Car Hauler Tips
Before any trip use the following checklist of 10 tips to ensure a safe trip.
- Inspect tires for damage, cracks or low tread. Tires over 5 years old are approaching the end of their intended life. It is time to consider replacement. Need help determining the age of your tires?
- Evaluate wheel condition for cracks, corrosion or bends in the lip.
- Check your fenders for cracks, bends, or sharp edges.
- Test all lights. Left turn, right turn, brake, rear and license plate are all required by law. Electrical wires should not be hanging loose or look frayed or worn.
- Bearings need to be greased at least every 10,000 miles or once a season for larger wheels.
- Chock your wheels. The towing vehicles emergency brake or the braking system is not enough to keep a trailer and the vehicle from moving when the trailer is being loaded and unloaded.
- When loading running cars, it’s best to use a spotter. Make sure they stop the loader when the vehicle is just forward of the center over the axles of the trailer.
- When loading non-running vehicles back the trailer as straight and as close to the car. Attach the winch at the tow point and have someone in the driver seat control the steering. A spotter should be letting the “driver” when they need to turn to get it up the ramp securely.
- Strap vehicle securely. Use ratchet straps that are double or triple the weight of what you are strapping down. Anchor two points at the front of the vehicle and two in the rear. Crank the straps down as much as possible. After 15 minutes of travel, check straps to make sure they remain secure.
- Engage the towed vehicles emergency brake and attach an emergency chain to the front and rear.
Michael's Harley Hauler with some new Hispec Series 5 Wheels
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