Safety tips for driving with a trailer

If you’re planning to hit the open road this summer, renting or buying a trailer is a good way to ensure you’ll have enough space for all your stuff. Driving with a trailer can be dangerous, however, so here are some safety tips to keep in mind.

• Check your owner’s manual to ensure that your car has sufficient towing capacity to handle the weight of the trailer and its contents.

• Practice driving with the trailer before you leave on your trip. It’s harder than you think! You’ll need to take wider turns, leave more distance between you and other vehicles and give yourself enough time to come to a complete stop.

• Before leaving, inspect the trailer to make sure it’s properly attached. Check the safety chains, lights and license plates.

• Take it slow on the highway. Stick to the right lane and maintain a pace that’s slightly below the speed limit.

• If the trailer starts swaying, don’t brake or speed up. Instead, ease off the gas and reduce your speed while driving straight.

In addition, it’s a good idea to get someone (such as an employee at a trailer rental company) to give you the full rundown on how to drive safely with the trailer.

You can also use a trailer with a motorcycle, but make sure your bike can handle the load.