How to Tow a Trailer (Stress-Free)

Video Chapters:
00:00 - What if I told you that towing could be stress-free?
00:37 - What do I need? What to keep in your car
03:55 - Hooking up
05:19 - Connecting the trailer to the car
09:57 - Final Preparation
11:14 - The gear I use when towing
12:29 - What to look out for when actually driving
16:15 - BONUS Content - What's Next

What if I told you that towing didn't have to be stressful? That it could actually be stress free??
In this episode - we've got you covered from the bits you need to know, to the nice to know and I throw in the gear that I use so you can make the decision on whether it's something you need or not.

This episode is made up of the following components;
1. Prerequisite checks / before you start. Make sure you've got the right gear. What does this mean? Answer the following questions to make sure you know EXACTLY what you need to tow the vehicle you're looking to hook up:
Do you have the right tow hitch / receiver (tow ball, poly block, D035)?
Do you know what trailer plug your car is running?
Do you know what plug the trailer has for it's lights and electrical?
Do you have RATED safety shackles ("dee" or "bow" shackles OR the hammerlock equivalent)
Have you checked the tyre pressures both in the car and on the trailer to make sure they’re at an ideal pressure for towing?

2. Reversing and hooking the trailer up
Recommend using a SPOTTER (another person to help guide you back onto the tow ball / receiver).
Make sure you can see your spotter AT ALL TIMES!
When hooking up, cross the safety chains over so they support the hitch / draw bar in the event of something letting go
Work out a system to remember connecting (and disconnecting!) all the bits. Maybe write a little check list to keep in the back of the car / front of the caravan that has all the components you need to do such as:
□ Lower the jockey wheel
□ Secure the hitch (tow ball, poly block, D35)
□ Connect the safety chains (crossing them over)
□ Remove the jockey wheel and store it securely
□ Take off the handbrake / brake if the trailer has one
□ Start connecting the plugs; Trailer plug, Anderson plug (if applicable) and the brake away system (again if applicable)
□ LAST THING before hitting the road - CHECK THE TRAILER LIGHTS to make sure they are ALL working!

3. When towing, remember the following:
Keep an eye on your "vitals" in the car. This includes tyre pressures and car temp gauges such as engine and transmission temps. If these get too hot, pull over and let the engine / transmission cool back down to a normal operating temperature
Go a little wider on corners when towing to avoid hitting the curbs
Allow extra braking distance between you and the vehicles in front
Try and "read the traffic" a bit further ahead so you are fully aware of what is happening in front, around and behind you at ALL times!
In WA, we have a maximum 100km/per hour speed limit when towing - know your local laws and regulations specific to your state or territory
Remember to take your time - you won't be breaking any land speed records and those other drivers can (and will) go around you when it's safe (sometimes not!) for them to do so. Just ignore them and don't let anyone rush you into a poor decision
Finally, remember to take a break every hour or two - not only will it be a chance to stretch your legs but it'll give you a chance to have a look around the vehicle for anything odd or unusual and (hopefully) pick up anything before it causes an issue! Such as loose plugs, odd smells, leaking fluids, etc…

Lastly; all the gear I have mentioned I use can be found here below with links to where they can be purchased from and any promo code (not my own as I have no affiliation with these products!) but just the codes I have used to save a few dollars!!!

iCheck TPMS:
To save 5% off Outback Equipment use the discount code: SKT5
https://www.outbackequipment.com.au/i...

To save 10% use one of the following discount codes: for iCheck Direct: SKT10 or WILD
https://www.ichecktpms.com.au/product...

ScanGauge 3:
To save 5% off Outback Equipment use the discount code: SKT5
https://perthdiesel.store/products/sc...

Hammerlock kit(s) - Check the rating for the kit to what you are towing and make sure you get the right one! If in doubt, shoot George a message!
Start here: https://www.george4x4.com.au/blogs/ho...


Additional information regarding towing / legislation and "good read" articles:
"dee" and "bow" shackle related information:
https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/media...
https://rvsafe.com.au/safety-chains-s...
https://www.rvservicecentre.com.au/bl...
https://www.caravanparts.com.au/carav...