When inexperienced drivers try to trailer their vehicles, the potential for road-bound accidents multiplies exponentially. While towing a vehicle yourself might be the less expensive option for moving your car across the country, it also comes with more risks than other options for vehicle transportation.
The safety-first solution to car transportation is hiring a professional car shipping service. Partnering with an experienced vehicle transport company takes away any risks from learning how to transport a car from one state to another. By contacting a professional now, you can save yourself and your vehicles a lot of grief later down the road.
If your eyes are still dancing with visions of the money you could save with a DIY trailer solution, here’s an inside look at the risk factors that might see you swerving away.
Limited maneuverability of driving large vehicles
Most drivers only drive their personal vehicles. These consumer-grade drivers create a dangerous situation for themselves and others when they attempt to handle a large truck and trailer at once.
Large trucks maneuver differently than passenger cars, and when they are trailering, they lose horsepower and handling capabilities. When driving a large truck, drivers should consider the weather, especially windy conditions. Trailers and large trucks also have more tires, so the potential for tire blowouts and other problems increase, too. You can think of the size of the vehicle and trailer as a multiplier that exaggerates the usual risks of driving.
Reduced visibility with trailers
Drivers who try to trailer their vehicles lose visibility on the road. If you are driving on your own, you might struggle to see around your trailer and spot oncoming vehicles. Some drivers need to work with spotters to navigate around obstacles. If you’re not careful, you might find yourself backing into someone or, worse, merging with no clue what’s behind you.
Dangers with turning and braking
Driving with a trailer changes everything. When you have to brake, you must give yourself more time and space. The trailer adds weight that makes your brakes less effective. Some trailers have an independent braking system, while others rely on the lead vehicle for all of the braking capabilities.
Braking can also be challenging if you are driving downhill. As the inertia increases, the trailer’s weight can make it challenging to come to a stop in an emergency.
Along with braking, turning is also a challenge. The trailer’s turning radius is wide, so you’ll have to make bigger turns. Tight curves can be challenging to make with a trailer, especially if you’ve never driven with a trailer. If you turn too tightly, you can damage the vehicle on your trailer. You might even hit a street sign, another car, or a pedestrian.
Unbalanced loads create safety problems
Inexperienced drivers who haven’t towed vehicles can have problems with balance. Loading a car on a trailer can create a dangerous situation, especially if the vehicle’s weight isn’t properly distributed over the trailer wheels. If the trailer has too much weight at one end, it can cause the trailer to jackknife with disastrous consequences.
Wrap up
Towing a vehicle behind your car or truck might be the inexpensive solution to moving your vehicles from one state to another. However, if you are an inexperienced hauler, you could be creating a dangerous situation for yourself. The safest option for moving a vehicle to another state is to hire an experienced professional.