Re: [VAC] Towing, hitches, safety

[Jim Dunmyer <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

One fact that I've read (and you've no doubt witnessed first-hand) is
that almost all accidents are due to a combination of factors, not
usually a single item.

A blown tire might be a non-event for a good driver on dry pavement. Add
in a bit of rain or a less-than-expert (or even tired) driver and you
have a disaster.

A too-light tow vehicle with a less-than-optimum hitch might not cause
any problems until the driver decides that he should be out there in the
left lane, mixing it up with the 18-wheelers at 70MPH.

If you try to keep ALL of your ducks in a row at ALL times, you should
come out OK. If you are aware that you have one parameter out of line,
you'd better park it if a second one isn't perfect. IE: you know your
hitching setup isn't quite what 'the book' says, but elect to go anyway.
You'll likely get away with it, but be smart enough to sit out rush hour
traffic, bad weather, or fatigue.

I read some time back (don't remember where) that a vehicle pulling a
trailer is 4 times as likely to be involved in an accident as a solo
outfit. It's unwise to push your luck by driving as if you ARE solo.

                                    <<Jim>>