Towing a Cargo Trailer on Grades

Hauling a cargo trailer can be challenging for beginners. You must manage two vehicles at a time and the weight of the payload in the trailer doesn’t help you, either. Naturally, it requires confidence and plenty of practice to haul like a pro. So, while you are brushing up your skills, here’s a guide you’ll want to refer to where we’ve shared a few tips about towing on grades. Keep reading them and visit us at Lone Star Trailers in Lacy Lakeview, Texas, to get your concerns addressed. We are happy to serve our customers in Waco and Temple, too.

Towing on a Downhill Grade

While going downhill, remember to slow down, and avoid continuously applying the brakes. The idea is to keep the hauling experience safe and prevent the braking system from overheating and eventually malfunctioning.

Shift into a lower gear while you begin the downhill journey and reduce your speed. This will let you have better control over your rig. If you must apply the brakes, avoid continuously pressing the brake pedal. Take a few pauses in between to let the braking system rest.  You’ll want to go to a speed lower than you intended to go and let off the brake pedal completely.  

Remember to monitor the temperature gauges regularly to ensure that the heat transmission output of the towing vehicle isn’t unusually high. Transmission can be higher due to extra stress on components like the engine, and you may want to pull over and give the engine some rest to let it cool down.

Towing on an Uphill Grade

While you are moving up an incline, keep the speed slow and shift into a lower gear. This will prevent vehicle jerks and boost the gas mileage as well. The other benefit of a lower gear and slower speed is that this will prevent your vehicle’s engine from overheating.

Move to the lane that’s designated for slow-moving vehicles and turn on the flashers to alert other motorists on the way. You may want to check with the local laws on the use of flashers as every state has different rules specified for their use.

Monitor the temperature gauges to see if the vehicle is overheating. You’ll want to turn off the air conditioning to see if the situation improves or pull over to give the engine some rest. Rather than turning off the engine, you may want it to cool down while it’s idling.  

Towing on a grade isn’t always intimidating. You can perfect the necessary skills with some practice and by following the tips mentioned in this guide. If you have more questions or need help to service your trailer before your next trip, visit Lone Star Trailers in Lacy Lakeview, Texas. Our friendly staff can address your concerns and help you upgrade to a model that’s right for you. We are happy to serve our friends in Waco and Temple.