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

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.