Tag Archives: trailer towing

The Fundamental Tips for Safe Trailer Towing

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Learning to tow can be a challenging experience because there are so many different parts, procedures, and skills to learn, which simply takes time. In fact, experience is what sets apart good towers from poor ones. Also, hauling any type of cargo or heavy freight is a big responsibility, so as a novice you should do everything in your power to learn how to tow safely in order to protect yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road. Even the smallest mistake on the easiest tow can lead to disaster.

Below are some helpful tips for safe towing. Brush up on these and more before hitching your trailer for the first time!

Indianapolis Indiana Tow Truck Assistance 317-247-8484
Indianapolis Indiana Tow Truck Assistance 317-247-8484

How to Tow a Trailer or Other Cargo Safely

Know Your GCWR

Learn your towing vehicle’s gross combined weight rating (GCWR). You need to figure out how much total weight your vehicle can tow, including occupants, cargo, trailer, and additional equipment.

Know Your Tongue Weight

You must also learn your trailers tongue weight. This is the weight of force the trailer’s tongue places on the hitch receiver. Too little weight will cause swaying, while too much will take weight off your vehicle’s front tires, making it harder to steer and maneuver.

Focus on Your Towing Set- Up

Fully understand your towing set-up and how to install it properly; and always double check it before hitting the road. This includes making sure all your brake and signal lights are operational and match up.

Keep Good Distance Between Traffic

Always keep a safe distance between cars on the road, and remember to give yourself more room for turns and extra time for braking. Practicing in an open lot is the best method for learning how to tow.

Avoid the Need for Backing Up or Reversing

Try to avoid parking in a place that will require you to reverse. Driving in reverse with a trailer can be tricky, so practice as much as possible to improve your confidence and your skills.

Keep Your Flashers On

Always use your emergency lights or flashers while towing, even in the daytime. This warns other drivers to watch out for wider turns and slower stops.

Have a Roadside Assistance Kit With You

Keep an emergency roadside assistance kit in your vehicle at all times and learn how to use it. This includes the spare tire and jack! If you are stranded on the road, never leave your vehicle in the middle of traffic; instead, pull over to the RIGHT side of the road where it is safer to exit. And be sure to turn your hazard lights on.

Trust a Professional Towing Company for Help

Never tow something if you are unsure or ill-equipped. Call a professional Indianapolis IN tow truck service for safe towing assistance. They have the equipment, staff, and training to deliver light to heavy duty towing services, as well as heavy equipment transportation and long-distance towing.

Would you prefer a professional tow truck operator to help you with your equipment transport or towing needs? Contact Zore’s Indy at 317-247-8484 for affordable towing services in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We serve all of Central Indiana with 24 hour tow truck solutions.

You Might Also Like:

Know Your Boat Trailer Laws
Trailer Swaying Trouble Shooting Tips
How to Choose a Proper Tow Hitch

Zore's Inc. 317-247-8484
Zore’s Inc. 317-247-8484

Gooseneck Hitches Versus Fifth Wheel Hitches

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Indianapolis Towing and Recovery 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing and Recovery 317-247-8484

Sure, you can get by using a Class 1 through 5 receiver for your trailer and light boat towing. But for large loads, horse trailers, and campers, you need a heavy duty hitch. Heavy duty hitches, combined with the proper towing equipment, allow drivers to tow larger freights and pull heavier loads, for a longer amount of time. This is made possible by placing the hitching point in the truck bed over the rear axle. They are strong enough to support more weight compared to a standard bumper hitch.

So overall, they make large towing jobs safer and more efficient. Continue reading to learn the two types of heavy-duty hitch systems, and the difference between them.

Heavy Duty Towing Hitches

There are two kinds of towing hitches used for heavy-duty purposes: 1) gooseneck hitches, and 2) fifth wheel hitches. They both used a different coupler, but there is more that sets them apart than just that. Look below to review some details about each hitch, and how they support heavy-duty tows.

Gooseneck Hitches

These hitches have trailer balls that are similar to standard hitches. However, the trailer ball is mounted in the middle of the truck bed instead of the bumper. Gooseneck hitches can support much more weight, and can carry large recreational vehicles, campers, trailers, and more. In fact, it can support and pull up to 30,000 pounds gross tongue weight (GTW)!

They can also make tighter and narrower turns since their pivot point is more forward. Gooseneck hitches are generally used for trucks with 4-wheel axles in order to sustain the weight. And certain gooseneck hitches can be folded down or easily removed so drivers can have access to their truck bed when they are not towing anything.

Recommended: B&W Turnover Ball Gooseneck Hitch – $439.00

Fifth Wheel Hitches

These heavy duty hitches look much like the ones used on semi-trucks. They are also similar to gooseneck hitches because they also can support and pull a large amount of weight. In fact, they have a high weight capacity of 16,000 to 30,000 pounds GTW. This is because they too have a bed-mounted design. They mount to rails that must be permanently bolted on a truck bed, but can be removed for truck bed access. If you are pulling big campers or vehicle trailers, you will be safer and happier with a fifth wheel hitch. They are easier to maneuver and much more stable for towing heavy loads. Many fifth wheel hitches have a special pivoting design that allows for better shock absorption for bumps and changing road conditions. This gives drivers a smoother towing experience.

Recommended: B&W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch – $879.00

Zore’s Indy

Zore's Inc. Indianapolis Indiana

Zore’s Inc.
Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for professional and prompt heavy duty towing in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. As a family owned and operated business that has served the Hoosier communities for more than 75 years, you can trust us for courteous and efficient service in a moments’ notice. We offer 24 hour towing services, roadside assistance, light to heavy duty tows, storm and traffic clearance, and much more. Call 317-247-8484 when you need trusted
Indianapolis tow truck services at a fair price.