Three Best Tips to Keep in Mind When Towing with a Crossover SUV
In the current motoring world, towing does not require purchasing a full-sized truck. Many crossover sport utility vehicles (SUVs) can tow a fair amount of weight, such as towing a small trailer, a small boat, or a jet ski. Your crossover SUV might come installed with a hitch trailer for towing, but many drivers are not familiar with proper towing procedures. If you surpass the SUV's towing limit, your vehicle is likely to have a mechanical hitch that can exacerbate the damage to other components and the transmission mechanism. Here are a few tips for a secure and safe towing experience with your crossover SUV.
Determine the Car's Towing Capacity -- Towing capacity varies depending on the transmission and engine capacity of the vehicle. Read the owner's manual to determine this towing capacity, and adhere to this limit. You can also get this information from a reputable towing specialist. When you overload your vehicle, the trailer can sway excessively leading your car to move to the adjacent traffic lane due to the resultant control problems. Going over the towing limit is likely to damage your car's engine because of overheating, or to damage the transmission, braking, and suspension systems.
Use Auxiliary Engine Oil Cooler -- Many cars that are designed to tow heavy cargo come equipped with a towing package that includes a robust water pump or a radiator with a high coolant capability. The reason for this coolant is that heavy loads overheat the car engine beyond the radiator's capacity to cool it. If you plan on towing heavy cargo regularly, cool the engine by adding a high capacity coolant to the engine oil. The coolant ensures that the oil molecules do not disintegrate, causing the oil to lose its viscosity. Without this coolant, you may compromise the transmission system due to loss of the car's hydraulic pressure.
Distribute Weight Evenly -- For optimal stability when towing a boat, camper, or trailer, ensure that the load is evenly distributed. A good rule of thumb when towing is to place 60 percent of the load in the front section of the trailer. Balance the load on the right and the left side of the trailer to prevent swaying when at full speed. Secure the cargo with ropes to avoid the cargo falling on one side, especially when turning corners.
Understand Towing Regulations in your Jurisdiction -- In Australia, all states agreed to have unified towing regulations that stipulate that if a vehicle's Gross Vehicle Mass (GMV) does not go beyond 4.5 tonnes, then it must not tow any trailer exceeding the vehicle's recommended towing capacity without the approval of a relevant authority.
Also, check the recommended speed limit when towing cargo. Adhering to these regulations will reduce occurrences of accidents, and your insurance or warranty will not be voided.
For more information, contact a local car service centre.
