Towing a trailer or caravan with an automatic vehicle can offer a smoother, more convenient driving experience when you prepare thoroughly and adjust your driving style accordingly. Whether you’re towing for a weekend getaway or a business need, following a few best practices can help ensure a safe, stress-free journey. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
1. Know Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity
Check your vehicle’s towing capacity before you hitch up your trailer or caravan. You can find this information in the owner’s manual or by contacting the manufacturer. Exceeding your vehicle’s capacity can strain your engine and transmission and be a significant safety risk. Make sure your automatic vehicle is well-suited to handle the load you’re planning to tow. Remember that many automatic vehicles have lower towing capacities than their manual counterparts, so verifying this in advance is crucial.
2. Balance Your Load
Properly loading your trailer or caravan is vital for maintaining stability on the road. Distribute the weight evenly throughout the trailer or caravan, placing around 60% of the load towards the front. Avoid overloading and ensure any items are secured to prevent shifting, which can cause sway. An unbalanced load makes it difficult to maintain control, particularly during lane changes or emergency manoeuvres.
3. Adopt a Conservative Driving Style
Automatic vehicles can make towing feel effortless, but it’s essential to drive conservatively. Towing adds significant weight to your vehicle, so take it easy on acceleration and braking. Sudden starts, stops, or sharp turns can strain your vehicle’s components and increase the risk of trailer sway. Keep an eye on your speed, especially in curves or on hilly terrain, as automatic transmissions may downshift unexpectedly under load.
4. Monitor Your Transmission and Cooling System
Towing places extra demands on an automatic vehicle’s transmission and cooling system. High temperatures can lead to overheating, which may damage your transmission over time. Keep a close eye on the temperature gauge. If it begins to rise above normal, pull over and give your vehicle a chance to cool down. Consider adding a transmission cooler if you frequently tow, as this can help reduce the likelihood of overheating in demanding conditions.
5. Maintain a Safe Following Distance
With the extra weight of a trailer, stopping distances are considerably longer. Maintain a larger following distance between yourself and the vehicle in front to give you more time to react to changes in traffic or road conditions. This is especially important when going downhill, as the trailer’s momentum can push the vehicle forward, increasing stopping distances further.
6. Plan Your Route with Rest Stops in Mind
Automatic vehicles, while convenient, can experience added strain when towing, especially on longer journeys. Plan your route carefully and allow extra time for breaks. This will not only give you a chance to rest but also allow the vehicle’s transmission and engine to cool down. On hilly or mountainous routes, frequent stops can prevent overheating and reduce wear on the transmission.
7. Engage Towing Mode or Use Lower Gears When Available
Many automatic vehicles come equipped with a towing mode or lower gear settings designed to help manage engine strain and improve braking control. Using these features can be beneficial when navigating hills or maintaining stability on winding roads. Consult your vehicle’s manual to understand how these options can enhance towing safety and efficiency.
8. Be Mindful of Fuel Consumption
Towing increases drag and weight, which can lead to higher fuel consumption. Track your fuel gauge more frequently and plan for extra stops at petrol stations, especially on longer journeys. While many modern automatics are fuel-efficient, towing can substantially impact fuel economy.
Towing with an automatic vehicle can be highly manageable with the right preparation and mindset. By adhering to these tips and keeping safety as your priority, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any journey, no matter the distance. Safe towing!
Consider Professional Training with Towing Solutions
If you’re new to towing or simply looking to sharpen your skills, Towing Solutions offers a range of towing courses designed to build your confidence and expertise on the road. Our courses are tailored to equip drivers with the essential skills and knowledge needed to tow safely and effectively, whether using an automatic or manual vehicle.
As Britain’s leading towing training provider, we focus on practical, hands-on learning led by expert instructors. Our courses cover everything from:
- Towing Law & Safety: Understand your legal responsibilities, towing capacities, and safety regulations to ensure you’re fully compliant and prepared.
- Hitching & Unhitching Techniques: Learn how to securely connect and disconnect your trailer or caravan to prevent accidents.
- On-Road Towing Experience: Gain confidence on the road with guided practice in different environments, from country lanes and town centres to motorways, so you’re prepared for a variety of driving conditions.
- Handling Emergency Situations: Receive tips and strategies for safely managing unexpected situations, such as trailer sway or sudden stops.
We also cover specific considerations for towing with an automatic vehicle, including how to prevent overheating, handle inclines, and drive in a fuel-efficient manner while towing.
At Towing Solutions, our commitment to towing safety extends beyond individual drivers; we’re also an approved training provider for businesses and organisations, offering tailored courses for companies with a trailer fleet. Our goal is to ensure that every driver on the road is prepared, safe, and skilled in towing – and we’ve been doing so proudly since 1869.
For more information on our courses and how to book, visit here