Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Trailer Inspection Guidelines


At TrailerShowroom.com, our number one goal is for our customers to drive away happy and satisfied. We want them to have the peace of mind that comes through purchasing an excellent product that will be used and enjoyed for years to come. Although it is outside of the sales realm, we also want our clients to be aware of some of the requirements for trailer inspections. Please understand that this is something that varies from state to state. However, being in the know is a must to safeguard against equipment failure and costly fines for operating a trailer incorrectly or without the necessary components.

Here is a basic checklist of considerations for proper trailer inspections:

  • Find out the regulations for inspection requirements in your state. Are they yearly, every other year, or longer?
  • Line up all of the needed documentation, such as the title and registration.
  • Find out where in your area the official motor vehicle inspection stations are located. In some states they are performed at the State Highway Patrol office. In most states, there are also certified inspection stations at automotive businesses.
  • If you plan to tow your trailer to another state, it is necessary to know those state guidelines for trailer towing, otherwise you stand to get a ticket. Remember-ignorance of the law is not a valid excuse! For example, the maximum towing speeds vary across state lines along with maximum widths, weight and brake requirements. Know before you go!

That being said, here are the basics for what it takes to tow a trailer throughout most of the U.S.

  • Taillights
  • Brake lights
  • Clearance lights - These are required for larger width trailers.
  • License plate light - The surrounding lights do not count-must have a separate one for this.
  • Turn signals- The ones on the towing vehicle are not enough because they are often obstructed by the trailer.
  • Reflectors - Inexpensive and worth their weight in gold for making your trailer visible.
  • Safety chains - Criss-cross the chains to connect the trailer to the towing vehicle. Doing so will help prevent separation should the hitch connection come apart.
  • Breakaway brakes - In case the trailer should become disconnected from the towing vehicle, these prevent an accident because they are power brakes for the trailer itself.
  • Flares and reflective cones  -In case of an accident or equipment failure, these will help make you visible to oncoming drivers and prevent you or your vehicles from being struck.
  • Tie downs - For loading anything on a trailer that could possibly fall off-tie-downs are needed to secure the load at various angles.

Please take care of these considerations. That way, using your TrailerShowroom.com product will deliver miles and miles of pleasure for years to come!

Monday, July 7, 2014

Tips for Mountain Towing


With a new trailer from TrailerShowroom.com, you will undoubtedly be anxious to explore! If your plans include a trip to elevated terrains, be aware that it takes a few extra precautions.
  • Go down the mountain NO faster than you went up. If there is a mantra for this type of towing, this is it! Because your trailer load will be pushing you along, maintaining a slow, but steady speed is critical for maintaining control of the towing vehicle. Use a low gear and travel no faster than 25 to 30 mph when possible.
  • Avoid riding the brakes, especially on the way down. This can cause your brakes to fail. Instead of constantly depressing the brake pedal, slow down to a safe speed-again and then ease off. Allow them to cool and repeat until you are down the incline.
  • Find out if your vehicle is equipped with a Tow/Haul feature.
  • Maintain a safe distance from any vehicles in front of you. 
  • Do not worry about creeping along - be safe. Sometimes doing the right thing will mean that a convoy of irritated drivers forms behind you. Take this in stride, be patient and stick to your guns. No one can get to his or her destination without mindful driving.
  • Be aware of the weather - The ups and downs of mountain driving can mean that one moment you have excellent visibility and the next you are enveloped in pea-soup thick fog, or wet or icy conditions. Check the highway weather forecast before you go and stay tuned to the latest info via radio.
Make sure your vehicle and trailer are ready for such a trip - Mountain driving puts extra wear and tear on vehicles. It also demands that each component is in the best working order possible. Before settling in behind the wheel, do a safety check and focus on these points:

  • All mirrors 
  • All lights
  • All systems synced: brakes and lights
  • Horn works
  • Radio works
  • Hitches secure
  • Tires in excellent shape, including spares
  • Coolants and fluids full and have extras on hand-including wiper fluid
  • Cloths for wiping away moisture and an ice scraper
If you have any questions or want to learn about any of our custom options that would make your next trip to the mountains a cakewalk instead of a thrill ride, please give us a call at:

1-877-458-7245 (1-877-45TRAILER)

Our team would love to answer your questions and fill you in on our monthly specials!


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