With only two months to go before the holiday season is upon us, many South Africans have started planning their much-anticipated annual holiday. Whether it be flying abroad, travelling local or staying at home, the countdown has begun.
If you are travelling by car, a long road trip is serious test for any vehicle so its important to check that everything is in working condition by sending it in for a service, something many motorists do before they start their holiday. However, what about the good ol’ trusty trailer that is used to carry all those extra gifts, bags, groceries, luggage and kids toys that simply would not fit in the car. Why not start the festive season off on the right foot, and get both serviced at the same time.
If you have recently bought a trailer and it’s your first time taking it on holiday, there are a few things you need to know:
- The driver should have a Code B license in order to tow a trailer.
- It is also important to consider that there are certain requirements when loading your trailer; never overload your trailer and be sure to load all the heavy stuff up towards the front. The reason for this is that it is relatively easy to keep a trailer under control if the weight is close to your vehicle. The further it is away from your vehicle, it’s going to behave like a swinging pendulum which could result in the driver losing control over the trailer.
It is also important to have your trailer serviced regularly, at least once a year. But there are some basic checks you can make every time before you use your trailer:
- Fit a plug into the towing vehicle socket and test each function systematically
- Make sure all light lenses are in position and not damaged
- Run the cable at the front of the trailer through your hands and make sure it has not ‘dragged’ along the ground
- Check to see that the wire is secure in the plug
- Check under the trailer to ensure that no wires are hanging loose
- Check your tyres for tread wear and damage, and check the pressure in the tyres
- Make sure all wheel nuts are tightened to the correct torque setting
- Check that all the fasteners are secure and that all the attachments are firmly fitted in their correct place, check the condition and mounting of the mudguards.
Source: Women on Wheels