Driving A Rental Trailer With Ease

Moving day is approaching fast. You have already started packing and made your reservation for your rental trailer. Now comes the challenge of driving with a trailer attached to your vehicle. If you're like most people this is sometimes an uncomfortable experience. However, it's possible. Driving with a trailer on your vehicle will require that you make some considerations that you generally don't make when driving your vehicle only.

Downgrades and Upgrades

When it comes to going down or up a hill, don't forget about the extra weight. The extra weight from the trailer will make the task of driving down a hill and up a hill more of a challenge, so use caution. When going downhill, apply your brakes in intervals to better manage your speed. However, avoid leaving your foot on the brake for long periods as this could cause your brakes to overheat.

This is especially true if the downgrade is long. If your brakes overheat they could wear out, so be careful. In terms of going uphill, it's generally best to move over to the slow lane and downshift. This will keep you out of the way of traffic that is moving faster than you and give you the power boost you need to climb the hill.

Backing Up

It's also important for you to pay extra attention when you back up. Depending on the size of your vehicle, the trailer can block your field of view. Always make certain you have physically exited the vehicle and checked your surroundings before you begin backing up. When driving in reverse, keep both of your hands on the lower part of the steering wheel. The bottom of the steering wheel will give you greater control of the trailer than the top half.

If you need to adjust the direction of your wheels when backing up, avoid fast movements. Slowly turn your steering wheel. If you make exaggerated or fast movements, this can cause you to lose control. It's also important to remember that you need to turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction that you're trying to drive. For example, turn the steering wheel right to make the trailer go left.

When driving with a trailer on your vehicle, the most important thing to remember is safety. Always take your time and be courteous of other drivers, and driving with a rental trailer won't be such an intimidating process. Talk to a rental company like Route 12 Rental Co Inc. for more tips on driving a rental trailer safely.

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