Hello. My name is Joe Summers. Welcome to my website about purchasing a vehicle from new and used auto dealers. When it comes time to buy your next vehicle, it really pays to know what to expect. With clear expectations in mind, you can navigate the buying process with confidence and get a great deal on a clean, functional vehicle. Missteps in the process, however, can leave you with a serious case of buyer’s remorse and a vehicle that just doesn’t live up to your expectations. So, spend your time on my site to learn everything you need to know about purchasing a car from new and used auto dealers.
Tips For Choosing A Towing Car For Your Trailer
Choosing a towing vehicle is different from choosing a car for other roles. The addition of a trailer means you have one more thing to worry about other than the car you will be driving. Below are a few tips to help you choose a good towing car.
Weight or Load
The first thing is to consider the potential weight of the entire setup. You need to know the weight of the tow car, the weight of the trailer, and the weight of any items you will be carrying. The tow car should be heavier than the trailer. If you have a setup where the trailer is heavier than the tow car, you can easily lose control of your tow car.
You should also consider the rules and regulations of the roads in your area; the government has a say in towing capacities that you shouldn't overlook. Not only that, but car manufacturers also specify towing limits for their cars. Always err on the side of caution and never exceed any of these limits.
Car Stability
The stability of the vehicle matters a lot; the more stable the car is, the more it will be able to tow the trailer in a straight line. The stability of the car depends on various factors such as:
- the weight of the car
- the quality of the suspension of the car
- the distance between the rear and front axle
- the stability control system embedded in the car
Research the stability of various cars before heading to the dealership. Don't forget to test-drive your target car for firsthand insight into its stability.
Engine Torque
Towing creates a considerable strain on the engine and gearbox of the tow car. Therefore, you need a sturdy and robust engine that can take do the work without suffering a lot of wear and tear. The best way to identify such an engine is to look at the torque, which provides a fairly accurate measure of the pulling capacity of an engine. All factors considered, higher torque is better than lower torque.
Driving Environment
Lastly, you should consider the type of road conditions and environments (such as weather specifics) you will be driving on regularly. Towing a heavy trailer on an icy or a muddy road is very different from towing the same trailer on a perfectly paved and dry highway. Poor driving conditions call for a more robust setup; for example, consider a 4WD tow car if you will be doing a lot of off-road towing.
Contact a Chevy truck dealer near you for more information about choosing a towing vehicle.