Avoid Parking on Grades
Try to avoid parking on steep grades. If you have to park in a spot with a slight grade, be sure to have someone outside before you place the gear into park. Have them put down wood or cement blocks on the downhill side of the trailer wheels. Once the blocks are set, shift the gear into park and then release your foot from the brakes. This is the way you should park a trailer on a grade so that it cannot get locked into the parking gear due to the excess weight on the transmission.
Drive at Moderate Speeds
Driving at higher speeds while towing a trailer causes the dangerous swaying showcased by the above mentioned “amateur”. These are the drivers we typically avoid, so do not become one yourself! Driving at slower speeds reduces the potential for sliding, skidding, and slipping when approaching bumpy roads or stopping.
Adjust Your Braking
A larger vehicle and heavier load will need more time to come to a stop on the road. Be sure to adjust your braking times so that you have enough time to come to a complete stop, and avoid the risk of running red lights and intersections. Keep in mind that approaching a stop at the bottom of a hill will need even more barking time.
Passing Other Vehicles
When planning to pass someone on the highway or road while towing a trailer, be sure to signal far in advance. Often times, other drivers will neglect to cooperate with larger trucks, vans, and trailers, and not pay attention to them. By letting them know your intentions far ahead of time, they will be able to react accordingly. Also, be sure to allow extra distance when switching lanes, and keep in mind the traffic behind you.