Western Towing involves transporting a vehicle with a specially designed towing vehicle. This service is commonly utilized when a car breaks down or suffers other issues that prevent it from being driven safely.
Most towing coverage providers offer 24/7 availability, providing peace of mind for drivers who encounter roadside emergencies. These include a midnight breakdown on a lonely highway or a midday tire blowout during rush hour.
Whether you’re pulling a trailer loaded with work equipment for a day of project work or your family’s personal vehicle and trailer for a weekend getaway, learning how to tow a trailer safely and correctly requires the right knowledge and skill. With proper preparation, the towing process is manageable for most drivers.
When pulling a trailer, be sure your vehicle is in good working condition with fresh oil and tires, and keep up with regular maintenance schedules. This will help reduce stress on your truck or SUV, which is especially important if you tow often. Depending on the type of towing you do, safety precautions may also be required for specific situations, such as activating hazard lights or setting up flares in case of an accident.
Before starting a towing business, check out competition and learn the ins and outs of local towing regulations. Some states require towing businesses to register with the Department of Transportation, while others mandate certain procedures or licensing requirements. For instance, if you’re doing non-consensual towing (transporting abandoned vehicles from private property to impound lots for sale), you may be required to notify police departments and all parties with legal interest in the vehicle within a specified timeframe, or you might be obligated to offer free storage for a certain number of days.
Towing businesses are considered “recession-proof,” as demand for roadside incidents, parking enforcement, and moving vehicles remains steady despite economic conditions. This type of business is a lucrative venture, but it’s important to plan ahead and consider legal, operational, and marketing issues before making the leap. One way to minimize risk is to form a corporation or partnership rather than operating as a sole proprietorship, as this can separate your personal assets from those of the company. Opening a business bank account is another effective way to make it easier to track business expenses and income. You should also get an Employer Identification Number and a DOT number if your towing business involves transporting vehicles across state lines. These can be obtained from the IRS or your local department of transportation.
Choosing a Tow Company
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a towing service. A reputable towing company will have a good reputation for customer service, fast response times and clean and maintained equipment. They will also be able to handle a variety of vehicles and situations. Make sure to check online reviews before you select a towing service. It is important to look at both positive and negative feedback so that you can make an informed decision about the services they provide.
You should also make a list of companies that offer the services you need. This way, you will be able to compare costs and choose the best option for your situation. It is important to know that some towing companies charge different prices depending on the location, time and type of vehicle. So, you should always ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs so that you can avoid any surprises in the future.
Choosing a towing service with a strong local presence is also a good idea, as they are more likely to have the necessary resources and skills for dealing with heavy-duty towing. This includes specialized trucks, equipment and training that is necessary to safely transport commercial trucks. It is also important to choose a towing service that offers 24/7 availability, as emergencies can happen at any time of the day or night.
If you are unsure about the quality of a towing company, you can also ask for personal recommendations or leverage local industry networks. Connecting with other businesses, fellow trucking companies or local motorists who have experienced roadside incidents can help you make an informed decision. In addition, you should always look for red flags, such as unprofessional behavior or rude dispatchers.
Another important consideration is a towing company’s ability to handle a variety of vehicles and situations. A reputable towing company will have all types of vehicles and equipment that can accommodate a wide range of needs. They will also be able to handle various types of scenarios, including car accidents and lockouts. Moreover, a reputable towing company will be able to provide you with a fair price and excellent customer service.
Getting the Trailer Hooked Up
Whether you’re hauling your favorite offroad toys on weekends or transporting livestock to shows, having a reliable trailer will make the job easier. However, even if you’re experienced at pulling a trailer, it’s important to perform a thorough inspection before hitting the road. This will help ensure that your trailer is ready to haul and will also prevent any expensive damage to your vehicle or trailer. At Silver Moon Trailers, we offer several trailer services, including hitch installations, maintenance, and repairs. In addition to our extensive line of quality trailers, we also provide helpful tips and tutorials for new and veteran trailer owners alike.
Before starting, it’s best to find a friend to assist you in hooking up your trailer. Having someone to help you maneuver your towing vehicle and trailer will make it easier for you to keep the vehicles properly lined up while backing up. You’ll also want to agree on a set of hand signals for turning directions and when to back up or brake.
Start by making sure that the trailer jack is in the upright, unlocked position. Then, use the jack to lower the coupler until it rests gently on the hitch ball. Be sure to lubricate the coupler and hitch ball before you connect them. This will help maintain a smooth, lasting connection.
Next, you’ll need to attach the safety chains. Connect the chains in a crisscross pattern under the hitch and ensure that they meet or exceed your trailer’s gross weight rating. You may also want to consider installing a breakaway cable for additional safety.
When the coupler is latched on and everything is connected, check that nothing moves when you lift up the trailer tongue. If you see any movement, it means that the coupler is not sitting correctly on the hitch ball and should be repositioned. You’ll then need to secure the coupler latch and coupler lock to keep it in place.
After all the equipment is hooked up, it’s time to plug in the lights and brake wires. Make sure that the pigtails match up and are securely connected. Once that’s done, you’re ready to hit the road!
Driving the Trailer
Driving with a trailer can be intimidating for novice drivers. After all, you are doubling the length of your vehicle, and you will need to make a much wider turn when backing up or maneuvering in tight spaces. However, with some practice, it is not difficult to become comfortable with towing.
First, it is important to inspect your truck and trailer before taking them out on the road. Ensure that all lights are working and that all tires are properly inflated. Also, check the tow rating of your truck and trailer. This number tells you how much weight your vehicle and trailer can handle. It is important to understand this number, and not confuse it with the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The GVWR refers to how much the vehicle can support pushing down on its frame, while the towing capacity is how much it can pull horizontally through the hitch.
Next, it is vital to drive slowly. Even if the speed limit is over 100mph, it is better to be safe than fast. Excessive speeds can cause trailer sway, which is dangerous to everyone on the road. It is also more difficult to react quickly to any situation that comes up while you are driving too fast.
Finally, take extra care when going up and down hills. Steep hills can be challenging for both the tow vehicle and the trailer. Use a lower gear when traveling up hills, and don’t brake hard during the descent. Braking too hard can cause the trailer to jackknife, which is unsafe for you and other drivers.
If you are worried about your ability to back up or navigate a tight space with a trailer attached, you can practice in an empty parking lot before hitting the road. This will help you familiarize yourself with your trailer’s dimensions, and it can give you the confidence you need to drive on the open road.
Finally, keep in mind that towing requires a lot more maintenance than normal driving. Regular oil and fluid changes, tire rotations, and wheel balancing are more important than ever when you tow. It is also a good idea to keep a fully stocked roadside safety kit in your vehicle, especially if you will be using it for towing frequently.