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Tips & Techniques

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 10:45:20 GMT

Trailer towing adds a layer of complexity to driving that demands enhanced skills. At Eyers Hitch Center Inc., we have compiled a list of essential tips to ensure your trailer's safe, comfortable transportation without straining your tow vehicle.

Key Practices for Safe Towing

Practice Before Hitting the Road: Spend time in a large, empty parking lot practicing turning, stopping, and backing up your trailer away from busy traffic areas.

Backing Up Your RV: Understanding the Basics

Opposite Directions: Remember, when backing up, the trailer moves in the opposite direction to the tow vehicle. Turn the tow vehicle left, and the trailer backs right; turn right, and it goes left.
Steering Technique: Place one hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. Move your hand in the direction you want the trailer to go. Move slowly and make small adjustments.
Teamwork: If you have a partner, develop a system of hand signals for better communication and guidance.

Backing Up Your RV: Understanding the Basics

Use Visual Aids: Practice with water-filled plastic jugs or small cardboard boxes to simulate real-world obstacles.
Check for Obstacles: Always look out for low-hanging wires, branches, and other potential hazards before backing up.

Positioning for Backing Up

Driver's View: The driver should go back towards their left for better visibility using the driver's side mirror.
Navigator's Role: The navigator should position themselves where the driver can see them in the mirror, guiding the vehicle into the desired spot with agreed-upon signals.

General Tips

Take Your Time: Don't rush. It's okay to pull forward and reposition if needed.
Awareness: Be mindful of others waiting, especially at busy boat ramps or campsites.

Turning Challenges

Practice Makes Perfect: Practice turning in an empty parking lot to understand your RV's pivot point and blind spots.
Wide Turns: Remember, trailers have a smaller turning radius. Allow a wider turn to avoid hitting obstacles.

Acceleration and Passing

Increased Distance: When towing, you need more distance to pass safely due to the added weight of the trailer.
Use Signals: Signal well in advance and ensure your trailer clears the vehicle before re-entering your lane.

Maintaining Safe Following Distance

Double the Space: Increase the distance between you and the vehicle ahead for safer towing.

Handling Grades and Parking

Downhill Precautions: Reduce speed and downshift before descending steep hills.
Uphill Power: Downshift and maintain a slower speed on long uphill grades to prevent overheating.
Parking on Hills: Use wheel chocks and follow a safe parking procedure on hills.

Effective Braking

Allow More Distance: Towing requires a greater stopping distance. If possible, lead with the trailer brakes.
Regular Checks: Ensure your trailer lights and brake system function properly throughout your trip.

Remember, towing a trailer safely is about understanding your vehicle's unique characteristics and adjusting your driving accordingly. With practice and awareness, you can confidently navigate any towing scenario. Stay safe, and enjoy the journey!

The 7 Towing Mistakes That Could Wreck Your Vehicle

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 10:36:57 GMT

At Eyers Hitch Center Inc., we've seen our share of towing mistakes and are here to share crucial tips to prevent them. Here's what you should avoid to keep your vehicle safe:

Choose an Adequate Tow Vehicle: Ensure your vehicle is large enough and adequately equipped for your trailer. It should have the necessary power, and the manufacturer must rate it for your fully loaded trailer's gross and tongue weight.
Weigh Your Loaded Trailer: Incorrect loading can cause axle and frame damage and compromise towing stability and control.
Professional Hitch Installation is Key: A skilled hitch installer must handle the hitch installation, sway control, and brake control equipment. The installation should adhere to the tow vehicle and hitch manufacturer's guidelines.
Use a Reliable Brake Controller: Opt for a brake controller unit that applies brakes proportionally to the tow vehicle brakes and includes a hand control for the trailer brakes.
Proper Tire Inflation is Crucial: Inflate all tires of the tow vehicle and the trailer to their maximum cold pressure, as indicated on the tire sidewalls.
Install and Adjust Outside Mirrors Correctly: Ensure a clear view along both sides and behind the trailer. The mirrors should be as close to the driver as possible for maximum visibility.
Practice Makes Perfect: Spend time practicing maneuvers like turning, braking, parking, backing up, and hitching in an empty lot. Familiarize yourself with emergency driving situations you might encounter while towing.

While these steps might sound straightforward, it's often joked that hitching and unhitching an RV can be a significant source of stress, even cited as a factor in marital disputes! We recommend practicing these skills to become proficient at them. Check out our insider guides for more tips and techniques, especially on backing and parking. Happy towing!

Remember, towing safety is paramount. On one of our trips through the Oregon wine country, we encountered a fellow whose truck had been severely damaged due to overloading the back of his trailer. This could have been avoided with proper loading and attention to these towing guidelines. Stay safe and tow wisely!

Hooking Up a Towbar to Tow a Vehicle: A Step-by-Step Guide

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 10:34:34 GMT

Hooking up a towbar to tow a vehicle behind your motorhome or another can seem daunting. Still, with the right approach, it's quite manageable. Here's a general guide to help you through the process. However, it's important to remember that different towbars have slightly varying steps.

Position the Car: Drive the car you will tow behind your motorhome or vehicle.
Connect the Towbar Arms: Hook up the two arms of the towbar to the baseplate on the towed vehicle.
Attach the Towbar to the Motorhome: Place the coupler of the towbar over the hitch ball or insert the towbar into your trailer hitch on the motorhome.
Secure with Safety Chains: Attach your safety chains or cables for extra security.
Connect the Electrical Systems: Plug the electrical pigtail cord into each vehicle to synchronize lighting and signaling systems.
Unlock the Steering Wheel: Place the key in the ignition of the towed car and turn it to the position where the steering wheel is unlocked, typically the first "click" position.
Prepare the Towed Vehicle: Depending on the car, place the transfer case into neutral, set the stick shift into neutral, disengage the driveline with the disconnect switch, or engage the lube pump.
Install a Braking System: If you have a supplemental braking system, install it now and connect the breakaway switch.
Test Everything: Check all lights and double-check that all systems function properly.
Ready to Go: You can pull away once everything is checked and secured.

Hitching and Unhitching Steps for Conventional Trailers

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 10:32:36 GMT

Here's a quick review of how to hitch and unhitch your vehicle.

Turn the tongue jack crank clockwise (or operate the power jack) to raise the tongue and coupler. Raise the tongue sufficiently to clear the hitch ball on the tow vehicle.
Back to the tow vehicle until the hitch ball is directly under the coupler socket. If you are working alone, a backing aid mirror may be helpful.
Be sure the coupler latch-locking lever on the tongue is fully open. Lower the tongue jack until the ball is firmly seated in the socket. Secure the coupler latch with a locking pin, bolt, or small padlock.
Raise the tow vehicle and trailer with the tongue jack high enough to allow room to install the weight distribution hitch spring bars.
Attach the spring bars according to the hitch manufacturer's instructions.
After adjusting the spring bars, lower the jack, remove the foot or wheel, and fully retract the jack. Step back and check that the trailer is level from front to back. Do not permit the front to be lower than the rear on tandem axle trailers; this reduces tongue weight and loads the front axle, reducing sway stability. Adjust the hitch ball height if necessary.
Adjust the sway control system according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Connect the safety chains. Loop each chain through a suitable attachment eye on the tow vehicle and insert the chain quick coupler through an appropriate chain link. Adjust each chain length so it is as short as possible but still permits full turn angles without becoming tight. Both chains should be the same lengths and short enough to cradle the trailer's tongue off the ground if the trailer ever accidentally becomes uncoupled. Be sure to close the quick coupler by tightening the threaded connector. WARNING: NEVER ATTACH SAFETY CHAINS TO THE HITCH BALL OR ANY REMOVABLE PART OF THE HITCH!
Connect the breakaway switch lanyard to an attachment eye on the tow vehicle. Ensure the switch lanyard is adjusted so the switch is not activated during a full "jackknife" turn. REMEMBER : the breakaway switch's emergency braking feature requires a fully charged battery on the trailer. This important safety item is required in most states, including California.
Plug the 12-volt electrical cord into the mating tow vehicle socket or plug.
Run an operational check of stop lights, turn indicators, running lights, and electric brakes before driving off.
Reverse the process for unhitching.

Curt Manufacturing , one of our trusted trailer hitch manufacturers, has created a great video demonstrating how to hitch up a trailer:

Once you have the hitch installed, it's time to wire up your tow vehicle to electronically hook up to your trailer.

Towing Definitions

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 10:29:33 GMT

It must be frustrating for someone new to the hitching world to hear this strange new language called "Hitch Jargon." We talk to customers on the phone daily who desperately try to communicate their needs to me but don't know how to convey the proper words to describe what they want.

Eventually, after flailing about for a definition, we can understand the light bulb flashes on and finally proceed!

Here are the towing definitions you need to understand to determine what you need for your towing situation.

ADJUSTABLE BALL MOUNT

A special ball mount that slides into a Class III hitch can be repositioned up or down as differing ball heights are required. Typically, bolt-together or pin-and-clip adjustment hardware is utilized.

AXLE RATIO

The final drive gear ratio is created by the relationship between the ring and pinion gears and the rotation of the driveshaft. In a 4.10:1 axle ratio, for example, the driveshaft will rotate 4.1 times for each axle shaft rotation (wheel) rotation. A vehicle purchased with a "towing package" will often have a different axle ratio from the regular model.

BALL MOUNT

The part of the hitch system that supports the hitch ball and connects it to the trailer coupler. The ball mount slides into the receiver hitch and is held with a pin and clip. Available in 1 ¼" and 2" square sizes. It is also available in different drops or lifts to enable one to attain the perfect ball height for your trailer to tow as level as possible. Available in weight capacity ranges between 2000 lbs up to 14,000 lbs.

BRAKE CONTROLLER

A small control unit mounted inside the vehicle (generally under the dash near the driver's hand) that allows the action of the driver braking the tow vehicle to activate the trailer's electric brakes. The unit can be adjusted to change the voltage going back to the brakes and allow manual activation of the trailer's brakes in emergencies.

BREAKAWAY SWITCH

A safety device that activates the trailer brakes in the event the trailer becomes accidentally disconnected from the hitch while traveling.

COUPLER

The part of the trailer A-frame that attaches to the hitch ball.

ENGINE OIL COOLER

A heat exchanger, through which engine oil passes, is cooled by airflow. Sometimes, it is offered in conjunction with a transmission cooler.

FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS

Trailers are designed to be coupled to a special hitch mounted over the rear axle in the bed of a pickup truck. Can have 1, 2, or 3 axles and are the largest types of travel trailers built. Fifth-wheel trailers can only be towed by trucks or specialized vehicles prepared for fifth-wheel trailer compatibility.

FRAME MOUNT HITCH

Class 2, 3 & 4 hitches are designed to be bolted to the frame or cross member of the tow vehicle.

GOOSENECK TRAILERS

Trailers are designed to be coupled to a special hitch that utilizes a ball mounted over the rear axle in the bed of a pickup truck.

GVWR- (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)

The total allowable weight of a vehicle, including passengers, cargo, fluids, and hitch weight.

HITCH RATINGS

Hitches are rated by the manufacturer according to the maximum amount of weight they are engineered to handle. Class I trailer hitches are rated for towing between 1000 and 2000 lbs. Class II hitches are rated for loads up to 3500 lbs. Class III hitches are rated for between 3500 and 6000 lbs off a regular ball mount, up to 10,000 lbs with a weight distributing system. (See "weight distributing hitch"). Class IV hitches are rated from 8000 to 10,000 lbs off a heavy-duty ball mount, up to 14,000 lbs with a weight-distributing hitch system. Class V hitches are rated from 18,000 lbs to 20,000 lbs. Different hitch manufacturers rate their hitches differently, hence the range of capacities in this definition. For fifth-wheel trailer hitches, the weight capacity ranges from 16,000 lbs up to 30,000 lbs. (This figure refers to the trailer's total weight, with water tanks full, all supplies on board and ready to roll.) Gooseneck hitches can be rated up to 30,000 lbs.

NCC-( Net Carrying Capacity)

Maximum weight of all passengers (if applicable), personal belongings, food, freshwater, and supplies. Derived by subtracting the UVW (unloaded vehicle weight) from the GVWR (Gross vehicle weight rating).

PAYLOAD CAPACITY

The maximum allowable weight can be placed in or on a vehicle, including cargo, passengers, fluids, and fifth-wheel or conventional hitch loads.

RECEIVER

That portion of the trailer hitch that permits a hitch bar or shank to be inserted. The receiver may be either 1 1/4", 1 5/8"(rare), 2", or 2 1/2" square, the smallest being termed a mini-receiver.

SAFETY CHAINS

A set of chains attached to the trailer A-frame must be connected to the tow vehicle while towing. Safety chains are intended to keep the trailer attached to the tow vehicle in case of hitch failure, preventing the trailer from completely separating. They should be installed by crossing the chains in an X pattern so the coupler is held off the road in case of a separation.

SHANK

Also called a hitch bar, ball mount, or stinger, the shank is a removable portion of the hitch system that carries the ball or adjustable ball mount and slides into the receiver.

SPRING BAR

As a component of a weight-distributing hitch system, the spring bars are installed and tensioned in such a manner as to distribute a portion of the trailer's hitch weight to the front axles of the tow vehicle and to the axles of the trailer.

SWAY

The fishtailing action of the trailer is caused by external forces that set the trailer's mass into a lateral (side-to-side) motion. The trailer's wheels serve as the axis or pivot point. Also known as "yaw".

SWAY CONTROL

Devices designed to damp the swaying action of a trailer, either through a friction system or a "cam action" system that slows and absorbs the pivotal articulating action between the tow vehicle and trailer.

TAIL SWING

Motorhomes built on chassis with short wheelbases and long overhangs behind the rear axle are susceptible to tail swing when turning sharply. As the motorhome moves in reverse or turns a corner, the extreme rear of the coach can move horizontally and strike objects nearby (typically road signs and walls). Drivers must be aware of the amount of tail swing to prevent accidents.

TONGUE WEIGHT

The amount of weight imposed on the hitch when the trailer is coupled.

TOW BAR

A device used for connecting a vehicle to the motorhome when it's towed with all four wheels on the ground.

TOW RATING

The manufacturer's rating of the maximum weight limit that can safely be towed by a particular vehicle. In most cases, tow ratings are related to overall trailer weight, not trailer size. However, some tow ratings limit the frontal area of the trailer and overall length. Tow ratings are determined by the vehicle manufacturer according to several criteria, including engine size, transmission, axle ratio, brakes, chassis, cooling systems, and other special equipment.

TRAILER BRAKES

Brakes built into the trailer axle systems are activated by electric impulse or a surge mechanism. Most RVs utilize electric trailer brakes that are actuated when the tow vehicle's brakes are operated or when a brake controller is manually activated. Surge brakes utilize a mechanism positioned at the trailer coupler that detects by inertia force when the tow vehicle is slowing or stopping and activates the trailer brakes via a hydraulic system (typically used on boats).

TRAVEL TRAILER

Also referred to as "conventional trailers," these rigs have an A-frame and coupler attached to a ball mount on the tow vehicle. Travel trailers are available with one, two, or three axles. Depending upon tow ratings, conventional trailers can be towed by trucks, cars, or sport utility vehicles (SUVs).

UVW- (Unloaded Vehicle Weight)

Weight of the RV, including factory-installed options, with full LP gas tank or cylinders. It does not include gasoline or diesel fuel, freshwater, or accessories installed by the dealer.

WEIGHT CARRYING HITCH

Also known as a "dead weight" hitch, this category includes any system that accepts the entire hitch weight of the trailer. In the strictest sense, even a weight-distributing hitch can act as a load-carrying hitch if the spring bars are not installed and placed under tension.

WEIGHT DISTRIBUTING HITCH

Also known as an "equalizing" hitch, this category includes hitch systems that utilize spring bars that can be placed under tension to distribute a portion of the trailer's hitch weight to the tow vehicle's front axle and the trailer's axles.

WIRE HARNESS

The electrical umbilical cord connects the tow vehicle to the trailer, supplying electricity to the trailer's clearance and brake lights, electric brakes, and a 12-volt power line to charge the trailer's batteries.

California Towing Laws

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 09:00:53 GMT

Since Eyers Hitch Center Inc. is located in California, I have detailed the California towing laws from our state's Vehicle Code for my customers.

If you live or drive through a different state, here's a great website resource for checking your particular towing laws:

Trailers.com

You need to be aware of and follow the laws in your home state and the states you plan to travel through when you take any trip with your tow rig. Ignorance of the law has never been an adequate excuse when you are handed a ticket for infringement of a road rule.

California Vehicle Code Towing Sections

21655b You must tow in the designated lane, usually the right-hand lane, except for passing. When passing, you must use the lane directly on the left of the designated lane.
21712 No passengers can ride in a towed trailer, boat, motorcycle, etc, except for certain specially equipped fifth-wheel trailers and boats at boat ramps.
23129 No person shall drive a motor vehicle upon which a camper is mounted containing any passengers unless there is at least one unobstructed exit capable of being opened from both the interior and exterior of such camper.
29003 Every hitch, drawbar, coupler, or other connection between motor vehicles' towing must be securely attached to the vehicle and be strong enough to handle the weight of whatever you are towing.
29004 Every towed vehicle must be equipped with strong safety chains.
22406 No person shall drive a vehicle towing another vehicle over 55 mph.
26508 Every vehicle or combination of vehicles using compressed air at the wheels for applying the service brakes shall be equipped with an emergency stopping system meeting the requirements of this section and capable of stopping the vehicle or combination of vehicles in the event of a failure in the service brake air system.
26302 Every trailer over 1500 lbs must be equipped with brakes on at least 2 wheels.
26453 Trailer brakes shall be maintained in good condition, in good working order, and adjusted so all brakes work equally on all wheels.
26458 The braking system on every motor vehicle used to tow another vehicle shall be so arranged that one control on the towing vehicle shall when applied, operate all the service brakes on the power unit and combination of vehicles when either or both of the following conditions exist: (1) The towing vehicle is required to be equipped with power brakes. (2) The towed vehicle is required to be equipped with brakes and is equipped with power brakes.
27600 All trailers must be equipped with fenders, covers, or splash guards to minimize splash of water or mud to the rear of the vehicle.
24600 During darkness, every trailer shall be equipped with taillights, stop lamps (24603), license plate lights (24601), and turn signal lamps (24950).
24604 Whenever the load or trailer projects more than 4 feet behind the tow vehicle or obstructs the taillights, the projection must be equipped with taillamps. (magnetic lights are OK 24605)
21715 No passenger vehicle, regardless of weight, or any commercial vehicle less than 4000 lbs shall tow more than one vehicle in combination except for a car on a tow dolly.
21715 -a. No motor vehicle under 4000 lbs shall tow any vehicle 6000 lbs or more.
24608 Trailers over 80 inches in width shall have amber reflectors on each side and front and red reflectors in the rear.
28060 Recreational vehicles and campers with cooking equipment shall be equipped with a fire extinguisher and shall maintain the fire extinguisher in an efficient operating condition.
29003 -c. The raised end of any motor vehicle being transported by another motor vehicle using a tow dolly shall be secured to the tow dolly by two separate chains, cables, or equivalent devices adequate to prevent shifting or separation of the towed vehicle and the tow dolly.
35401 No vehicles in combination may measure more than 65 feet in length (60' in designated areas) (Motorhomes, in general, may not be longer than 45')
35100 The total outside width of any vehicle or its load shall not exceed 102 inches, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
35109 Lights, mirrors, or devices that are required to be mounted upon a vehicle under this code may extend beyond the permissible width of the vehicle to a distance not exceeding 10 inches on each side of the vehicle.
35250 No vehicle or load may exceed 14 ft. in height measured from the surface the vehicle stands on.

The installation of all the safety and hitching equipment for towing is strictly controlled by law. That's why it is so important that you have a qualified installer to help you select and install your hitch system.

It is unlawful for any reputable hitch installer to install any hitch on your vehicle that does not qualify for your particular towing situation (of which he is aware).

Knowing the laws of the state you are towing in is important for your towing safety. The unpleasant truth is that if you are stopped by a police officer or are in an accident. Suppose the officer determines you are towing with the wrong or substandard equipment for your towing needs. In that case, you can be held criminally negligent and liable for any injuries and damage you are involved in. Please take care out there.

Towing Safety Guide

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 07:17:34 GMT

Your tow vehicle is the first item you must consider in towing safety. Keeping your tow vehicle in tip-top shape is the first step in towing safety and enjoyment of your trip.

One of the fundamental rules regarding towing safety is to correctly match up the strength of your tow vehicle with the size trailer you would like to tow. The hitch must safely "connect" both the tow vehicle and your trailer to provide both ease of handling and safety under the most extreme conditions.

Suppose you are in the lucky position of being able to purchase a brand-new tow vehicle. In that case, it goes without saying that you should analyze precisely what you want to tow, both for your present needs and future requirements, before deciding on which new tow vehicle you will eventually purchase. Always keep your long-term needs in mind.

For instance, you may want to upgrade your 17-foot boat to a 24-foot boat in the future, and you're saving up money for the eventual purchase. Buy a tow vehicle that can handle the future load! I've witnessed the heartbreak and disappointment of some customers who've just purchased a beautiful big boat or RV trailer and discovered that their current truck wouldn't pull it! I've even had some customers try to "get away" with towing a heavy trailer with an undersized truck. No reputable dealer will sell you a hitch package that we consider unsafe for your towing needs. I've had to refuse to install hitch equipment in some cases because I knew it was dangerous for what the customer wanted to do. So, always purchase your tow vehicle with your heaviest load capacity to avoid this situation.

Many optional features are available from your dealer, which may be essential for optimum performance in towing. Luckily, all the major auto manufacturers have studied the unique needs of their vehicles for towing use and have printed brochures to help you correctly match the tow vehicle equipment to your particular-sized trailer.

Tow Equipment You May Need

Here are just some of the items you may need for your own towing needs:

Axle ratio
Increased engine cooling system
Transmission cooler
Alternator and battery size
Heavy-duty suspension system
Tire size or rating
Engine size, torque, and capacity
Towing Package (includes some degree of pre-wiring)
Special mirrors
Hitch Equipment

If you are purchasing a used vehicle, many of these options can be added on later. Depending upon the weight of your trailer and the type of driving you plan on doing, the auto manufacturer may or may not recommend all of these options. Most options listed are recommended for extensive traveling under any conditions: mountain driving, hot climate driving, or when towing heavy class trailers. More about trailer classes here.

Even if the tow vehicle you choose has all of these options, try to avoid any type of driving that will overheat your engine, such as following a slow-moving truck up a long grade.

Keeping Your Tow Vehicle Cool

Let's talk about transmission and engine oil coolers for just a minute. I'm sure you've seen people parked on the side of the road with steam rolling out of their engines. You felt sympathy for them, right? Well, when you tow, your transmission operates at its maximum level. Towing puts extra strain on your engine and transmission, causing them to run at a much hotter temperature. To avoid becoming one of those unfortunate people on the side of the road, consider, at the very least, a trans-cooler and, if possible, an engine oil cooler.

Since excessive heat is your transmission's worst enemy, a trans-cooler is an ideal and often necessary towing accessory. Long trips, hill climbing, and towing larger trailers are harsh on your transmission. Hot transmission fluid running through the cooling system causes 50% of all radiator boilovers. When oil temperatures exceed 200 degrees F., oil breaks down, causing seals to crack and leak. Every 20-degree drop in oil temperature will double the oil life!

So what does the trans-cooler do that's so great for your transmission? I'm glad you asked. A transmission cooler will protect your radiator by reducing the transmission fluid temperature by as much as 80 degrees! The fluid constantly passes through air-cooled tubes before re-entering your transmission. The engine oil cooler functions much the same way. You can purchase these two types of coolers separately or together. You should also check your engine oil regularly throughout your trip.

Tire Safety

Tire size and pressure are also essential subjects for your tow vehicle and trailer. Under-inflated tires get very hot and can lead to tire failures and possible loss of vehicle control. Over-inflated tires can cause uneven tire wear. Tires should be checked often for conformance to the cold inflation pressures recommended on the Safety Compliance Certification Label for original equipment tires. Remember, spare tires should not be used while towing Class II or Class III trailers.

Most people don't realize they shouldn't tow anything with a new vehicle for the first 500 miles to "break it in." To properly break the motor in, you should drive the car exactly how you plan to drive it for the rest of its life. In other words, don't baby it if you don't plan on babying it after it's broken in. If you are hard on a vehicle, drive it during the break-in period. This will adequately seat the seals and rings.

Mirrors

Your tow vehicle might require unique mirrors, one flat to see the road and one convex to know the side of your trailer. These mirrors extend out from your tow vehicle, which enables you to see all the way down the side of your trailer. Remember, if you can't see beyond your trailer with your regular mirrors, you need extended towing mirrors for safety.

Lights and Wiring

Special light and wiring systems must be installed on your tow vehicle before you can tow any trailer. The trailer lighting system must be separate from your tow vehicle lighting system. Your qualified hitch installer will wire your taillights, signals, and brake light functions into a special plug or connector to access the trailer's light systems.

When you flip on your turn signal or push your brake pedal, the lights on the trailer must also signal your intentions for the driver behind you. The law says that any trailer that protrudes 4 or more feet behind your vehicle or visually blocks your taillights must be equipped with its own taillights, and your vehicle must have a connection to the trailer's taillights. Hence the need for wiring your vehicle.

If a trailer is longer than 15 feet or weighs more than 1500 lbs., it must be equipped with a brake system by law. The law states that if you tow a trailer equipped with electric brakes, you must have a brake control installed and working in your tow vehicle.

Cruise Control and Towing

Some tow vehicles come equipped with automatic overdrive transmissions and speed cruise control. I'm often asked about using these features when towing. With certain automatic overdrive transmissions, towing, especially in hilly areas and with heavier trailers, may result in excessive shifting between overdrive and the next lower gear.

If this occurs, it is recommended that the overdrive gear be locked out to eliminate the condition and provide steadier performance. Using the overdrive gear for the best fuel economy when there is no excessive shifting. Overdrive also may be locked out to obtain 3rd gear engine braking on downgrades.

It should be noted that most auto manufacturers do not recommend utilizing the Speed Cruise Control while towing. But I know you may be tempted to use it, so here are some tips. When driving uphill with a heavy load, significant speed drops may occur when using the Speed Cruise Control option. A speed drop of more than 8-14 mph will, by design, cancel the automatic speed control. In this case, temporarily resume manual control through the vehicle's accelerator pedal until the terrain levels off.

Towing at High Altitude

The last thing I want to mention regarding the tow vehicle is altitude. Since gas engines lose power at a rate of some 3-4% per 1000 feet of elevation, you should reduce the gross vehicle weight and gross combination weight of your trailer by 2% per 1000 feet of elevation to improve the engine's performance.