Tips For Safely Towing Your Trailer In The Rain
Rain makes roads slick, which can make safely towing a trailer even more difficult. Use the following strategies to increase the odds of an incident-free drive despite the compromised road conditions. If you want more advice or want to shop trailers for sale, contact Mountain West Trailers. Our dealership is located in Heber City, Utah, and we also serve those in Salt Lake City.
1. Maximize Your Visibility
Safely towing your trailer in the rain begins with proper visibility. It's important that you can see any upcoming obstacles and that other motorists can see you.
Regularly check your tow vehicle and trailer's lights. Make sure they are all bright and replace old bulbs as needed.
It's also wise to consider upgrading your trailer lights to LED bulbs. They burn brighter, last longer, consume less energy, and save you money in the long run.
Finally, turn on your lights even in the middle of the day. It'll help counteract the reduced visibility caused by the rain, making you more visible to others on the road.
2. Inspect Your Tow Vehicle
If your tow vehicle has any issues, the problems can become more of a safety risk when driving in the rain. Give your tow vehicle a quick look over and make sure it's ready for a safe drive.
This includes:
- Measuring the tires' air pressure, then making sure they match the manufacturer's recommendations
- Checking the oil condition and replacing as needed
- Testing the brakes
3. Replace Windshield Wipers
Windshield wipers are a great resource for safely towing in the rain. But it's easy to forget to replace them...and drive with old and compromised blades.
If it's been a minute since you've replaced your windshield wipers, do that now. Fresh blades will help maximize visibility and help you safely tow your trailer.
4. Add A Rain Repellent
Consider using a rain repellent, which helps keep water off of your windows and mirrors. Simply spray it on and enjoy better visibility.
5. Adjust Your Driving As Needed
Rain compromises road conditions and reduces tire traction, which means you will need more time and distance to come to a stop. Drive slower than usual and leave more space between yourself and other vehicles. This gives you the necessary time to spot and react to a hazard...without sliding around losing traction or colliding into it.
Pay extra attention to high risk areas. For example, intersections can be extra slick. Cars idle at intersections, which can cause the oil to mix with rain and create a slippery spot. Approach intersections with caution to ensure a safe trailer towing experience.
For more towing advice or to shop trailers for sale, reach out to Mountain West Trailers. Our friendly staff can answer questions, give advice, and help with anything you need. Our dealership is based in Heber City, Utah. We also serve those in Salt Lake City, Utah.