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Tips to towing

AMSOIL knows summer is the perfect time to hit the open road. Whether you're hauling a boat or a caravan, follow these simple steps to ensure you and your haul arrive safely.

Weights and measurements

A truck or car's tow rating can be found in your vehicle's owner manual. This figure is the combination of a number of more complex equations. The number you need to know is your vehicle's gross combined weight rating (GCWR). This is the maximum weight allowed for your rig including your vehicle, all occupants, cargo, everything in, on and the trailer itself. Another number to keep in mind is your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). This is how much weight you can hold in the vehicle, minus the curb weight. These ratings can be easily found on the sticker on the inside of the driver's side door.

Don't get tongue twisted

The tongue weight is how much of the trailer's weight rests on the hitch itself. This number should be about 10 percent of the trailer's total weight. Too little? Your trailer will sway to and fro. Too much? This will result in taking the weight off the tow vehicle's front tires and make steering more difficult. It will also overload your rear suspension.

The old ball and chain

Use the right size hitch ball for your trailer. Even a mere 1/8-inch off and the trailer could pop right off during towing. The trailer latch should engage smoothly. Keep it latched with a pin or lock for added protection and always use safety chains.

Getting hitched the right way

Be sure to use the right amount of drop or rise. Your trailer should be level when attached to the vehicle. Connect the lights and with the vehicle's headlights on, check to see all the lights work- the left and right turn signals, brakes, hazards and running lights. ;

Never too tired for tire check

Be sure to maintain the correct air pressure in your tires when towing. As you would normally, adjust for outside ambient temperature as well as additional weight.

Towing and transmission fluid

Towing puts stress on a vehicle's drivetrain. Due to the additional heat generated, towing is the primary culprit in wiping out transmissions. To combat this, you may choose to install an oil cooler or as an alternate, use a high-end synthetic lubricant like AMSOIL synthetic automatic transmission fluid which provides service up to twice as long as conventional fluids or Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid which has added fuel economy.

When it comes to towing, caution is key. For help from the best, you can count on AMSOIL. Call us today at 919-269-3331.