Everything You Need to Know to Safely Tow a Teardrop Trailer

Written By Paige Carper

Towing a teardrop trailer can be an exhilarating way to explore the great outdoors, but it's crucial to understand the essentials to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Whether you're a first-time tower or looking to brush up on your skills, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to safely tow your teardrop trailer.

1. Checking Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity

Before hitching up your teardrop trailer, it's essential to determine if your vehicle can handle the load. Here’s how to check your vehicle's towing capacity:

  • Consult Your Owner’s Manual: The most reliable source of information is your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Look for the section on towing or vehicle specifications.

  • Look for the Manufacturer’s Label: Some vehicles have a label on the driver’s door frame with towing information.

  • Calculate the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW): This is the total weight of the trailer and its contents. Make sure your vehicle’s towing capacity exceeds this number.

  • Factor in the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): This is the maximum weight of your loaded vehicle and trailer combined. Ensure you don’t exceed this rating.

2. Properly Securing the Trailer to Your Vehicle

Once you’ve confirmed your vehicle can tow the trailer, follow these steps to secure it properly:

  • Attach the Hitch: Ensure your vehicle is equipped with the correct hitch. For teardrop trailers, a Class II hitch is typically sufficient.

  • Secure the Hitch Ball: Insert the hitch ball into the coupler and make sure it’s locked in place. You should hear a click when the coupler is secure.

  • Attach the Hitch Pin or Lock: Ensure the hitch pin is inserted and secured with a clip to prevent the hitch from coming loose. We recommend a lock for safety and theft reasons.

  • Attach Safety Chains: Cross the safety chains beneath the coupler and attach them to the vehicle. This ensures that if the hitch fails, the trailer won’t detach from the vehicle.

  • Connect the Electrical Plug: Plug in the trailer’s electrical system to your vehicle to power the brake lights, turn signals, and other essential functions.


3. Understanding Trailer Brakes and Brake Controllers

Trailer brakes can contribute to safe towing, especially for vehicles with a lower towing capacity. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Types of Trailer Brakes:

    • Surge Brakes: These are hydraulic brakes activated by the momentum of the trailer pushing against the hitch when the towing vehicle slows down.

    • Electric Brakes: These brakes are controlled by a brake controller in the towing vehicle, allowing for more precise braking. This is what we use and recommend.

  • Installing a Brake Controller:

    • Choose the Right Brake Controller: Ensure the brake controller is compatible with your vehicle and trailer. We recommend the Curt Bluetooth Brake Controller.

    • Professional Installation: It’s often best to have a professional install the brake controller to ensure proper functionality and safety.

    • Adjusting the Controller: Set the brake controller to match the weight of your trailer. Too much braking power can cause the trailer to skid, while too little can increase stopping distances.

4. Performing Pre-Trip Inspections

Before hitting the road, conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle and trailer:

  • Check Tire Pressure: Ensure both your vehicle and trailer tires are inflated to the recommended levels. As you’ll likely be road tripping, check tire pressure throughout the trip as temperature can have a big effect.

  • Inspect Lights: Test all lights, including brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights.

  • Examine the Hitch: Double-check that the hitch, safety chains, and electrical connections are secure.

  • Load Distribution: Make sure the weight inside the trailer is evenly distributed, with heavier items over the axle, to prevent swaying.

  • Mirrors: Adjust your mirrors to have a clear view of the trailer and the road behind you.

  • Grease the Bearings if needed:

    • Frequency: Grease the bearings every 6,000 to 10,000 miles or at least once a year.

    • What to Look For: Inspect for any signs of wear, excessive heat, or noise. Clean and remove any old grease and dirt before applying new grease.

    • How to Perform: Use a high-quality wheel bearing grease and ensure the bearings are adequately coated.

5. Driving Tips for Safe Towing

Towing a trailer changes your vehicle’s handling and performance. Follow these tips for a safer journey:

  • Take It Slower: Drive at a moderate speed to maintain control and reduce the risk of swaying.

  • Increase Following Distance: Allow for more space between you and the vehicle ahead to account for longer stopping distances.

  • Use Turn Signals Early: Signal your intentions well in advance to give other drivers time to react.

  • Avoid Sudden Movements: Make gradual turns and lane changes to prevent destabilizing the trailer.

  • Brake Gently: Apply brakes gradually to avoid jackknifing and ensure smooth stops.

6. Handling Trailer Sway

If you distribute your weight evenly and drive safely, you shouldn’t need to worry about trailer sway. If it does occur it can be alarming, but knowing how to handle it can keep you safe:

  • Don’t Panic: Stay calm and avoid sudden movements.

  • Steady the Wheel: Hold the steering wheel steady and avoid over-correcting.

  • Slow Down Gradually: Ease off the accelerator and gently apply the trailer brakes if equipped.

  • Distribute Weight Evenly: Ensure the trailer is properly loaded with heavier items placed over the axles, and the majority of the weight towards the front of the trailer. (Teardrop trailers traditionally have a lot of weight in their galley, this is why it is IMPERATIVE that the axle location is moved back compared to a standard utility trailer!)

7. Post-Trip Maintenance

After your trip, perform the following maintenance tasks to keep your trailer in good condition:

  • Inspect for Damage: Check the trailer and towing equipment for any signs of wear or damage.

  • Clean the Trailer: Remove any dirt or debris to prevent rust and corrosion.

  • Store Properly: Park the trailer on a level surface and use wheel chocks to prevent rolling.

Conclusion

Towing a teardrop trailer can open up a world of adventure, but safety should always be your top priority. By understanding your vehicle’s capabilities, properly securing the trailer, using trailer brakes, and following safe driving practices, you can enjoy a smooth and worry-free journey. Happy towing and safe travels!

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Happy October 1st! We thought it was fitting to share the orange Renegade! The best thing about a DIY camper build, is that you can make it uniquely yours! The Renegade was designed to be a simple, light-weight, and functional teardrop trailer.
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