When it comes to car towing in Brisbane, both novices and experts agree on one thing: it is not something to be taken lightly. Towing is difficult to perfect even if you’ve been hauling trailers for several years. It’s even harder when you’re on your first family vacation in a little camper trailer.
It’s usually advisable to delegate this task to the professionals. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you insist on car towing in Brisbane, even if it’s just for fun with your family. This list will assist you in having a pleasant journey.
Here is everything you need to know before you decide to do car towing in Brisbane:
Why Choosing DIY Towing Cars Isn’t a Good Idea?
Before you begin car towing in Brisbane, you should be aware of the difficulty of the endeavour. Towing may appear simple, but it is not without its difficulties. To avoid any issues, you must first examine numerous variables, as well as the appropriate equipment.
Hiring a competent car towing service in Brisbane will ensure that both you and your vehicle are safe. Of course, these professionals also know how to keep the road safe for others.
DIY towing is not recommended, especially if you’ve been in a car accident and have no prior towing experience. You should not call your pals to seek for assistance for towing your vehicle. This mistake may come back to haunt you, especially if your purpose is to save money.
How to Get Ready to Be Towed?
Vehicles should not be hauled in Brisbane if the tail lights are not operating properly. It should also be checked that none of the vehicles, including the tow truck and trailers, are transporting harmful commodities. These products may jeopardise public safety. To conduct this car towing services in Brisbane, you’ll need licence from the government.
Drivers are also prohibited from towing a trailer if they are unable to control it.
There are many other car towing in Brisbane prohibited which includes the following:
- Wheelchairs
- Recreational vehicles on wheels
- Toys with wheels
- Bicycles
It is also important to remember that car towing in Brisbane is strictly limited to only one car at a time.
Now that you’ve mastered the fundamentals, there are a few more things you can do to prepare for car towing in Brisbane:
The important tasks that should be on your pre-towing checklist are listed below. To round things off, we’ve got some driving advice. This way, whether you’re car towing alone or with others, you’ll enjoy a smooth, safe, and worry-free experience.
- Examine Your Vehicle
The most common mistake people make is failing to identify their vehicle. Many drivers believe that their vehicle may be utilised for towing. They have a massive car and can transport anything they desire. Regrettably, this is not the case.
Before car towing in Brisbane, you must first determine which truck is capable of performing the task at hand and how much to tow (weight).
It may appear simple enough that even complete novices with no prior towing expertise can attempt it. There is, however, a lot to learn about the car’s engine, transmission, equipment, and other components. It is critical to use the proper truck.
- Understand the Factors That Affect a Car’s Towing Capability
Many trucks allow you to customise them according to your needs. The tow rating of your car rapidly changes as a result of all the alterations you’ve made.
The following factors can affect your truck’s towing capacity:
- The size of the cab
- Engine
- Transmission
- The length of the bed
- Whether it’s a two-wheel or four-wheel drive
Optional trailer packages can be added, making towing even more difficult.
- Examine the trailer’s tyres
You still have a few things to accomplish even if you have all the figures down and know you have the correct car for the job. Many drivers check the tyres on their vehicle, but they forget to check the tyres on their trailers. Cracking and dry rot should be looked for. Typically, you will leave your trailer outside for a few months. It may wreak havoc on tyres, rendering them unfit for use on the road.
Even though the tyres appear to have plenty of tread, this is no guarantee that they will not fail while driving. Make that the tyre pressure fulfils the towing requirements as well. For some towed cars to be dragged without problems, higher pressure is required. Finally, the trailer and tow vehicle’s wheel lug nuts are sufficiently tightened to achieve a certain torque.
- Ensure that your tow vehicle is in good working order
Car towing vehicle, like any other vehicle, should be serviced on a regular basis. When you tow, the truck is put under additional strain. As a result, if you’re planning a road trip, be sure your vehicles are in good shape. Its oil and filter, for example, need be replaced. We have a tutorial that will assist you in completing this task on your own.
You should also ensure that the brake pads can work for an extended period of time, or at the very least while you are on the road. You may also want to make sure the engine coolant is at the proper level. Also, top off the transmission fluid.
You can inspect and adjust the brakes if the trailer has them. It’s also a good idea to lubricate the wheel bearings. These tests and adjustments don’t take long. Before you hit the road, take a few minutes to inspect the condition of both the trailer and the tow vehicle. If you are car towing in Brisbane or any other city, these things should be checked.
- Choose the Correct Hitch
The hitch is the safe metal structure that connects the vehicle to the trailer. It consists of two parts: a trailer hitch for attaching to the towing vehicle and a receiver hitch for attaching the tow ball.
A factory-installed hitch for towing is now standard on many automobiles. If your automobile does not have it, you will need to find the appropriate hitch before towing. You might visit a local trailer rental service firm and ask for help. Although the hitch can be attached to the vehicle’s bumper, it is preferable to attach it to the frame.
- Have Chains of Safety
Safety chains are included with trailers, which you will attach to the hitch. It’s important not to run these chains straight, as this is a typical mistake. Instead, for further security, cross them together.
You won’t have to be concerned if you run into issues that lead the trailer to become disconnected from the vehicle. It’s because the linked chains will act as a “frame” to keep the tongue of the trailer in place. The chains will catch it if it falls.
To prevent the trailer from dragging on the road, make sure the chains are snug. There should, however, be enough area for the container to move, which is critical if you need to make a quick turn.
- Have Lights That Work
Another important item on your to-do list is to double-check while car towing in Brisbane is the trailer lights. Before you drive, inspect the trailer’s electrical wiring system. Everything should be connected to the car appropriately.
Make sure the wires are loose enough by touching them with your hand. This allows you to perform turns without the car becoming separated. The wires should not, however, be so slack that they come into contact with the route.
You can have another person physically ensure that the trailer’s lights, such as the running lights, turn signals, danger lights, and brake lights, are all functional.
- Be Ready for Any Unexpected Occurrences
The idea is to keep your car on the road as much as possible. It is for this reason that you must double-check all aspects before embarking on your excursion of car towing in Brisbane.
When driving a standard car, you can easily become trapped on the side of the road. When you’re towing a trailer behind you, you’re more likely to encounter a variety of problems.
Having at least one spare tyre is a smart idea. In any case, a lug nut wrench comes in handy, but be sure it’s suited to your trailer’s wheels. If you have a flat tyre, you should also have a jack so that you can work properly on your container.
When you back up, have someone (a spotter) to direct you. You can also instal broad mirrors to gain all the visibility you need. Because practise makes perfect, you might want to put your driving skills to the test while car towing in Brisbane. Before you head out, try accelerating, braking, backing up, and turning. Prior to driving, it’s also a good idea to double-check your route. Some highways will not allow trailers, while others will place weight, height, and width restrictions. To avoid any inconvenience, plan your trip ahead of time.