What towing driving tips can you give me?
- Always Drive at moderate and reasonable speeds. If the speed demons find it infuriating that you insist on safe driving, let them rush up ahead and find the waiting highway patrol cars.
- One of the most important things you can do when towing is to drive at a moderate and controlled pace. Not only does this place less strain on your vehicle and trailer, it also helps to prevent trailer sway.
- Avoid sudden stops and movements. When you’re pulling a trailer, the movement of your vehicle will be exaggerated in your trailer.
- Sudden stops can cause skidding and sliding or cause the trailer to jackknife. They can also throw off your trailer and cause sway.
- Be aware of your trailers position. The wheels on your trailer are closer to the inside of a turn, so you will need to make wider turns in order to avoid running over curbs. You also will want to leave lots of excess room when changing lanes and passing.
- Control sway. Trailer sway can be caused by a lot of factors, including air pressure change and wind buffeting from passing vehicles. Reacting properly is the key to regaining control.
- When your trailer begins to sway release the accelerator pedal to reduce your speed. Do not apply the brakes this can make the sway worse. The trailer should come under control as you slow down. If you have significant sway problems, a sway control system is a good solution.
- Properly balance your load. Ensure that the bulk of the weight resides over the axles of your trailer. If you are unable to get the load to level, a weight distribution hitch may be a good solution to your problem.
- Follow all manufacturer instructions. Never exceed the manufacturers recommends GTW. Also, use the driving gear that is recommended by the manufacturer for towing when ever possible (you may need to shift up or down on hill climbs and descents.
How should I modify my braking when towing a load behind my vehicle?
- Give yourself space. When you’re towing all of that extra weight, its going to take you longer to stop. Make sure you always leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front.
- Anticipate movements. Try to anticipate and plan for your movements. The best way to reduce your speed is to shift into a lower gear and then press the brakes lightly.
- Use a brake controller. If your trailer is equipped with brakes, a brake controller is necessary to engage them. Learning about the different types of brake controllers and how they work is an important
- Part of finding the right one. A brake controller can also help in sway conditions. By gradually applying the trailers brakes (not your vehicles) it can help slow down the trailer and get it under control.
My car was taken to a storage facility without my consent. Is the car storage facility required to be licensed ?
Yes. Vehicle storage facilities are required to obtain a license and follow statutes administered by TDLR. Regarding vehicle storage. However, these rules only apply IF the car is stored without the car owner’s consent.
My car was towed from private property. How can I find out where it’s being stored?
If your car was towed from a private parking lot, you can call the telephone number listed on the tow-away signs in order to locate your car.
Car storage facilities are required to report non-consent tows to local law enforcement within two hours after receiving the car. You may want to contact the local law enforcement agency from the area where your car was towed. The vehicle storage facility and the tow truck company may or may not be owned by the same company.
