GENERAL TIPS

Tow Vehicle

Know your tow vehicle. Do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Mass Rating (GVM) of your tow vehicle as specified by the manufacturer.

Check hitch ball to make sure it is the same size as the trailer coupler. Also, the hitch ball should meet or exceed the GVM of the trailer. Periodically lubricate the ball and visually check for any signs of deterioration. With excessive wear, hitch balls can come loose from the trailer coupler.

If you are towing with a vehicle that did not come with a factory installed towing package, contact your local Vehicle supplier.

Your tow vehicle should have properly installed fastener points (either links or rings) for the trailer's safety chains / cable. If you are using a bumper or a straight frame hitch, you may need to have fastener points added to the tow vehicle.

Check your tow vehicle's tire pressure. When you add the hitch weight to tires that are improperly inflated, tread wear will be greatly accelerated.

Make sure the mirrors are wide enough to see the back corner of the trailer. Most trucks have adequate mirrors, but most motorcars might require add-on extended mirrors that can be purchased at almost any Motor Spares and Accessories supplier.

When you are hitched to the trailer, make sure both the tow vehicle and trailer ride level. If the hitch weight makes the tow vehicle "squat" in the rear, check your loading (the heavier items, should always be on or in front of the axle), alternatively consider purchasing an equalizer hitch to eliminate this problem. A tow vehicle that rides low in the rear will not steer properly and may cause damage to the rear axle, hubs, and tires from an overload situation.

If you are towing with an automatic transmission, you should never tow in overdrive.

Trailer Tips

Know your trailer. Do not overload. Stay within your Gross Vehicle Mass Rating (GVM) capacity. Refer to your trailer's identification plate for the GVM.

Always ensure before a trip that your wheel nuts are tightened, Follow the axle manufacturer's recommendations for checking nuts on wheels.

If the trailer has been idle for several months, it is a good idea to grease the bearings as condensation can build up in the bearings. Regular use keeps the bearings free of moisture.

Check tire pressure on trailer regularly and keep inflated per the info listed on the sidewall of the tire. (Keep it at least between 2 - 2.4 Bar)

Scale your trailer after it is loaded to make sure it does not exceed the GVM. Make sure the hitch weight does not exceed a maximum of 100 Kg's.

Check your coupler periodically for adequate lubrication. A dry coupler and hitch ball will cause excessive wear. This will result in coupler or component replacement.

Make sure you have a pin or padlock to secure the latching lever on the coupler. Without properly securing the latching lever, it could accidentally disengage allowing the coupler to jump off the ball.

We equip all the new trailers with breakaway systems that meet SABS standards. When coupling your trailer to your tow vehicle, be sure your battery is fully charged and the breakaway cable is secured to the tow vehicle.

Make sure your trailer's safety chains have a rating that meets or exceeds the GVM of the trailer. We manufacture all our trailers with chains / cable that exceed the GVM rating of the trailer. Securely latch the chains to links (or rings) on the tow vehicle. Be sure to cross the chains before you attach them to your tow vehicle. This crossing technique creates a cradle to catch the coupler, should it disengage from the tow vehicle preventing it from dragging or ploughing into the road. This will enable you to stop more safely in such an emergency. Do not allow the chains to drag on the road surface because over time this will weaken the chains and lessen their effectiveness. All ball coupler hitch trailers are required to have safety chains / cable.

Make sure all doors are closed and locked while in transit. Make sure all roof vents and windows are securely closed.

Make sure your load has been properly secured so is does not shift while you are towing.

Before each trip, check the operation of all lights on the tow vehicle and trailer.

Before each trip check the trailer's brakes (if applicable) and make sure they are properly adjusted for the load you are carrying. Remember, it takes more room (and time) to stop a heavier loaded trailer than a light one. Anticipate stops and don't tailgate.

Use common sense when towing a trailer. Watch your speed (maximum posted speed limit on any National highway is 120Kmph). Make your turns a bit wider to accommodate your trailer.