subject: Do's and Don'ts in Towing and Trucking Business [print this page] Do's and Don'ts in Towing and Trucking Business
Check the trailer lights, the brakes, turn signals, break away switch connections, towing chains, and the whole trailer. Make sure that you subject your towing vehicles to regular inspections of the State Department of Modern Vehicles.
b. Do drive with added caution. When driving a tow truck, you should bear in mind that the truck is not the only vehicle that you are driving. Instead, you are pulling the vehicle that you are towing. As such, you should take into consideration that the weight and size of the towed vehicle will affect your speed, acceleration, and braking distance.
c. Do not speed up. When driving a loaded tow truck, never speed up. If you are not driving in an express way, make it a point to reduce your speed gradually especially every time you are about to change lanes or each time you should make a turn. Make sure that the other vehicles are about two meters away from your tow truck and the towed vehicle.
d. Do maintain control. In order to ensure safe control over the tow truck, make sure that you hold the steering wheel in a steady manner. Also, make sure that the chains that are attached to the towed vehicle are secured and not slack.
e. Do not hit the brakes too hard. If your trailer makes use of electric brakes, it will be better if you apply the trailer brakes every time you need to put the vehicles on a halt. Avoid using the brakes of the tow truck. Also, never hit your brakes too hard as such may result to a "jack knife" situation.
f. Do stop if your trailer sways. If the trailer sways, do not continue towing. If you notice that your trailer is excessively swaying even without wind gusts, never speed up. Such will only cause the trailer to sway more rapidly. Avoid steering as well. Instead, stop and check what is wrong with your towing equipment.
g. Do load your tow truck properly. If you load the trailer properly, you can prevent swaying. Always make it a point to load your trailer heavier in the front. Basically, the front weight should be heavier than the back by 20%. Always load the heavy objects near the axle.
h. Do check the tongue weight. The usual tongue weight falls within the range of 10% to 15% of the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW). Before you tow a vehicle, make sure that it comprises at least 50% of the tongue weight.
TrucknTow wish to provide the best trucking and towing accessories at the best prices. For more information visitTrucknTow.com
