KNOW WHAT YOU TOW!
We want you to feel safe and confident on your travels, whatever you tow. Today, most full and mid-size family cars, vans, SUVs, and light-duty trucks can be equipped to pull a trailer. Here are a few points to consider when you’re researching your perfect ride.
LICENSE.
Ensure you have the correct class license for whatever you plan to tow. Recreational trailers weighing up to 4,600 kg fully loaded usually only require a regular driver’s license, but you may have to upgrade your license.
KNOW YOUR WEIGHT.
Know your vehicle’s gross combined weight rating (GCWR), including its load, and how much weight is on the hitch to calculate if your vehicle is capable of towing your trailer. A trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is noted in the owner’s manual. This is the manufacturer’s recommended maximum weight of the trailer.
TOWING REQUIREMENTS.
Ensure that whatever you’re are driving – from an RV pulling an RV towable vehicle to your truck or family car pulling a travel trailer – is suitable for what you plan to tow. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will outline your towing capability, or you can find a towing guide online.
STOP RIGHT THERE.
Before you hit the road for the long haul, explore how your vehicle combination feels as it moves. Allow yourself more time and distance to stop, based on your weight and the road conditions. Be aware of any obstacles outside of your view, and when you back up, do it with caution.
IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS.
Pre-trip inspections can be real eye-openers. Ensure all items on travel trailers are firmly secured. Check that your vehicle, hitch, trailer and equipment are suitable for the task. Inspect your vehicle and trailer every day on the road, making sure to look for safe, secure and solid operation of your set-up.
Think safe and have fun on the road!
