Tips for Hauling a Trailer in Higher Elevations

The biggest benefit of having a cargo trailer is that you can take your precious cargo with you wherever you choose to roam. Whether you're relocating, going on an extended road trip or simply making a trip from point A to point B, if your plans include traveling through elevated terrains, be sure to take a few extra precautions.

Tips for Hauling Your Trailer Through Mountains

• Take it slow. Go down the mountain NO faster than you went up. Since your trailer load will be pushing you along, maintaining a slow and steady speed is critical for maintaining control of the towing vehicle. Use a low gear and keep your speed around 25 to 30 mph whenever possible.

• Don't ride the brakes. This is especially important when you're traveling from a high elevation to a lower one. Keeping continued pressure on your brakes can actually cause them to fail. Instead, simply slow down to a safe speed and ease off. Allow your brakes to cool and repeat this process until you've made it safely down the incline.

• Find out if your vehicle is equipped with a Tow/Haul feature. This feature can come in handy during long hauls through elevated environments.

• Keep your distance. Always try to maintain a safe distance from any vehicles in front of you. 

• Slow and steady. It's always better to be safe than sorry. 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. Mindful driving will keep you safe, as well as those with whom you're sharing the road.

• Be weather aware. Weather conditions can change very quickly in the mountains. High elevations can mean excellent visibility one moment and thick fog, or wet or icy conditions the next. Check the forecast before you begin your journey and stay tuned to the latest info via radio or weather alert app.

Remember, mountain driving can put extra wear and tear on vehicles. Therefore it's important 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

Ready to learn more? 

If you have any questions about our trailer products or want to learn about any of our custom options that could improve your haul through the mountains, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Give us a call at 1-877-458-7245 (1-877-45TRAILER) or connect with us via our contact page. Be sure to ask about our current discounts and specials!

Warm Weather Towing Tips

Monday, June 20th will mark the first day of summer. Many of our customers have asked for tips regarding driving and towing their TrailerShowroom trailers in warmer weather. Before reviewing specific suggestions for towing a trailer, we cannot stress enough that your towing vehicle must be in tip-top shape first!

We recommend having your main vehicle professionally serviced before beginning any long haul towing trip-regardless of the weather. Ask your mechanic to pay special attention to the vehicle's fluids and coolants. Finally, check your emergency kit and onboard tools to ensure that if an issue does occur, you'll be prepared.

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!