Keep your customers safe with these towing tips from REDARC

Trailer sway is one of the most unnerving experiences a driver can face, as a passing truck or gust of wind can quickly end in catastrophic results.
Whether it is their first-time towing, or they need a re-fresher, here are some steps your customer can take to ensure that they have a stress-free journey.

Before they tow
Trailer sway occurs when trailer stability is disrupted by driver error or external forces.
To reduce this risk, customers should pack heavy items low and distribute weight evenly over the axles if not slightly forward, ensuring 10-15 percent of the total weight is over the hitch.
They should also inspect the tow vehicle and trailer tyres, tyre pressures, brakes, and suspension.

Trailer brake test
Before departure, customers should perform a low-speed brake test to confirm that the trailer brakes engage.
With the trailer connected, press the SwayStop Plus button on the Tow-Pro Link to confirm override braking engages.
Once complete, the driver will need to select the correct brake mode: Everyday Mode for highway towing or Off-Road/User Controlled Mode for rough terrain.

Assess the load
When towing, the trailer should feel neutral, neither pushing nor pulling on the vehicle.
It is important that your customer assesses their load before taking off on their adventure.
If the trailer is fully loaded with supplies at the start of the trip, making the trailer feel like it is pushing on the vehicle when braking, the braking force needs to be adjusted for heavier braking.

Stopping trailer sway
A change in road conditions or movement of unsecured loads inside the trailer can cause trailer-sway to start.
If your customer experiences trailer sway, it is important to not panic. Once sway begins, REDARC advises to press the SwayStop Plus button on the Tow-Pro remote to apply the manual override brake, stating that SwayStop Plus will pull the trailer back into line, ending the trailer sway event.

When terrain becomes rough and rugged
The ground surface may change to more difficult terrain. If this occurs, the driver should stop and change to Manual Off‑road/User Controlled Mode.
REDARC says SwayStop Plus can also be used to get even more control when navigating treacherous terrain.

Re-assess the load
On the return trip, it is important that your customer again assesses their load, adjusting the Braking Force if needed.
If supplies were used up during the trip lightening the load, the trailer may feel like it is pulling on the vehicle when braking. The Braking Force needs to be adjusted for lighter braking.
The importance of good preparation, driving to the conditions, and safe trailer braking should not be underestimated, as it may save your customers trailer from destruction, and their life.

To learn more about towing and the Tow-Pro Link, visit www.redarcelectronics.com