Tips for Safe Towing

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

No matter what it is you need to tow, it is vital to know how to do it safely. Towing safety should be your number one priority when it comes to towing a vehicle, watercraft, motorcycle, or any other load. Not only can you jeopardize your own safety and the safety of your load, you can put other drivers in danger with poor towing practices. Be sure to read all manufacturers’ instructions for towing hitches, safety chains, sway bars, and all other parts and components of your towing equipment.

Then be sure to practice in an open and empty lot, several times, before heading out on the open road. Turning and other driving maneuvers are different when hauling a trailer. For example, when backing up, the trailer turns in the opposite direction. Practice and knowledge are your best defense as far as safe towing goes. It is equally important to obey all traffic signals and road rules, and maintain a lower speed when towing a load. Continue reading to learn some principle safety tips for towing, as well as, who to call for a professional tow in your neighborhood.

Towing Guidelines

The first tip for towing is to use the right towing set-up. This means matching the load weight with the right capacity trailer hitch, and using the right type of vehicle for the tow. Be sure your car or truck is capable of towing the weight you need to haul. If you need to tow loads up to three thousand pounds, then be sure to purchase a vehicle that can tow that weight.

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

One rule to always get right is to use safety chains, and good quality ones that are in good condition. Follow all the instructions laid out in the manufacturer’s manual for assembly and operation. Safety chains are not an option, they have to be used for any type of tow. They should cross in both directions underneath the trailer tongue. This way, if it detaches from the tongue, the hitch will not drop the load.

Safety chains should never be attached to a bumper under any circumstances. A bumper cannot withstand or hold the weight of a trailer or load. Attaching chains to a bumper can lead to major vehicular damage and put other drivers in serious danger. There should also be enough slack in the chains for turning, but not so much that they drag on the ground. This is a commonly overlooked detail when assembling safety chains for a tow.

Before taking off on the road, always check the lights on the car or truck, as well as, the trailer. Be sure the brake lights are working, the flashers are functional, and the tail lights all work. The truck or car and the trailer lights should all be in sync with each other. This is the law and you will be pulled over, sited, and fined for failure to have working lights on your vehicles.

Zore’s Indy

Wrecker Services Indianapolis Indiana

Wrecker Services Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s at 317-247-8484 for professional towing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are long-time veterans in the towing industry, and can provide a wide variety of towing services for anything and everything! Airplanes, recovery jobs, buses, boats, mobile homes, semi-trucks, and construction equipment are just a few examples of the towing services we offer. Call 317-247-8484 for prompt and professional towing in Indianapolis you can afford.