Trailer Safety Technology That Will Help You Safely Tow Your Trailer This Season

winter towing

No secrets here… towing a trailer in winter conditions can be dangerous.

The combination of slippery roads and a large, ungainly object being towed behind your tow vehicle might seem like a recipe for disaster.

But, with the right trailer towing accessories and precautions, towing a trailer can be safe and manageable.

With so many different aspects of trailer safety to take into consideration, you might be asking yourself, where do I even start? Heck, it can be downright terrifying to tow a trailer in winter conditions! We are here to help.

So, pull out your trusty checklist, and let’s make sure you have everything you need before hitting the road.

why trailer safety is key

When towing a trailer, it’s crucial to make sure everything is in sync. With or without taking weather conditions into consideration, if one element is off, it could be difficult to get back on track. That’s why it’s extra important to be aware of the dangers of towing in winter conditions and to take all necessary precautions.

Types of Trailer Safety Technology

This list of trailer towing accessories covers everything from trailer sway controllers, to trailer brakes, and everything in between:

active rollover protection

Active rollover protection (ARP) is a system that helps to prevent trailer rollovers. When ARP detects that the trailer is about to roll over, it automatically applies the trailer brakes. While ARP systems are very helpful in preventing accidents, they are not foolproof and still require the driver to be aware of their surroundings and trailer at all times.

air suspension systems

If you are having trouble controlling trailer sway, air suspension systems can be a great help. By keeping the trailer level, even when there are uneven surfaces, these systems can help to reduce the amount of movement that you see in the trailer. Additionally, air suspension systems that let you lower your truck can make it easier to connect the hitch and trailer.

Backup Camera

It’s 2022, and if you still don’t have a backup camera, it’s time to invest. Do not overlook the advantages of a backup camera when towing! With this tool, you’ll get a view of what’s going on behind your vehicle when you’re reversing, making it much easier to avoid any accidents. Prices and features range from basic to advanced. Bottom line is, (in case you aren’t getting the message) to make sure you have a backup camera for your trailer.

Brakes and Brake Controllers

There’s no doubt that all trailer safety systems are important, but the brakes are perhaps the most vital. A trailer brake controller helps you to apply the trailer brakes correctly and allows you to have more control over the trailer. Trailer brakes can make all the difference in a dangerous situation when towing. Here is a helpful blog for more in-depth coverage on trailer brakes.

Weight Distribution Hitch

As the name implies, a weight distribution hitch helps to distribute the weight of the trailer. This nifty invention helps with stability because the tongue is distributed over the truck’s back axle instead of at the rear of the truck frame. This helps to prevent trailer sway and it easier to control the trailer – making your life on the open road a whole lot easier. The Weigh Safe weight distribution hitch measures tongue weight by using  true tow technology. We also use a built in gauge to make it easier for you, so you can hit the open road with confidence.

Towing With True Tow Weight Distribution Hitch

Blind-spot monitoring system

Anyone who has towed a trailer understands that it comes with bigger blind-spots. A blind-spot monitoring system uses sensors to detect when there’s a vehicle in your trailer’s blind spot and will give you an alert if it detects one. Not only will this help reduce the chances that an accident occurs, but it also gives you, the driver, a greater peace of mind when towing.

Electric Tongue Jack

It’s time to say goodbye to manually lowering or lifting your trailer. Doing so is time consuming, frustrating, and may or may not increase the chances of you throwing out your back… An electric tongue jack does the job for you! Leveling your trailer makes attaching/detaching much easier.

Goose-Neck Hitch

Some argue that a goose-neck hitch is the best way to simplify towing. This type of hitch attaches to the bed of your truck, making it easy to turn tight corners when driving on curvy roads. Whether you’re pulling a horse trailer or an RV, a goose-neck hitch will make towing seem like a breeze.

Weigh Safe Goose-neck Hitch

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) helps to keep an eye on the trailer’s tire pressure. This is important because trailer tires can lose pressure over time. Trailer tire deflation can cause the trailer to sway, or create instability which could lead to an accident. TPMS include sensors that are fitted into the trailer’s wheels, which will alert the driver if the tire pressure is too low.

Trailer Reverse Steering Control

Backing up a trailer can be a daunting task, but with trailer reverse steering control (TRSC), it can be a lot easier. TRSC systems use sensors to automatically steer the trailer in the correct direction when reversing, which can help prevent accidents and make towing a trailer safer. If you’re looking for a way to make backing up your trailer easier, (which, who isn’t?) consider investing in a TRSC system.

Safety Chains

Safety chains may seem like your basic trailer towing accessories, but they are vital and are required by law in most states. Safety chains help to secure the trailer to the towing vehicle in case the trailer comes detached. Look at it as a last line of defense. If all other systems fail and the trailer becomes detached the chains will stop it from running away. 

Trailer Stability Assist

We’ve already covered the topic many times here. Who doesn’t despise trailer sway? Here’s one more thing to add to your list if you fall in that category. With trailer stability assist (TSA) , if your trailer does start to sway, the system will automatically apply the brakes to stop the motion. This is a great feature that can help to keep you and your family safe while driving.

Remember to Be Safe!

So whatever you have in mind for your next towing adventure, make sure to use trailer towing accessories that will help you stay safe. There are always risks involved, and accidents can still happen. A question we like to ask our customers is, “Why be kinda safe, when you can be WEIGH safe?” With our trailer safety technologies, it is clear that safety is the highest priority when using a Weigh Safe. With our help you can reduce the risks and make trailer towing safer for everyone.

Shop Weigh Safe Now!

Whatever you do, remember to always prioritize  safety. A question we like to ask our customers is, “Why be kinda safe, when you can be WEIGH safe?” With our trailer safety technologies, it is clear that safety is the highest priority when using a Weigh Safe. 

 

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