Arlington RV towing

The Worst Mistakes with RV Towing and How to Avoid Them

When it comes to spending quality time with your family while on the road, knowing what to do (and not do!) in terms of RV towing will help keep you safe on the road. Since the roads get busy with vacationers during the holiday season, it’s a good idea to know the common mistakes some people make when trying to tow their RVs and how to avoid them. Don’t get yourself into trouble when towing your RV by learning how to avoid them.

Not getting a proper towing vehicle

One of the worst mistakes you can make when it comes to towing an RV is not getting the right towing vehicle for the job. In situations where you need to have your RV towed, choosing a tow vehicle that properly carry your RV will make your travels safe.

Overloading your tow vehicle or trailer can bring about a whole plethora of problems including failing brakes, overheating transmissions, mangled suspension, or even blown out tires. These issues will definitely ruin a happy trip and can even be life-threatening.

The only way to avoid this issue is to know your vehicle’s tow rating before trying to tow your RV. It’s essential to make sure that the hitch system complies with your vehicle’s towing specifications. These numbers can be found in the manual of your vehicle and is located on the sill of the driver’s-side door. The trailer’s weight ratings can be located on the VIN plate of the RV.

Not verifying your local regulations

A ticket can ruin anybody’s vacation. In order to avoid getting one, it’s always important to know that towing regulations differ between states.

Although most states require taillights on the trailer and safety chains connecting the trailer to the tow vehicle, some also require that you have the necessary braking equipment or additional side and rearview reflectors.

There are also various laws regarding the maximum speed you can drive at, the maximum trailer width, as well as the number of vehicles you are allowed to tow. It’s extremely important to know and follow these regulations, not just for the state you live in, but also for the states you’ll be passing through.

Not conducting a predeparture inspection

Since most people just want to hurry and get on the road, they usually forget to inspect the general safety of the vehicle. When you’re towing your RV, be sure to inspect every aspect of your towing vehicle, from the brakes, to tire pressure, to the towed vehicle. This step is extremely important for keeping you and your loved ones safe. It’s also essential to double check your luggage and make sure that it’s distributed evenly so that the RV isn’t hard to control.

If you need the help of a qualified RV towing specialist in Arlington, contact MR Towing Services!