Hate to dig up the ole adage of the use of sway bars and stabalizers.

But,, Talked with better halfs brother in law and he gave me the scenario of the need for them when towing a trailer. Now the brother in law has drove semi truck for a few decades and has seen anything and everything that can happen on the roads.He knew this ole boy for years,, and the ole boy would hook up the ole family trailer,,30 ft to his half ton pick up and toodle away to a destination. This was fine and all when driving slow 2 laners to a local campground. But this ole boy got himself a newer fancier truck, and figured with a bigger engine, stronger frame,, he could get out on the ole highway and hammer down. Well, reality hit and hit hard.. at around 70 mph,, the trailer decided to start dancing,, basically getting jiggy with it, He held the steering wheel with a death grip trying his best to attempt to get it back under control. (which by the way is usually less then 1% of the time). Well, the trailer won the dance contest and went up on 2 wheels and held there for a minute or so,,(to at least get an award from the stunt car judges) before laying over on its side,, and of course taking the truck onto its side also,, taking out another pickup as it slid towards the right side embankment and settling to a stop. Everyone gets out,with only a few bumps and scratches,, thankfully,,, it could have been really really bad. State trooper arrives and surveys the situation and notices that the ole boy did not have stabalizers or an anti sway control. He asked why,,, and the ole boy said, he didnt think he would need them. And about the time he spit them words out,,he then realized he DID need them.

Remember,,, if your towing a double axle,,on a bumper pull hitch,, the minimal cost for sway bars and stabalizers will help you avoid extensive costs down the road,, and maybe save a live. Never say, it will never happen to me,, because it can and will.

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Always remember and check that you are not tail heavy in the trailer,,

use sway bars and stabalizers,(where applicable)

use safety chains, ALWAYS.

Have an approved hitch to handle the trailer and be compatible with the tow vehicle

NEVER EVER, over load your trailer or tow vehicle,

READ YOUR GVRW STICKERS

Have the correct tires for the vehicle and trailer.

(car tires are not for use on a trailer)

Realize you are NOT racing in the annual Trailer 500,

and he who gets there first wins.

Always maintain a safe speed you can handle and always be on the lookout for a strategic escape route for when needing to make defensive manuvers,,,,,,,,,,,, safely.......

Remember, if it can break,, it WILL.

If your still a little green (new at towing a trailer), take time out before taking off on a vacation, to find a parking lot and get a feel of towing a trailer,, feel how it handles,, how wide you have to turn in both directions,,How it handles when braking and coming to a stop,, the delay when taking off.... backing it up.. If its windy,, feel the effects the trailer has on the tow vehicle and how the handling changes.

How the vehicle handles in a panic stop situation.

Now mind you,, YOU CAN NOT learn all this in a parking lot in a couple hours. It may take several trips to the mall parking lot. Try very seldom used side roads to get a feel how it handles, going around curves and turns. Remember to stay in YOUR lane when on side roads also, as other cars will be going past you,, but in a setting as this,, its not like highway driving. Keep practicing till you get a good feel for it.

Dont get all cocky and say, I can do this on the first try... It aint happening,,, its like when you learned to ride a bike,, it took practice.

Keep in mind,, your not just operating a single vehicle,, your CONTROLLING two vehicles in unison.

When you feel comfortable,, take a small road trip,, venture out a little farther,, encounter a little more traffic,, get a feel for it,, deal with other drivers around you.

I have taught drivers to go to a grocery store and crusie through normal traffic and then turn around at the grocery store,(maybe grab a few groceries). act like its normal to have a trailer on the back all the time,, and then cruise back home.. venture out some place else,, get the feel of it, as it becomes ALL one vehicle. Practice practice practice and it gets easier... Then and only then,, you can hit the road with much learned knowledge and be a little more confindent and SAFER.

And to end this,,, Never travel faster then your Angel can fly.

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May I share? Great advice,

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