Tips for Loading Towed Vehicles

Indianapolis Towing Company 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing Company 317-247-8484

Learning how to drive a towing vehicle is one feat, but learning how to properly load the towed vehicle is another. And one commonly overlooked in terms of towing safety. Not only can improper towing cause serious accidents and losses, improper loading of trailers can also cause these types of damages. When it comes to towing, don’t stop at learning the basics; instead, be sure to cover all towing safety hazards and precautions, as well as, proper connecting and loading methods.

Continue reading to review some important tips about safely loading a trailer before you tow it.

Trailer Loading Physics

Loading a trailer takes some rudimentary understanding of physics, namely inertia. Inertia is the theory that objects in motion tend to stay in motion, whereas objects that are stationary tend to stay still. This idea can directly relate to the items loaded in a moving trailer or vehicle. Even if the brakes are initiated properly, trailers and their cargoes will still want to continue moving in the direction they have been. This is why it is important to position them in the trailer correctly, to avoid tipping accidents and other damages caused by imbalanced cargo.

There are several wrong ways to load cargo into a trailer. Too much weight in the front, or top-heavy loads, can cause a trailer to dive forward, and the towing vehicle’s front end to raise off the ground, when the brakes are applied. However, too much weight in the back can cause the trailer to violently sway, leading to traffic accidents and cargo damages. Weight distribution plays a major role in towing safety, and can make or break a towing journey. Here are a few tips to remember when loading cargo in a trailer that will be towed:

• Read vehicle’s owners’ manual for weight capacity.
• Glue mats down to the floor of the trailer to increase friction and reduce slipping.
• Distribute and spread cargo out as evenly as possible.
• Always place heavy items on the bottom and lighter items on top.
• Keep loads as low as possible for flatbed tows.
• Use straps and ropes to tie down large cargo items.
• Do not let anything protrude from the back of the trailer.
• Use a public scale to weigh your trailer after loading it.

Tips for Unloading:


• Always park on level ground.
• Use cement blocks if you must unload on an incline.
• Utilize ramps and dollies to reduce exertion and back injuries.
• Move heavy items slowly.

Zore’s Towing in Indianapolis

Indianapolis Towing

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for fast and friendly tow truck services in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. Our towing company retains an extensive fleet of towing trucks and equipment, allowing us to provide a wide range of tows for all vehicles and commodities. We offer 24 hour towing for all Indianapolis counties and neighborhoods. Call 317-247-8484 if you want reliable towing service at a reasonable price.

Vital Information You Need to Know About Towing a Car, Truck, or Trailer

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Safety is the number one concern when it comes to towing a vehicle or hauling a load. Before tackling a tow job, novice or not, it is important to understand the risks, and know how to avoid them. Knowing important and vital towing safety tips can protect yourself, passengers, other drivers, and your property at all times and for every load. Continue reading to learn more about towing safety, and be better prepared for your next haul.

Towing Safety Tips

There are so many more easily-available and more-affordable commodities on the market today that requires towing; like boats, motorcycles, jet skis, campers, and more. With this exponential increase of the towing population, an equal amount of towing safety awareness is necessary. Let’s start with certain areas and accessories of a tow truck and haul, and what to know about each.

Safety Chains

When it comes to towing safety, you can never be too concerned about safety chains. Always be sure they are properly attached and secured before every drive. If safety chains are poorly tended to, it can result in the trailer separating from the truck or SUV. Not only can this cause significant property damage to your equipment and everyone else’ s nearby, it can result in serious injuries and worse, fatalities. These are mandatory by law so stay legal by using them for every tow. Be sure the chains cross under the trailer tongue in the accidental case that it gets separated, but also be sure they are loose enough to make turns. It chains are too loose, they can drag on the ground and create a whole load of road hazards. They need to be secured just right.

Lights

When towing a load of any kind, it is critical that the traffic behind you can see your brake lights and know when you are coming to a stop. With this being said, it is important to check that your trailer’s brake lights are functional and bright enough, as well as, the brakes on your truck or SUV. Check that your turn signals are working as well, and be sure to do these things before every drive. Even if you stop for lunch, or visit multiple locations, check your lights every time. You never know when a bulb decides to go out. If your trailer didn’t come with a wiring harness, you can purchase one at any automotive parts store. Not only is it the law to have operational brake, head, and turn signal lights, it is the difference between a safe tow, and a tow that ends in accidents and injuries.

Tow Capacity

Never exceed your towing capacity! It is vital to have the right type of tow hitch for whatever load you intend to haul. Not only is an accurate hitch necessary, but following manufacturers’ instructions for tow weight capacity is critical. You can cause serious damage to the drive chain, which is a costly automotive repair, as well as, dangerous motor vehicle accidents on steep inclines and hills. Check what your vehicle’s tow capacity is, and never exceed this limit. Know how much your load weighs helps too! If you have trouble making this assessment, contact a local Indianapolis wrecker service for accurate industry advice and assistance.

Zore’s Towing in Indianapolis

Towing Indiana 317-247-8484

Towing Indiana 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for safe and affordable tow truck services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We use the latest technologies and advanced wrecker equipment to haul any load, large or small! We offer countless community services, roadside assistance, towing services, and much more. Call 317-247-8484 to learn more about our towing services in Indianapolis, IN today.