You need to know how much your vehicle can tow before you buy a trailer. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your vehicle tells you how much you can tow. This weight includes passengers, fuel, fluids, and cargo. While you may have a certain towing capacity, you should not exceed this rating because your vehicle may not have enough room to tow your trailer. You also need to consider the weight of the tongue.
In the past, the name “trailer” was used to describe any wheeled vehicle pulled by a powered vehicle. The word “trailer” also referred to a trailer that trailed a movie or a preview. Trailers trailed movies in the early days. Now, they are commonly known as trailer parks. Besides carrying goods, trailers can also transport toys like bicycles, ATVs, and motorcycles.
The size of your trailer will depend on the purpose of the trip. You need to know the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating, and the total distance you’ll travel. Also, consider the type of haul you’ll be doing. Once you know this, you can choose a trailer size based on that information. Then, gather as much information as possible. For example, how far will you be traveling? And, of course, how much luggage will you have?
When buying a trailer, consider the lighting system. Trailer lights are important because they alert other road users of your trailer’s presence and intention. You can either use a housing unit with integrated trailer lights or purchase separate ones. For example, you can install a red-colored side marker light on your trailer. Bypass relays also make wiring connections more secure. The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) offers tips and advice for making the best trailer purchase for your vehicle.
Lastly, you must ensure your tires have proper air pressure. The pressures should be the same as the surrounding air temperature. Always ensure that the pressure of your trailer tires matches the legal requirements for traveling on the road. You can find the recommended air pressure in the trailer’s Tire Placard or Federal Certification Label. Also, check the owner’s manual to learn more about proper inflation practices. You can also ask the manufacturer of your vehicle for help. These tips will help you make a more informed decision about the right trailer for you.
Ensure that your trailer’s hitch is mounted on the same plane as the rear axle. This prevents the trailer from pushing up on the rear end when you brake. Additionally, ensure that your motorcycle trailer’s hitch has a two-sided mounting system, with one resisting rearward pull and one resisting downward force. This will help prevent the trailer from tipping. If you don’t get the hitch correctly, you may have a dangerous situation on the road.
While conventional brakes are the safest option, they are not always the most reliable and effective option for trailers. Electric brakes, on the other hand, can be operated from inside the tow vehicle. However, electric brakes need a special controller installed in your tow vehicle. Without it, the brakes won’t work effectively. To ensure the safety of you and your family, you must install brakes that match the GVWR of your trailer.