The science of driving on road with a trailer is no different from driving a normal car in that regard that theoretical knowledge is as reliable without experience as roller-skating on the highway in the inner lane. But it is different in every other aspect, whether it is starting, reversing, maneuvering or just parking. Novice drivers should prepare a spare T-shirt for sweaty tasks. While it is a fact that practice makes perfect, Autóflex-Knott has some helpful tips without which you should not leave for your first trailer ride of your life:
General rules for driving with a trailer:
– acceleration decreases due to higher mass,
– worse braking performance, increased braking distance (in case of unbraked trailers), possibly higher brake pedal force is needed,
– the vehicle combination is longer than usual,
– track deviation is expected during cornering,
– the traffic regulations for the vehicle combination must be complied with.
Reversing with a trailer
If your vision is in some way hindered, ask an outside person for guidance. The trick to reversing is that you have to steer in the opposite direction to where the trailer is heading until just before completely folding (jackknifing), then straighten the rudder to navigate the vehicle in the right direction. If we miss the timing and the trailers folds, we will be forced to move forward and try again. At first, it is worth practicing this operation in an empty parking lot.
Extra tip: If you need to reverse out of a tight spot, instead of cumbersome attempts it is worth unhitching the trailer and pushing it out manually.
Stopping, maneuvering with a trailer
When towing a trailer, it is important to keep in mind that even with a relatively light load, careful braking and stopping is recommended if you want to avoid shoving the car. Not to mention that overloaded trailers can easily swing and divert our vehicle in the event of braking, cornering or other changes of direction and speed. One of the best ways to stop a vehicle swing is to accelerate after shifting down and in this way the vehicle is pulled out of the swinging motion.
Extra tip: As a beginner, it is best to navigate your trailer with careful steering movements as if you were driving on an icy road.
Need for Speed
Well, it is no coincident that there are no trailers in this videogame. From the very beginning, the highway code prescribes strict rules and speed limits for trailer traffic. This is 50 km/h within a residential area, 70 km/h on a country road, 80 km/h on a highway in Hungary. Individuals do not need to buy a separate highway sticker for the trailer if it is under 3.5 tons. It is also important to know that you can only tow a trailer if you have had your drivers’ license for at least 2 years. However, the license is worth nothing if there is no experience behind it. In all cases stride for safe driving.
Digital aid for reversing
Today, there are trailer maneuvering assistants – and no, we are not talking about your neighbor – with which we can maneuver backwards more confidently and calmly. This digital tool is a real help for those who have not gained enough experience in trailer towing yet.
Not only practice but trailer maintenance is important for safe driving as well. Look for quality trailer parts available in the Autóflex-Knott webshop, or order them at rendeles@autoflex.hu or through our domestic sales line at +3676502058.