Bigger and bigger structures have hit the road running, and we are still waiting to see more. As engineers come up with these machines, they also discover clever and more powerful tools to help in towing. Each of these machines poses their challenge, involving monumental weight and proportions. From mobile cranes, mobile drill rigs, refuse trucks and more, the desire to tow heavy machines continues.
The beauty of newest heavy-duty trucks is the added capability and driver assistance technologies. This is what makes any heavy towing job possible. Now, heavy duty turbo diesel pickups can be configured with an exhaust brake from the factory. The exhaust brake is used to restrict exhaust gases and uses the engine to slow you down. There is no problem towing downhill. Automatic transmissions are smarter than ever before and offer grade shifting features to help drive across a bad terrain.
While Towing a Trailer
If you have the proper machines and and equipment, the process of towing becomes easy, regardless of whether you are new to the game or not. This guide presents simple guidelines to be followed to tow big machines successfully.
Equipment Capacity
When we talk about towing capacity, we are talking about the maximum weight that a towing vehicle is supposed to carry. Towing capacity is normally specified by the vehicle manufacturer and can be found in the owner’s manual.
To have a safe towing experience, ensure that towing capacity guidelines are observed at all times.
Keep a keen note on the Gross Trailer Weight – which is the weight of the loaded trailer. Tongue Weight denotes the downward pressure placed on the ball by the coupler. On smart trailers, the Tongue Weight can be measured using the bathroom scale and a box.
Trailer Loading
The safety and convenience of a towing process are substantially determined by the amount of weight you load your trailer. While loading, keenly observe the tongue weight and ensure that it is between 10 and 15 percent of the overall trailer weight. For stability of the trailer, the loaded weight should be evenly balanced and properly distributed.
Driving
Driving process determines the ultimate safety of the vehicle being towed. While driving, ensure that you observe all warning signs on the road. Pay keen attention to speed limits, diverging and converging lanes, roundabouts and crossing areas. Now that you are towing a heavy load, observing lanes is key to safe driving. Do not change lanes unnecessarily.
Your biggest task is to make other road users safe and comfortable. Because trailers do not follow the standard paths followed by other vehicles, you need to observe wider swings when driving on corners and bends
Travel at moderate speeds during the towing process to conserve fuel. Try to maintain a steady speed at all times if the road can allow. Any speed greater than 15 km/h is considered as dangerous. At a speed higher than 15 km/h, you may find it difficult controlling your trailer. A fast speed increases wind resistance and reduce gas mileage. It also places added strain on the vehicle and the trailer.
