Are trailers treacherous?

Whether you consider driving a trailer to move your belongings to a new home or you need extra space for a hobby, most people get nervous about driving a trailer, especially for the first time.

The best way to gain skills and confidence is through practice. Unfortunately, you may not have a reason to drive a trailer often enough to build your confidence. It won’t be for a lack of trying, rather a lack of opportunity.

Here is what you should know about towing a trailer safely and some of the risks that come with hauling.

Heavy in the back

After years of driving, you are familiar with how long it takes your vehicle to stop and take turns. When you need to stop suddenly, you will likely have a good idea of how long it takes to stop before a collision is inevitable.

When you add a trailer to the equation, it makes the matter more complicated. Besides adding weight to your vehicle, the trailer may not have its own braking system to help it stop in tandem with your car.

Before you head out on the open road with your trailer in tow, take time to practice in an empty space to get a feel for how to stop your car and cargo safely.

Backing and turning

One of the easiest ways to have an accident while hauling a trailer is when you are trying to maneuver backward or through tight areas. Trailers add blind spots and extra nuances to turning, so it can take time to get comfortable with the differences.

As you prepare to take your trailer out for the first time, you should learn some basics for how the trailer will move when you back up your vehicle.