Towing A Travel Trailer Safely In The Rain
Not all road trips happen under good weather conditions. You can be towing your travel trailer under a clear blue sky...and out of nowhere a rain cloud appears. Rain does create some altered road conditions with reduced visibility and traction, so it's important to understand how to safely tow a travel trailer in the rain.
We gathered up our favorite safety tips for towing travel trailers in the rain below. If you have any questions or want to shop travel trailers for sale, head over to 1st Choice Trailers. Our dealership is based in Goddard, Kansas, and we also serve those in Wichita.
Check Your Tires
The right tires will help you maintain traction despite the rain. Make sure the tires on your tow vehicle and travel trailer are in good condition and have a deep tread. You may even want to invest in rain tires, which can better handle wet roads.
Check Your Windshield Wiper Blades
Wiper blades play a crucial role in helping you maintain visibility. When they get old and worn down, they won't be as effective at clearing away water. Replace wiper blades on a regular basis to keep them operating well.
Get Rain-Repellent Windshield Spray
This handy product can assist water droplets in sliding off of your windshield faster. This will help keep your view clearer so you can more easily spot obstacles on the road.
Inspect Your Travel Trailer And Tow Vehicle
Small problems in normal weather situations can become big safety issues on a rainy day. Be sure your tow vehicle and travel trailer are ready for a safe drive. Conduct a thorough inspection of both rig's tires, braking systems, and lights. If you discover a problem, schedule an appointment at a service department (such as the one at 1st Choice Trailers) as soon as possible. Get that resolved before your vacation.
Practice Safe Travel Trailer Towing Habits
Your driving habits will affect how safely you tow your travel trailer. Follow defensive driving strategies, which involves leaving plenty of room between yourself and other vehicles. Remember that the reduced traction caused by rain can mean your vehicle will take longer to come to a full stop.
Be sure that your lights are on. This will help other motorists be better able to spot you. Plus, it'll help you more easily spot obstacles on the road.
When possible, stick to the middle lane. Roads are often built so that they slope towards the edges. This helps water roll off better and prevents too much standing water. The end result is that the middle lane is often the driest. Plus, fewer motorists drive in the middle lane, which means less traffic for you to deal with.
Consider driving a bit under the speed limit. Remember that the speed limit refers to the maximum speed you should drive...when road conditions are ideal. On a rainy day, it's wise to go a bit slower just in case.
Finally, keep your eye peeled for rainy day hazards. Puddles on the road can be surprisingly deep. Try to avoid plowing into them at all costs. It's also important to keep a lookout for hazards that get even more slick with rain, such as oil patches or leaf piles.
We hope you enjoyed this guide to safe travel trailer towing. For more road trip advice or to shop travel trailers for sale, visit 1st Choice Trailers. If you need any help picking a model, let our expert staff help. Chat with us about your budget and travel style, then we will recommend compatible models. Our dealership is located in Goddard, Kansas. We also proudly serve those in Wichita, Kansas.