 Towing Sciences 101Our special class for Towing students isnow open. Here are a
few things toknow... there will be a quiz later on.
GROSS TRAILER WEIGHT: The total amount of weight represented by the trailer and whatever's on it or inside it. This includes food, water, luggage, mothers-in-law, boat anchors...you name it. So how do you figure this out? You'll need a commercial scale like those found at truck weight stations.
GROSS TONGUE WEIGHT: The total amount of weight resting upon the trailer ball when the trailer is attached. This is important because too much weight on the tongue can make your rear suspension bottom out. Not good. Don't try putting your own tongue on the trailer ball to test this out.
VEHICLE TOWING CAPACITY: The manufacturer's stated maximum weight the vehicle can tow. You might think this is determined by how powerful the engine is. That has something to do with the rating, but don't forget your brakes must stop not only your vehicle, but also the trailer. Whoa there, Sea Biscuit!
The Valley Rules of the Road for Towing - Always maintain the towing vehicle in good operating condition. Make sure its vital functions are working properly and all bodily fluids are up to recommended levels. Towing can put alot of stress on the engine, transmission and especially the brakes of the vehicle, so make sure everything is up to snuff before hitting the road to Yosemite
- Just because a hitch is rated to tow a 5000 lb. trailer doesn't mean your vehicle can actually do it. Hitch ratings and manufacturer's vehicle towing capacity ratings are two different animals. Always use the manufacturer's vehicle stated capacity as your maximum allowable weight. Never, ever exceed the manufacturer's stated towing capacity!
- If you're serious about buying a hitch, then think in terms of a towing package. This would be the hitch itself, a ball mount and trailer ball, a safety chain, a hitch pin and maybe a receiver cover. Better to get them all at once than do it piecemeal the day of your departure. And remember, some hitches (like our Class IV hitch) require specific ball mounts and trailer balls.
- Valley hitches are custom-engineered to fit specific makes and models of vehicles. This means the hitch will install easily without the need to cut or weld anything. Most of our hitches simply bolt onto the the vehicle frame. In some cases, a few holes may need to be drilled, but nothing weird or complicated. Installing a hitch is not rocket science... it's just a Saturday afternoon with your son or daughter learning the fine points of installation instructions and household tools
- Most states require the use of Safety Chains. Valley recommends the use of safety chains regardless. It's a good idea. In fact, we recommend two chains. They don't cost much and they add just another margin of safety.
- Some trailers, especially single-axle trailers, will want to weave back and forth behind your vehicle. This is not good towing practice! Use a sway control unit to reduce trailer motion.
- You will need to hook up your trailer's stop lights and turn signal indicators to your vehicle's electrical system. This can be confusing, so Valley offers a wide selection of connectors to make this alot easier.
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Towing Sciences 101 |
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