KEY POINTS:
The driver is responsible for any mishap that may occur while towing.
Every year at this time, New Zealand roads are full of cars towing something or other. Big trucks and semis aside, these are professional drivers and most of the time they appear to know what they're
doing, but it's the average Kiwi who thinks he can intuitively tow something that can be the problem.
It doesn't matter what we seem to hitch to the back of our cars - boats, planes (micro-lights), cars, horse floats or trailers filled with all manner of things, a lot of the time it all looks a bit haphazard. And some of the driving skills displayed are scary.
Every year about 26 people are injured badly enough to go to hospital and seven are killed in crashes involving trailers. Although the speed limit for towing a trailer is 90km/h, I've lost count of the number of times I've been passed by a car or dual cab doing 110km/h plus with a trailer.
A major thing to remember when hitching a trailer to the back of your vehicle is you, as the driver, are responsible for any mishap that may occur while towing, not the trailer owner. If there are any safety issues with the trailer and if the warrant of fitness has expired then it is also the responsibility of the driver doing the towing.
During the recent holiday period I noticed several cars pulled over on the side of the road with either a flat tyre on the trailer or the wheel missing entirely - and no sign anywhere of a spare for the trailer.
Here are a few things to ensure your trailer is up to scratch.
TYRES
Same rules for car tyres apply to trailer tyres and they have to be the same type and size. Wheel bearings are now checked too.
TOW BALL
The old size was 47mm and the new ball is now 50mm. Try and avoid placing the larger sized coupling on the smaller ball as it could possible fly off. Check the coupling you are about to use is rated for both sized balls.
COUPLING
Must be in good working order and be a double-locking device or at least have a locking pin. If you're unsure how it works, ask.
SAFETY CHAIN
The chain must be permanently attached to the trailer and the LTA recommends it's bolted on. The shackle is only to be used where the chain from the trailer is attached to the car. Welding is allowed on the end of the chain attached to the trailer but it has to be done professionally.
LIGHTS
Must have at least one working tail-light. More lights are not required if following cars can clearly see your car's brake lights and indicators. If lights are not visible, the trailer must have brake and indicator lights.
BRAKES
Are only required if the all-up weight exceeds 2000kg. Either way, the vehicle and trailer must be able to stop in less than 7m from 30km/h. If the trailer weighs more than 2000kg, see the LTA for regulations.
WEIGHT
Check manufacturer's recommendations in the handbook for that particular model of car and LTA rules.
Another all too familiar sight is a badly loaded trailer either lifting the back of the car up or pushing the exhaust tail pipe into the tarmac.
Even in the simplest trailer, any weight in it will effect the car's level.
A car has been designed to operate effectively with a pre-described weight over the front wheels. By not distributing any weight in a trailer over its axle (or axles), you'll either reduce front wheel traction, or increase it.
Either way, the car will not respond, as it should, especially in an emergency.
If the load is placed correctly in the trailer, there will be some weight on the tow ball enabling the trailer to remain stable when towed.
Vehicles can carry loads that are higher, longer or wider than the vehicle itself, provided the load doesn't exceed the maximum permitted dimensions for that class and type of vehicle. See the Land Transport website for exact weights and sizes.
It is the driver's responsibility to ensure the load is properly secured to the trailer and the vehicle is in a fit state to be driven.
The two-second rule for gaps between cars doesn't apply when towing, it should be doubled to at least four seconds and much more in the wet. It has to be remembered, a trailer will move around a lot under heavy braking and will have a huge say in the stopping distance.
A common sight is seeing vehicles towing a trailer barrelling into a corner and at the apex the trailer starts to dance and weave causing the vehicle to start rolling.
Slow down well before the corner, especially on dirt roads, and apply your brakes gently.
Always change down a gear when negotiating a steep decline. If the trailer does start swaying don't hit the brakes, instead take your foot off the accelerator and only brake when the trailer is stable again.
Pull over and check the load to make sure it hasn't shifted.
Nothing in the trailer should be touching the road, nor extending more than 1.25m either side of the centre line of the trailer.
If anything overhangs the back of the trailer by more than 1m, including outboard engines on boats, a white, red, orange or yellow fluorescent flag must be attached.
INSURE
Finally, always check your insurance policy, as it may not cover any damage to either your vehicle, or any others involved in an accident while towing.
