Posted October 17, 2006

Safe Towing

Master Lock, a leader in towing innovation and the world’s largest manufacturer of padlocks, talks about safe towing.

The primary dangers on the roadways include towed trailers that get loose, trailers that sway and cause the towing vehicle to lose control, trailers that blow tires and cause the towing vehicle to wreck and improperly tied-down cargo that breaks loose and falls into the roadway, causing accidents for other motorists.

A recent study that included more than 500 safety inspections of campers, boating trailers and RVs around the country found that many Americans who tow don't follow recommended safety precautions and don't properly prepare their towing vehicles before they hit the road. Key findings include:

Some 51 percent of Americans who tow campers, boats or trailers with ATVs/jet skis/motorcycles do not use the recommended security methods of a locking device for their coupler and hitch.

A majority of respondents towing boats or ATVs/jet skis/motorcycles achieved a moderate or worse ranking on the levelness of their trailer. For ATVs/jet skis/motorcycles, 15 percent were ranked poor or extremely poor. An unleveled trailer will reduce the driver’s control of the vehicle and may cause the trailer and consequently the vehicle to fishtail.

Some 53 percent of towing vehicles and trailers received only moderate or poor rankings on their electrical systems, which means that brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights may not work properly. Additionally, frayed and exposed wires pose a significant danger.

Trailer tires are one of the biggest dangers on the road, with 41 percent of tires in only moderate or worse condition. Worn, under-inflated and dry-rotted tires can blow under highway conditions, leading to dangerous accidents. Forty percent of accidents involving a passenger vehicle towing a trailer are due to faulty tires.

Cargo strapped to vehicles also is an issue. From items carried in the back of pickups to coolers latched to the back of campers to luggage on the top of the family minivan, carrying cargo requires properly placed tie-downs and high-quality bungee cords.

The condition of bungee cords was a major issue —while 56 percent were in excellent condition and properly located to hold the cargo, 46 percent were in moderate or poor condition and improperly located, meaning cords could easily snap or come unhooked and release cargo onto the roadway.

Ratchet tie-downs were a problem for 39 percent of respondents, as those towing boats or ATVs/jet skis/motorcycles received moderate or worse marks for the condition and location of the tie-downs securing their cargo.

The "Towing Troubles" study was conducted with a representative sample of 523 respondents. Master Lock Tow Pros conducted inspections of vehicles towing a trailer, camper, or other items at NASCAR facilities, campgrounds, and boating destinations in June and July 2005. A copy of the inspection checklist was provided to the vehicle owner with safety recommendations.

For more safe towing and cargo tips, visit www.masterlock.com.

© 2006, All Terrain Vehicle Association