Safely Towing Your Trailer In The Rain

Odds are good that at some point in your towing career, you’re going to have to tow your trailer through the rain. A light drizzle might not be much to worry about, but a major rainstorm will present a challenge and you can’t always wait until the weather is clear again. Rain is a common hazard for drivers as it increases the risk of an accident occurring. The danger is only compounded when you’re towing due to the extra vehicle and weight that you’re pulling behind you.
Victory Custom Trailers in Metamora is your Michigan trailer dealer. To help you stay safe on wet roads, here are our top tips for safely towing your trailer in the rain.

1. Examine Your Towing Vehicle

Before you head out on a towing errand, you should examine your towing vehicle thoroughly. Inflate your trailer and towing vehicle tires to the correct psi levels (outlined in your owner’s manuals) and check to see that all tires have sufficient tread. Change your oil if it’s been a while. Fuel up your tank so that you don’t have to stop for gas. Inspect your brakes as well because these will be crucial to your safety in the rain. Take your vehicle into the mechanic if any repairs are needed so that you can drive it safely.

2. Check Your Lights

Turn on your engine and make sure that your lights and trailer lights function. Test turn signals and brake lights as well and make sure that your trailer lights are properly hooked up to the towing vehicle. Any bulbs that are burnt out should be replaced before you drive in the rain. LED lights are brighter and will last you longer, saving you money. Use your lights even when driving during the day if it’s raining to make yourself more visible to other drivers in addition to making it easier for you to see the road ahead.

3. Replace Your Windshield Wipers

Old windshield wipers are going to be inefficient and bad at removing rain from your windshield. Replace your windshield wipers before you drive in the rain so that you’ll have improved visibility in the rain. You can make a note in your calendar of when you change the blades or you can try to change them after every oil change to be consistent.

4. Try a Rain Repellent

Rain repellant is a substance that keeps water from pooling up on your windshield, which improves your visibility. Invest in a spray bottle of it so you can apply it to your windshield and mirrors to allow you to see the road around you.

5. Change Your Driving Habits

You might enjoy driving like Speed Racer when it’s sunny and clear outside, but you’re going to need to exercise more caution when towing, especially when you’re driving in the rain. Traction is hampered significantly when the roads are wet. Slow down to five to ten miles below the speed limit and increase the following distance between yourself and the vehicles ahead of you. This gives you more time to bring your towing set-up to a complete stop when necessary.

You’ll also need to be more vigilant when it comes to watching for obstacles on the road ahead. Stopped vehicles, patches of oil and steel plates in the road can all present a danger to you. Being aware of these potential dangers and giving yourself time to stop or change lanes will help you avoid an accident.

We hope these tips prove useful to you! Seeking trailers for sale near Detroit? Visit our website to see the vast array of new and used trailers for sale at our dealership in Metamora, MI. We even offer financing options to help you fund your trailer purchase. Victory Custom Trailers proudly serves the greater Detroit area as well as the city of Flint, MI.