Safety Tips for Towing a Camper or RV This Fall

Posted on September 10, 2020 by Zores

Prime camping season is approaching fast, which means avid travelers are planning road trips to through wine country, to the coast, and much more! When long road trips are on the itinerary, it is common for the voyage to include some type of towing or hauling. Common things to tow on road trips are boats, campers, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and more. When this is in the plan, be sure to catch up on some safety tips for towing one of these commodities before starting your journey. Making sure everyone and everything on board is safe is the most important part of towing and RV or camper.

Continue reading to learn the most common and basic tips for novice towers planning to hit the open road.

Emergency RV Towing and Roadside Assistance in Indiana 317-247-8484

Vital Weight Capacity and Distribution Tips

Always be sure to consider the weight capacity of your vehicle, and the distribution of all items inside the haul. This is very important in order to prevent a multitude of accidents on the road, as well as, damage to the vehicles. Your camper or RV should have come with a manual or guide. In here, you can find the total weight of the vehicle you are planning to tow. With this number in mind, compare it to the weight of the vehicle doing the towing. The heavier your vehicle is, the larger the load it can haul. If you have a lighter vehicle, it will only be able to tow light loads.

On the same topic, not only does your load weight need to be an appropriate match to your vehicle’s towing capacity, it is important to evenly distribute the weight in both vehicles. Many people pack up their cars, trucks, or mini vans with luggage and supplies for their vacation, however, it is common and convenient to also pack up the camper or RV with supplies and other cargoes. This is perfectly safe and acceptable so long as the weight ratios remain similar. Packing too much in the camper or RV can outweigh the vehicle towing it, causing distress on the hitch and the vehicle doing the hauling. Be careful when considering how to pack for a trip while hauling an RV or camper.

Proper Towing Hitches

It is vital to be wise when buying a trailer hitch for the type of haul you’ll be performing. It should be able to hold the total trailer weight of the RV or camper. A stabilizer bar is another tool that can greatly reduce the chances of swaying and swerving on the road. It is highly recommended to use a stabilizer bar along with your tow hitch to ensure a safe and secure ride.

If you are unsure about which tow hitch to use, ask a professional for advice. They can give you accurate information about using proper tow hitches, for free. Simply tell them what you are planning to haul, which vehicle is doing the hauling, and the weight of both. They can give you accurate information on which tow hitch to use. You can call a professional towing company, or a retail company that specializes in tow hitches and related towing accessories.

Smartly Position Your Towing Vehicle

Once you have the right hitch, it is helpful to simply back the vehicle up to the front of the RV or camper. The towing ball should be set directly under the hitch. Then you can lower the hitch over the ball and complete all the necessary connections. For example, the RV or camper latch must be secure and connected properly, safety chains should be used to provide extra security, and brake systems should be tested and inspected before any departures.

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.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Recommended Tow Hitch Fittings You’ll Need for Long Distance Hauls

Posted on August 12, 2020 by Zores

There are several hitch accessories that are recommended for drivers to use when towing a trailer longer distances. Although there are several hitch accessories you don’t necessarily need for shorter hauls, long distance towing is a more serious undertaking, especially when using highways and interstates at high speeds. Continue reading to learn a little about some of the most popular and recommended tow hitch accessories, and who to contact for additional towing advice and information you can trust.

Indiana Long Distance Towing Service 317-247-8484

What You Should Have for Trailer Towing

➾ Ball Mounts

The hitch receiver and ball mounts are entirely separate assemblies. A ball mount should slide into a hitch receiver and be secured with a locking pin. Always be sure to use a ball mount that matches your hitch class. This is the amount of weight your truck can pull, of course. Class I hitch pulls up to 2,000 pounds, Class II hitches pull up to 3,500 pounds, Class III’s pull up to 5,000 pounds, and so forth. You can find class V hitches that can pull more than ten thousand pounds!

➾ Hitch Balls

Hitch ball shanks fit through a hole in a ball mount, and secured with nuts and washers. Because these holes in ball mounts come in different sizes, it is important to check the shank diameter of your hitch balls before trying them out or purchasing them.

➾ Couplers

Although couplers are technically part of a trailer, they are an important accessory to mention because a trailer cannot be connected to a vehicle without them. They are attached at the end of the tongue, and must match the size of hitch ball diameter. They must also be able to handle that total weight of the load in haul. This is called the gross trailer weight, or GTW.

➾ Safety Chains

One of the most highly recommended accessories for any tow are safety chains. Just like couplers, safety chains are located at the tongue of the trailer, but on each side. They serve the purpose of keeping a trailer connected to a vehicle, while providing extra security and safety when towing a trailer. In fact, most states require them under law.

➾ Locks, Pins, and Clips

As mentioned before, pins are used to secure ball mounts to hitch receivers. Then a clip is placed over the head of the pin to prevent it from slipping out of place. Hitch locks are popular alternatives to pins and clips, as they do the job of both; but they also protect the ball mounts from thieves.

➾ Tube Covers

Customizable and fun to use, hitch tube covers are another popular and useful accessory for towing a trailer. When tow hitches aren’t being used, they can collect dirt, mud, and grime. This exposure can cause pre-mature corrosion and deterioration of your tow hitch. The solution for this issue is using a hitch cover! They are steel or plastic tube covers that protect your tow hitch from overexposure to natural elements and harsh weather conditions. Simply insert them into the ball mount hole when not in use. They are fun because they come in a variety of colors and patterns that you can match to your truck or your personality!

➾ Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carriers

Hitch-mounted cargo carriers are another accessory that can be useful when not towing a trailer. They are like a mini-flatbed trailer because they offer a flattened platform capable of holding up to 600 pounds of cargo weight. Cargo carriers simply connect to the hitch receiver on one side, providing the platform deck on the other! There are two types of carriers, open-style and enclosed. Talk to your local wrecker service for details and advice on which style to use for your truck or SUV.

➾ Extenders and Adapters

Extenders and adapters are used as accessories to hitch-mounted accessories, like cargo carriers. When a ball mount doesn’t fit the size of a receiver, a tow adapter might be used. And when you need to increase the clearance of a cargo carrier or other hitch-mounted device, an extender might be used for this. Extenders are important for trucks and vehicles that have something hanging over the bumper, like a tire or camper shell.

➾ Weight Distribution Systems

Weight distribution systems are great towing accessories to consider when you need to tow a large amount of weight. This means loads heavier than 3,000 pounds or so. In this case, you would of course need a Class VI or V trailer hitch. These systems come with shanks, hitch heads, and spring bars.

➾ Trailer Jacks

Trailer jacks do not actually mount to the hitch, but they make the hitching process much safer and much easier. They are mounted to the trailer, on the tongue, in close proximity to the coupler. They allow you to raise and lower the trailer from the hitch ball with a crank.

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance Towing Services You Can Count On

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour towing and roadside assistance in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Towing a Trailer

Posted on April 5, 2018 by Zores

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

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!

Common Causes of Towing Accidents and How to Avoid Them

Posted on April 25, 2016 by Zores

Indianapolis Towing Company 317-247-8484

Many tow truck drivers can go their whole careers without experiencing an accident of any kind, while another can get into trouble on their very first try. No matter how experienced you are in towing, whether you are a professional or someone who simply owns a truck and trailer, accidents can happen at any time, even if it’s not your fault. By learning what causes the most towing accidents, you can better prepare yourself for avoiding such instances.

Continue reading to learn about some common reasons behind towing accidents to prevent them in the future.

Towing Accessories

One of the most frequent causes of towing accidents and mishaps has to do with pins, clips, safety chains, and other towing accessories. When a tower fails to double check their towing setup before and after every tow, they put themselves at risk of missing something that needs to be replaced or re-positioned. It is easy to lose hitch pins and clips when you remove ball mounts for storage, and not even realize it. As a quick remedy, it is common for people to replace lost hitch pins and clips with improper or ill-fitting bolts. This is dangerous because the random bolts are not adequate for securing ball mounts, and can cause the trailer can pull the ball mount away from the receiver while on the road, ripping the trailer from the frame of your truck. Even with safety chains in tack, this still poses a threat to you, other drivers, and even property.

Trailer Lights

Poor trailer lighting is another cause of towing accidents. Most often, other drivers smash into the back of a poorly lit trailer because they cannot see it in time. At high speeds, it is too late to stop in time once they realize a trailer is there. And if the driver can prove that your trailer’s lighting was inadequate, your insurance may not cover the damages, leaving you with out-of-pocket expenses. For this reason, it is important to invest in good-quality trailer lighting. And be sure to always check that your lighting setup is functional and bright. This includes brake lights, parking lights, reverse lights, and more.

Trailer Maintenance

Just like factory scheduled car maintenance, towing trailers also require routine care. Without it, your vehicles are prone to causing accidents. Neglectful trailer maintenance is a frequent cause of towing accidents. There are several tasks that should be carried out on a regular basis to support safer hauling and driving. This include greasing the coupler, maintaining proper tire pressure, tire care, rust removal, and more.

Zore’s Towing

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for prompt and professional towing services in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. As a family owned and operated towing company since 1972, you can trust that we are skilled experts with the experience and dedication it takes to provide great towing and recovery services. No matter how large or small your tow needs are, we are fully equipped with an extensive fleet of wrecker trucks. We offer quick clearance for traffic accidents, disaster response, roadside assistance, general towing, and much more! Call 317-247-8484 to learn more about our 24 hour towing and recovery service in Indianapolis, IN today.

Tips for Loading Towed Vehicles

Posted on March 21, 2016 by Zores

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 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.

Tips to Towing a Trailer Safely

Posted on July 19, 2012 by Zores

Indianapolis Towing Company 317-247-8484

If you intend to haul a car, motorcycle, or anything else with the use of a trailer, you should know all there is to know about hitches, trailers, towing, and safety. Safe towing requires this type of knowledge, and preferably, experience as well. Everyone has seen that amateur tower on the road, and goes to great lengths to avoid his swaying trailer. Do not be this amateur ever. Once you have learned to be a towing expert, here are a few extra tips to towing your trailer safer.

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.

Indianapolis Towing

Zore’s Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

The importance of safety on the road while towing trailers, bikes, cars, and other loads, is limitless. Be sure you consult an experienced tow truck driver before attempting a tow on your own. For more information on towing trailers or if you need a tow in Indiana, visit our Indianapolis Towing Service website and give us a call today!