At one stage in our lives almost everyone will have towed something. Becoming familiarized with Safe Towing practices is not only advisable but, necessary. It could be your own life the one you save.

Thanks to modern technology you no longer need to be a math wizard to be able to figure out the outfit versus weight ratio in order to comply with Safe Towing standards. On the internet, on sites such as www.whattowcar.com, you will be able to input your figures and the site's calculator will do all of the work for you. These calculators are also able to tell you what your top speeds on flat roads as well as gradients, must be. These calculators will provide you with a 3-color ranking system, which will aid you in determining which part of your load or vehicle need adjusting.

"Towing capability is summarized by a five star ranking, highlighted in three colours. The colour depends on the caravan/towing vehicle weight ratio for safety reasons. All green stars indicate a perfect match between caravan and car but if you see red stars then the caravan is too heavy for safe towing, either when the going gets tough or it's simply not allowed by law. Towing with an outfit with orange stars should be legally OK, but you have to pay special attention to the distribution of weight, noseweigt and tyre pressures. But you do that anyway, don't you?

The number of stars indicates the general towing capability and performance of your car hooked-up with the selected caravan. The more stars the better of course.

Speed Index and Maximum Gradient

The speed index is to be used as an indication to make a quick comparison easy between different cars or outfits. The figure represents the average of the following top speeds:

• Absolute (often in a lower gear)
• In top gear
• During (head) wind
• On motorway slopes

Based on 85% of maximum throttle (power) and avoiding excessive high revs.

The gradient is the computed maximum you will just be able to get away on 4500 ft. above sea level. (If you get enough traction)

In spite of these modern lil helpers, you should make an effort and try to these factors out without the aid of a computer.

Other terms that you must familiarize yourself with are "Aggregate Trailer Mass" (ATM) and "Gross Trailer Mass" (GTM). "Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) is the total mass of the laden trailer when carrying the maximum load recommended by the manufacturer. This includes any mass imposed onto the drawing vehicle when the combination vehicle is resting on a horizontal supporting plane. Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) is the mass transmitted to the ground by the axle or axles of the trailer when coupled to a drawing vehicle and carrying its maximum load approximately uniformly distributed over the load bearing area." (www.transport.qld.gov.au)

Being behind the wheel of a car and that of a vehicle which is towing a load are two totally different types of driving. Also, do not think for even a second that because you own a 4X4 truck that you will be able to hitch anything you want behind it and take off.

When you are towing anything your vehicle control and maneuverability are reduced. Also, vehicles which are meant to haul certain materials may not be suitable to haul others. In order to prevent damaging your vehicle or, becoming involved in an accident ensure that you have the proper vehicle and that the trailer and the load are commesurate.

"When safe towing, drivers should:

• Allow for the extra length and width of a trailer when entering traffic and allow for its tendency to "cut in" on corners and curves;
• Apply the accelerator, brakes and steering smoothly and gently to avoid sway, especially in wet or slippery conditions;
• Allow for the increased effects of cross-winds, passing vehicles and uneven road surfaces on the vehicle and trailer combination;
• Avoid applying the towing vehicle's brakes if the trailer begins to sway or snake. If the trailer is fitted with brakes that can be operated independently, apply them gently. Otherwise, continue at a steady speed or accelerate slightly until the sway stops;
• Leave a longer stopping distance to the vehicle ahead, increase the gap for longer, heavier trailers and allow even more distance in poor driving conditions;
• Engage a lower gear in both manual and automatic vehicles when travelling downhill to increase vehicle control and reduce strain on brakes;
• Allow more time and distance to overtake because of the reduced performance of the towing vehicle and avoid "cutting off" the overtaken vehicle when returning to the left lane;
• Reverse, if possible, with a person watching the rear of the trailer - reversing is difficult and takes practice; and,
• Pull off the road where suitable, to avoid a build-up of traffic unable to overtake." (www.transport.qld.gov.au)

The purpose of steering stabilizers is "to inhibit an undesirable, uncontrolled movement or oscillation of a vehicle steering mechanism." (www.wikipedia.org)

"There are four major types of steering stabilizers that drivers can use in their tow vehicles: coil springs, coil-hydraulic hybrids, hydraulics and gas springs. Unlike some other towing systems, steering stabilizers aren't required by law on trucks and recreational vehicles, but many drivers choose to use them for better steering, more security and peace of mind. Using spring technology, hydraulics or some variation of the two, steering stabilizers act a bit like the shock absorbers used for car suspension. While shocks are installed almost vertically as part of the car's suspension system, steering stabilizers are typically mounted horizontally near the steering knuckle." (www.auto.howstuffworks.com)