range of roadside assistance services in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. And for the past 90 years, we have earned a reputation for trusted service at a fair price! Our licensed towing and recovery division retains an extensive fleet of over 35 tow trucks and wrecker equipment, allowing us to assist drivers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, rain, snow, sleet, or ice.