Most Common Reasons For Trailer Accidents
Hauling a trailer on the road comes with great responsibility. It is more than just hitching it to the back of your vehicle and setting off to your desired destination. While some trailer accidents are beyond control, some can be avoided if basic guidelines are followed. APC Trailers has provided some of the most common mistakes that cause trailer accidents.
If you are looking for a reliable and secure trailer for your transportation needs, stop by to check our selected models in Tucson, AZ. With over 30 years of experience in the trucking industry, we guarantee we can provide you with the perfect one. We proudly serve those from Phoenix and Casa Grande.
Wrong Hitch Level
We often see trailers being pulled with the wrong type of hitch. If you have a lifted tow vehicle, you shouldn’t be towing with a standard hitch. This makes the tongue of your trailer point to the sky, creating a dangerous situation that often leads to trailer accidents. Do not use a hitch that is too low either. This causes the trailer to scrape on the road or over speedbumps. To haul a trailer safely, you need to let it sit at a level position.
Wrong Hitch Ball Size
Another reason for trailer accidents involves using the wrong hitch ball size. Perhaps the trailer was borrowed from a friend, and the size is not compatible. Avoid trying to make it work. If it does not fit, then replace the hitch ball to the proper size. If the tow ball is smaller than the trailer’s coupler (and vice versa), there is a high risk that it could detach from the tow vehicle and cause a serious accident.
Too Much Weight
Many people overlook the trailer’s weight capacity specified in the owner’s manual, and this leads people to overload them. Towing a trailer that exceeds the weight safety recommendation causes poor vehicle performance, steering and braking difficulties, or even the loss of control. Most trailers are built to be strong and appear to be able to carry almost anything. Even if this may be true, you still need to consider the tow vehicle’s weight capacity. You can only carry as much as your lowest-weight rated component.
Speeding
Driving fast with heavy cargo is another reason for trailer accidents. When your speed increases, so does the friction between the road and your tires, and in some cases, it leads to tire blowouts. Also, driving at high velocities reduces your control of the vehicle when trailer sway occurs, which can result in a rollover.
We hope that these reasons for trailer accidents help you be proactive when towing yours. Always remember to practice all safety guidelines from your owner’s manual. Stop by APC Trailers in Tucson, AZ, if you are looking for the best trailer brands in the business. We also have a full-service repair shop that will have your trailer fit and ready for all your transportation needs. We welcome all our patrons from Phoenix and Casa Grande.