Somerset Mobile Towbars is a family run business that was established in 1992. With so many years of experience under our belts, it is safe to say that we have heard our fair share of myths. While we all find myths entertaining, we think it is about time we busted some of the towbar myths.
This blog post will round up common misconceptions or myths Somerset Towbars has commonly heard from our clients that are not true.
A fast fix
The first myth we will start with is that some people believe that going faster will solve the swaying of a trailer. Speeding up if you notice that your trailer is swaying will not stop the swaying. The best action is to gently slow down without using the brakes and keep a light grip on the wheel keeping the car in a straight line. After a few seconds the trailer or caravan will slowly ease off the sway but do not be tempted to brake if at first the sway gets worse, it will correct itself by following the procedure. Prevention is the best cure so make sure your load is balanced and check your tyre pressures are correct.
My Caravan or Trailer must be level when towing
This is another common myth which needs busting. As the height of a towball can vary between 350-420mm and the height of a trailer/caravan hitch should be between 385-455mm, there is a high chance that the hitch will be slightly higher than the towball making the trailer/caravan appear to be a little “nose down”. This is perfectly normal and is not going to cause any major problems.
Towing mirrors are useless
This is a myth we cannot wait to bust! If towing mirrors weren’t useful, they would not be so popular today. Combining towing mirrors with your current mirrors will improve your visibility, which can result in a safer experience overall.
Shifting the load
Some people believe that changing the weight to the rear will decrease the tow-ball download; however, this is not the case. To stay safe on the road, make sure you carry the load on your trailer as close to the axle line as possible. This balance allows for safer travels. If you hold the weight of your trailer too close to the rear, it can cause problems on the road, for example, a gust of wind can have a pendulum effect on your trailer.
Here to help
With over 25 years’ experience in the business, we feel we have the expertise to give you complete satisfaction and peace of mind. If you would like a member of our dedicated team to share our knowledge, feel free to contact us today.