One of the top reasons to own a truck, SUV, Jeep, or other such vehicle is the ability to tow and carry heavy cargo. These vehicles are an excellent way to haul freight, a boat, or a camper for your summer adventures. Still, if you've never towed a trailer, or anything else, there are some things you'll want to know beforehand. To help you out on your adventure, Ciocca Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) has put together this beginner's guide to towing. In it, we'll delve deep into the information you need to know, including tips on driving while towing.
Tow Rating
When shopping for a vehicle you plan on using to tow, it's essential to know its specifications. How each manufacturer produces a car affects how much it can pull, so you should familiarize yourself with terms like towing and payload capacity.
Towing capacity measures a vehicle's ability to pull a load safely. It tells you how much weight you can tow, although this capacity varies based on your vehicle's makeup, the total weight you're carrying, and how you disperse what you're towing.
Payload capacity is the total weight your vehicle can safely carry. When calculating this figure, you include anything in your vehicle, including passengers and cargo.
Hitches
Appropriate trailer hitches vary from vehicle to vehicle by both make and model. If your car has a tow rating, but you don't see a hitch, you'll need to purchase an accessory that fits it precisely. It's also important to understand the build of a hitch. When using a hitch, there are seven primary parts to safely connecting your vehicle to a trailer. These components are:
- Trailer hitch: The primary connector between a tow vehicle and a trailer.
- Hitch pin: A small rod that keeps trailer hitch parts from sliding out.
- Ball mount: An accessory for a receiver hitch that provides a mounting point for a trailer ball.
- Trailer ball: The primary point where your vehicle and trailer connect. It permits you to take corners and traverse hills better.
- Trailer coupler: Connects a trailer to your vehicle.
- Safety chains: Keep the trailer separate from the vehicle if it ever disconnects while towing.
- Trailer wiring harness: Connects your trailer's electrical system to your tow vehicle's.
Understanding these components will help you buy the right hitch for your vehicle.
Trailer Weight and Weight Rating
Because it's difficult to weigh a trailer before you rent or buy it, you need to know terms that apply to your vehicle's weight rating. The easiest way to tell if you can haul a certain trailer is to look at its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
GVWR measures the total weight a trailer can hold and operate safely. You can find a trailer's GVWR in its specifications sheet or on a plate on its body. This number will differ from your tow vehicle's GVWR, so be careful not to overload either one.
Making Connections
Thanks to rearview and backup cameras, connecting your vehicle to a trailer is easier than ever. Someone spotting you is still the safest way to connect safely, especially for first-timers. Make sure you connect the chains, breakaway cable, and lights. Cross your chains and double-check to ensure they're the right length and not dragging while you drive. Confirm that you have locked the couplers and that the lights on your tow vehicle and trailer are working.
Driving While Towing
If you're new to driving while towing, it can be a challenging and intimidating experience. Here are some recommendations to follow when towing something with your vehicle:
Be Careful Backing Up
Backing up can become extremely complex, especially for beginners. Reverse slowly, use minor movements, especially at first, and use a spotter when possible. It'll take time and practice to master the subtle art of reversing while towing.
Watch Your Blind Spots
While towing something, you need to remember the increased width you're carrying behind you. Many trailers are wider than the tow vehicle and, as such, will increase your blind spots. Give extra attention when changing lanes, passing others, or parking.
Turn Carefully
You'll need to make much wider turns than typical when towing, and your trailer will cut corners at sharper angles than your tow vehicle, especially when making right turns.
Be Mindful of Longer Braking Times
You'll need to increase your following and passing distances while towing. Because of the extra length and weight you're pulling, your brakes and acceleration will be slower to respond. Consequently, you should take extra care not to overwork your brakes.
Drive Slower
While some states don't have different speed limits for those towing, many others do. Still, even if there is no law in your state, you'll want to drive slower for your safety. As mentioned, you must account for longer braking times and slower steering response when towing something. The best way to compensate for this difference is to proceed at slower speeds.
Vehicles Built To Tow
At Ciocca CDJR, we have an extensive inventory of powerful vehicles capable of handling almost any towing job. Some of the tow-rate vehicles we have include, but aren't limited to the:
- Dodge Durango: Offers best-in-class towing of up to 8,700 lbs.
- Ram 1500: Can reach a towing capacity of up to 12,750 lbs.
- Ram 2500: Can tow up to 20,000 lbs, depending on your selected engine.
- Ram 3500: Can pull up to 37,090 lbs, making it the strongest Ram vehicle.
- Jeep Cherokee: Has a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 lbs.
- Jeep Wrangler: Can tow up to 3,500 lbs.
- Jeep Gladiator: Provides a best-in-class maximum towing capacity of 7,700 lbs.
Buy Your Next Tow-Worthy Vehicle at Ciocca CDJR of Hanover
If you're ready to start towing but need a vehicle capable of getting the job done, stop by Ciocca CDJR of Hanover. If you're in the Hanover area, there's no better place to find a powerful and reliable Jeep or Ram truck to help you with your towing needs.
Our seasoned professionals will answer any questions and help you select the best vehicle for your needs. Contact us online, call 717-524-1797, or visit us at 200 Eisenhower Drive in Hanover, Pennsylvania.