Posted by EdC on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at 1:24AM :
In Reply to: towing questions # 453,006, 7, 8, 9, : posted by arthur p bloom on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at 0:09AM :
OK, so we agree not to use anything but a serious 12,000# trailer
Equally as important is a good heavy duty load equalizing hitch with a anti-sway bar. The hitch and ball on the tow truck needs to be in excellent condition, tight, and strong enough for the load. Also need heavy duty safety chains with a break-away trailer brake switch.
Chock the wheels of the load? No
Chain down the frame, or the axles? axles, do not wrap arouns brake lines.
Lower the tire pressure a bit (of the load)? No
Chains or straps? Or both? Both, straps (3inch wide) at four corners and a chain in the front and rear with a load-binder on each chain and wratchet locks on the straps. I use the chain front and rear as added security.
None of this extra heavy duty precaution is necessary of course for the amature who knows little about towing/trailering. JUST KIDDING. The experienced knows they will either lose a load or come darn near to it if any short-cuts are taken. Can you spell accident? One near miss... that's all it takes, either you'll go heavy duty or hire someone that will.